Mercedes Is Subtly Retracting Its Opposition to Physical Buttons | Carscoops

Mercedes Is Subtly Retracting Its Opposition to Physical Buttons | Carscoops

      Drivers may finally be gaining an advantage over capacitive controls as automakers reintroduce physical buttons in new vehicles.

      9 hours ago

      by Chris Chilton

      Mercedes is reintroducing more physical buttons in its vehicles in response to customer feedback.

      The new GLC and CLA Shooting Brake are the first models to benefit from this shift in approach.

      Both models feature a redesigned steering wheel equipped with additional physical rollers and buttons.

      Mercedes has advanced touchscreen infotainment systems, showcasing a 39.1-inch pillar-to-pillar display in the electric GLC revealed at the Munich Motor Show last week. However, another less apparent element in the GLC indicates that relying solely on touchscreens may be a step backward rather than forward.

      The sign is a new steering wheel adorned with actual, pressable buttons and thumb-able rollers—a development by Mercedes after they recognized that many customers prefer traditional hard keys and dials. The GLC is not an isolated case; Mercedes is also equipping the new CLA Shooting Brake with this same steering wheel, and plans to implement it across their lineup.

      A Partial Return of Buttons

      However, this strategy comes too late for the CLA sedan, which was launched earlier this year. It features some buttons on the steering wheel but lacks the rollers, meaning it will need an update to incorporate the new design. The revamped steering wheel is a cost-efficient means of increasing button presence in cars since it necessitates no dashboard alterations while maintaining the sleek appearance centered on touchscreens.

      "You can notice a difference when comparing the CLA [sedan], which has a touchscreen with fewer hard buttons, to the GLC, which reinstates the rollers and buttons. Our data indicates that these physical buttons are highly valued by certain age groups and demographics," stated Mercedes’ software chief, Magnus Östberg, in an interview with Autocar.

      Östberg pointed out that while physical buttons are crucial for certain (suggested: older) age groups, regional preferences regarding touchscreens also play a role. The report indicates that European drivers typically favor traditional physical buttons, whereas Asian drivers lean towards touchscreens and voice commands.

      The insights driving Mercedes' decision to reintroduce buttons stem from the CLA, the company's pioneering software-defined vehicle, which enabled them to gather data on how drivers interact with their cars.

      Other Brands Joining the Trend

      Mercedes is not the sole manufacturer looking to bring back more buttons in new models. Volkswagen is also reversing its stance, with the ID. Polo debuting a redesigned dashboard featuring a row of physical switches beneath the touchscreen.

      Photos: Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Mercedes Is Subtly Retracting Its Opposition to Physical Buttons | Carscoops Mercedes Is Subtly Retracting Its Opposition to Physical Buttons | Carscoops Mercedes Is Subtly Retracting Its Opposition to Physical Buttons | Carscoops

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Mercedes Is Subtly Retracting Its Opposition to Physical Buttons | Carscoops

Drivers might be gaining the upper hand in the battle against capacitive controls, as car manufacturers are reintroducing physical buttons in their latest models.