\u00d6stberg firmly asserted that reinstating physical buttons on the steering wheel is “the easiest and most profitable way to integrate \u00a0physical controls\u00a0 in cars” while maintaining design aesthetics that prioritizes digital interfaces. “Finding that balance between tactile feedback and digital functionality is crucial for us,” he emphasized. The decision to reintroduce buttons marks a significant \u00a0turning point\u00a0 for Mercedes, with plans to incorporate these features into more models in the near future. \u00d6stberg speculated that \u00a0SUVs\u00a0 would likely lead this initiative due to their larger space and customer preferences.<\/p>\n Interestingly, this trend appears to vary by market. \u00d6stberg noted that while European customers favor buttons, Asian customers often lean toward touch screens and voice commands, hinting at the possibility of region-specific designs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mercedes is not alone in this realization; \u00a0Volkswagen\u00a0 has also announced a shift towards more physical controls in their cabin designs. The recent Munich Motor Show saw them unveiling their new design philosophy, which emphasizes real buttons instead of the previously utilized \u00a0controversial capacitive buttons\u00a0.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Interestingly, Euro NCAP recently stated that vehicles will only achieve a \u00a0five-star safety rating\u00a0\u2014a pivotal factor for consumers\u2014if essential functions can be controlled using physical controls, further emphasizing the importance of tactile interface in vehicular safety.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Conversely, some manufacturers like \u00a0Mazda\u00a0 seem to be moving in the opposite direction. Historically known for a heavy reliance on buttons and minimalist screens, their latest models show a surprising shift towards larger touch screens, exemplified by the \u00a0Mazda CX-5 2025\u00a0. Despite initial hesitations, Mazda has aligned its design philosophy with a growing consumer preference for screen-based interfaces.<\/p>\n Despite \u00d6stberg’s revelations, it’s unlikely that screens will disappear anytime soon; indeed, Gordon Wagener, Mercedes’ design chief, remarked that the interior of the GLC epitomizes luxury while looking at the likes of \u00a0Apple\u00a0 for inspiration on software differentiation. The ultimate goal remains to establish a harmonious balance where physical buttons and expansive touch screens coexist seamlessly in modern automobiles.<\/p>\n As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the dialogue between traditional controls and modern technology illuminates the path forward, ensuring that user experience remains at the forefront of design innovation.<\/p>\n![\"Mercedes](\"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Mercedes-has-equipped-its-cars-with-screens-but-now-the.jpeg\")
\n The new steering wheel with buttons<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Mercedes\"](\"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758362598_346_Mercedes-has-equipped-its-cars-with-screens-but-now-the.jpeg\")
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\n Climatizer controls will continue on screen<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Large](\"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758362598_131_Mercedes-has-equipped-its-cars-with-screens-but-now-the.jpeg\")
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