In recent years, many car manufacturers have shifted away from physical buttons, opting instead for larger touchscreen interfaces. However, in response to user feedback, some brands, including Volkswagen and most recently Mercedes-Benz, are reintroducing physical buttons and dials.
Speaking to Autocar, Magnus Östberg, Head of Software at Mercedes-Benz, revealed that the company will integrate more physical controls into its cabins. This decision is driven by data showing that “physical buttons perform better.”
This new approach will debut in the latest electric models, the Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ and CLA Shooting Brake EV. Both feature a redesigned steering wheel equipped with physical switches, rollers, and buttons.
This steering wheel design will become standard for the German brand moving forward. According to Autocar, Mercedes-Benz plans to implement this across all current models, starting with the CLA later this year. Östberg noted that this is a cost-effective way to add physical controls to existing vehicles while maintaining a digitally-focused cabin aesthetic.
“The transition from the CLA, which relies heavily on touchscreens and fewer physical buttons, to the new GLC, where we’ve reintroduced rollers and buttons, highlights their importance. Data shows these physical controls are crucial for specific age groups and user segments,” said Östberg.
“Balancing physical and touch controls is key for us. Our decisions are data-driven, and for high-frequency tasks, physical buttons are more efficient. That’s why we’re bringing them back,” he added.
This data comes from Mercedes-Benz’s “software-defined vehicles” (SDVs), including the CLA and GLC. SDVs allow for easier over-the-air (OTA) updates and provide the manufacturer with comprehensive driving and usage data.
The newly launched Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ.
Östberg emphasized the importance of this data in making decisions like reintroducing physical buttons. He also suggested that steering wheel designs may vary by market, with European drivers preferring more buttons and Asian drivers favoring touchscreens and voice controls.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz may add more physical controls to other areas of the cabin, though this is more likely for SUVs due to their larger interiors and the preference of SUV buyers for physical buttons.
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