Audi’s Latest Interior Feature Raises Controversy, Yet Some Consider It Genius | Carscoops

      Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised by Audi's design decisions, given that competitor Mercedes has been employing similar tactics for much longer and people have adapted accordingly.

      Audi's latest Q3 significantly alters its stalk design by consolidating all controls on one side.

      While this could complicate the user experience, many manufacturers have already adopted this method.

      There's a noticeable appreciation for this shift among various enthusiasts as well.

      The 2026 Audi Q3 has arrived, bringing with it numerous updates. If you've been following the news, you might have already heard about the change that's causing the most excitement—right behind the steering wheel.

      Audi has revamped its stalk design, with the right stalk now responsible for gear shifts, toggling between park, drive, reverse, and neutral. This, naturally, complicates the left stalk, which now manages everything from lights and turn signals to wipers and more.

      It’s understandable why some might think this overly complex solution could become problematic. The last thing anyone wants is to inadvertently turn off their headlights when they intended to signal a turn, which could pose a safety risk. While Audi may have aimed for simplicity, adding more features can often lead to greater chances of mistakes.

      This design might also lead to frustration until you become accustomed to it. Just ask any Model 3 Highlander driver who experienced Tesla's transition from stalks to buttons and touchscreen controls.

      Although Audi's method is different, it doesn’t seem to ensure a relaxed driving experience. For instance, trying to activate the wipers when you only meant to switch on the fog lights can demonstrate the potential pitfalls. This may seem trivial, but a closer examination of the design reveals a lot more.

      Is the new stalk truly confusing? Perhaps not.

      The stalk features a small nub with five functions on its own. It manages turn signals (up/down), high beams (forward/back), and single-swipe wipers, along with the windshield washer fluid. Beyond that nub is a wheel to adjust wiper speed, and underneath it is an additional button for the rear wiper and wiper spray. To say there’s a lot happening there is truly an understatement.

      Should we criticize Audi’s interior designers for this single stalk? Maybe not, since there's a precedent for this type of design change. For instance, their nearby competitor Mercedes has implemented a strikingly similar system for some time now.

      In fact, numerous automakers worldwide have adopted, or have at some point used, this general concept. This includes American manufacturers like General Motors and Ford.

      A design that may divide opinions, but is it really problematic?

      Interestingly, Audi's stalk redesign seems to have garnered support from some online users. In a Reddit discussion specifically about the new design, many commenters didn’t find it troublesome at all. “It’s actually a good design,” commented one user.

      “This is better than the latest VW design,” remarked another. This is also notable, as this new design incorporates a feature from VW. The entire switch was prompted by Audi moving the shifter from the center console to the right stalk, which has been VW's practice for years.

      VW has faced its own challenges with steering wheel controls; the haptic controls were so poorly received that they eventually had to be abandoned. Its more upscale counterpart is off to a better start, but it remains to be seen how consumers will react once they get the car into their hands.