In a significant shift in automotive design, major car manufacturers including Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Hyundai are moving away from touchscreen-heavy dashboards. Instead, they are reinstating physical buttons and dials, responding to years of driver complaints about distractions and usability. This trend is not confined to the automotive industry, as tech giants like Apple are also reintroducing tactile controls in their gadgets, aligning with consumer preferences for more intuitive interfaces.
The Rise and Fall of Touchscreen Dominance
The allure of touchscreens in modern vehicles was initially driven by their sleek designs and cost-effectiveness. However, what seemed like a step forward in automotive technology soon turned into a “huge, annoying mistake,” as admitted by the industry itself. Early complaints from drivers centered around the distraction these touchscreens caused, pulling focus away from the road, a concern echoed in a 2024 editorial advocating for the return of buttons and dials. The trend towards touchscreens peaked before 2024 but began to decline as safety data linked these interfaces to increased accident risks.
Mercedes’ Pivot to Physical Buttons
Mercedes is one of the leading brands that have decided to slam the brakes on full touchscreen dashboards. The automaker plans to reintroduce real buttons in its upcoming models, acknowledging the usability issues that have plagued drivers. This change, reported on September 26, 2025, addresses years of complaints and represents a significant admission of error in interface design by the luxury car manufacturer.
Volkswagen’s Admission of Error
Volkswagen has also conceded that touchscreens were a major mistake. The German automaker is now returning to physical controls in its new vehicles, a move that aligns with the feedback it has received from users over the years. Coverage from October 11, 2025, outlines VW’s decision to ditch touchscreens, emphasizing the timeline of this shift in response to complaints.
Hyundai’s Return to Basics
Hyundai is another automaker that is reducing its reliance on touchscreens. The South Korean company is incorporating more tactile elements into its dashboard designs to enhance driver interaction. This move, reported on September 26, 2025, aligns with broader safety goals, reducing the need for drivers to look away from the road while operating vehicle controls.
Industry-Wide Reversal and Safety Concerns
Several other brands beyond Mercedes, VW, and Hyundai are following suit, as detailed in an October 16, 2025, analysis of major automakers removing touchscreens. This industry-wide reversal is a response to safety concerns that have been raised over the years. The collective admissions from car firms indicate a prioritization of safety over tech aesthetics, a shift that was urged by a March 28, 2024, editorial warning about the distractions caused by touchscreens.
Influence from Tech Sector Innovations
Apple’s decision to bring back buttons to its gadgets and cars has had a significant influence on automaker decisions. The tech giant’s move, reported on September 28, 2024, has been well-received by customers, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards more tactile and intuitive interfaces. This trend in the tech sector has parallels in the automotive industry, fostering a hybrid approach to controls that combines the best of both worlds.
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