Mercedes Keeps Going Big With Huge Screens | Carscoops

      Despite the growing prominence of displays in future Mercedes interiors, essential functions will still rely on physical buttons.

      Mercedes embraces large screens while recognizing that physical controls remain important to many consumers.

      The all-electric GLC features a generous 39.1-inch display spanning the dashboard.

      The electric C-Class is likely to adopt the GLC EQ's extensive wraparound screen design.

      Large displays are rapidly becoming a signature element of contemporary car interiors, and Mercedes-Benz has signaled that this design trend is here to stay. Following the introduction of the all-electric GLC EQ in Munich, the company indicated that this display-focused strategy will extend to future models, allowing owners to further personalize their driving settings.

      In an interview with Auto Express at the Munich motor show, Mercedes board member for sales and marketing, Mattias Giesen, articulated that the brand plans to incorporate large screens alongside traditional switches for certain essential functions.

      The company appears to believe that this approach is the best way to lead in automotive technology while still providing the tactile features that consumers have come to expect.

      Giesen highlighted the importance of innovation not being solely for its own sake. “It’s crucial that we cater to diverse customer needs," he stated. “We don’t want to innovate just for the sake of it. We aim to innovate in ways that provide value to the customer. This screen offers us a significant opportunity to not only introduce a large display but to let the customer tailor their entire vehicle experience. It’s not just a big screen.”

      He mentioned that with the electric GLC, Mercedes has reintroduced physical switches on the steering wheel, responding to customer feedback. Chief software officer Magnus Ostberg pointed out that internal data indicates that the GLC's target demographic tends to be older and prefers traditional controls.

      Ostberg elaborated that preferences vary significantly by age group, region, and even the vehicle size.

      "In the GLC, we decided to reinstate the rollers because we've identified that these physical buttons are crucial for certain age demographics and populations, making the balance between physical buttons and touch controls very important to us," he said. "We are diligently working on optimizing it for various regions, age groups, and vehicle sizes."

      Looking ahead, one of the upcoming models expected to embody this combination of technology and traditional elements is the all-electric C-Class, designed to rival BMW’s forthcoming i3. Although Mercedes has yet to disclose the interior details, teaser images suggest that the vehicle will incorporate design elements from the GLC EQ, including a distinctive illuminated grille.