I remember the first time I tried to turn down the fan speed in a modern car by tapping through menus at a red light. By the time I found the right icon, the light had turned green and I was still squinting at the screen. It turns out I am not alone – and now even Mercedes seems to agree.
the cautious return of physical controls
For years, the automotive world has been marching confidently towards fully digital dashboards. When Mercedes unveiled its vast MBUX Hyperscreen, stretching across the entire width of the dashboard, the message was clear. Touchscreens were the future. Climate controls, navigation, seat settings – everything would live behind glass.
But with the arrival of newer models such as the GLC and the CLA Shooting Brake, something interesting has happened. Buttons are coming back. Not everywhere, but in places that matter. Steering wheels have been redesigned to include proper scroll wheels and physical switches, a move that feels almost nostalgic.
According to Magnus Östberg, Mercedes reached this conclusion by analysing real world usage data. His verdict was refreshingly blunt. Buttons, he said, are simply better for certain tasks. A mix of touch surfaces and physical controls delivers better ergonomics and, crucially, better safety.
why safety and habit matter more than hype
The appeal of touchscreens is obvious. They look sleek, futuristic and flexible. But driving is not the same as using a phone on the sofa. Muscle memory plays a big role behind the wheel. A physical button can be found without looking, something a flat screen rarely allows.
Safety bodies have taken note. Euro NCAP has made it clear that top safety ratings will increasingly depend on keeping physical controls for essential functions such as indicators and ventilation. The logic is simple. Less time looking at screens means more time watching the road.
Mercedes has also acknowledged that preferences differ by region. European buyers, the company notes, tend to favour tactile controls, while some Asian markets show greater enthusiasm for large displays and voice commands. This has pushed the brand towards a more flexible approach rather than a one size fits all philosophy.
a wider shift across the car industry
Mercedes is not alone in reconsidering its digital enthusiasm. Volkswagen has faced criticism for touch sensitive controls that frustrated drivers, particularly on steering wheels. The company has since announced a return to traditional buttons in future designs.
Interestingly, the trend is not universal. Mazda, long known for favouring physical knobs and smaller screens, is moving in the opposite direction. Its upcoming CX 5 leans more heavily on a large central touchscreen, showing just how divided opinions still are.
screens are staying, but sharing the stage
Despite this rethink, Mercedes is not abandoning screens altogether. Gordon Wagener continues to champion the role of software and often points to Apple as a benchmark for user experience. The Hyperscreen is here to stay, but it will no longer be asked to do absolutely everything.
For drivers, this feels like a welcome dose of realism. Technology should support us, not distract us. Sometimes that means a beautifully rendered display. Other times, it means a solid button you can press without thinking.
After all, when you are navigating traffic in the rain, the future might not be a screen at all. It might be a simple dial, right where your fingers expect it to be.
