STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius has admitted that the automotive industry pushed touchscreen integration too far, confirming that the German luxury automaker will reintroduce physical buttons for critical controls in future models.
The candid admission comes after years of car manufacturers replacing traditional switches, knobs, and dials with massive digital displays—a design trend that Mercedes helped lead, but which has increasingly drawn frustration from drivers.
Ergonomics: Striking the Balance
Over recent years, Mercedes-Benz spearheaded hyper-digitized dashboards with its MBUX Hyperscreen and Superscreen systems, turning almost the entire dashboard into a continuous glass display. While visually striking, the move forced basic tasks—like adjusting climate control or radio volume—into multi-step touchscreen menus.
Speaking to Autocar, Källenius acknowledged that the rush toward total digitalization occasionally compromised the overall customer experience:
“I don’t know if we’ve reached peak screen, but we have definitely hit rock bottom for physical buttons,” Källenius stated. “Interfaces must be simple enough for anyone to operate without distraction.”
Källenius highlighted that Mercedes has already quietly restored tactile controls to its steering wheels after initial customer backlash, and confirmed that physical switches will continue to return to areas where they offer clear ergonomic advantages for drivers.
The Rise of the “Hybrid Cockpit”
The strategy shift doesn’t mean the end of large displays. Instead, Mercedes is moving toward a hybrid cockpit design that pairs expansive digital screens for infotainment and navigation with dedicated, tactile switches for high-frequency driving controls.
Mercedes isn’t alone in walking back full touchscreen reliance. Automakers across the industry are reaching similar conclusions:
- Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna recently confirmed the supercar brand will retain more tactile controls.
- Volkswagen and Hyundai have both publicly committed to bringing back physical buttons for key cabin functions to improve safety and ease of use.
The industry-wide pivot reflects a growing consensus: driving safety improves when controls can be operated by muscle memory, keeping eyes where they belong—on the road.