The Return of Physical Buttons in Mercedes Cars
Mercedes is bringing back more real buttons in its cars due to customer demand. The first models to receive these changes will be the new GLC and CLA Shooting Brake. Both models will receive a new steering wheel with additional physical rollers and buttons.
Technological Progress and a Step Back
Mercedes reached new heights in touchscreen infotainment systems by introducing a 39.1-inch display in the electric GLC at the auto show in Munich. However, simultaneously, a less noticeable detail on the GLC indicates that a full transition to touch screens is a step back, not forward.
Evidence of this is the new steering wheel, covered in real buttons and rollers, which Mercedes developed after realizing that many customers prefer classic physical controls. This change is not an exception only for the GLC — the same steering wheel is being installed on the new CLA Shooting Brake, and over time it will appear in other models of the brand.
Strategy and Its Limitations
However, this strategy is too late for the CLA sedan, which was introduced earlier this year. It has some buttons on the steering wheel but lacks rollers, and an update to the system will have to wait. The redesigned steering wheel is a cost-effective way to bring back more buttons, as it does not require changes to the dashboard and maintains the modern look focused on touch screens.
“You can see the difference if you compare the CLA [sedan], which has a touch screen and fewer physical buttons, with the GLC, where we brought back the rollers and buttons because the data shows that rollers and physical buttons are very important for certain age groups and populations,” noted Mercedes software chief Magnus Östberg.
“Therefore, having a balance between physical buttons and touch control is extremely important for us. We are fully data-driven, seeing that for high-frequency use, physical buttons are preferable, and that is why we are bringing them back,” he added.
Regional Differences in Preferences
Östberg mentioned that physical buttons are important for certain age groups (implying older ones), but there are also regional differences in attitudes towards touch screens. For example, European drivers typically prefer classic physical buttons, while Asian drivers lean towards touch screens and voice assistants.
The data that helped Mercedes rethink its approach to buttons came from the CLA — the company’s first software-defined car, which allowed for the collection of information on how drivers use their cars.
Other Manufacturers Are Also Bringing Back Buttons
Mercedes is not the only manufacturer bringing back more buttons in new cars. Volkswagen is also changing course — the ID. Polo model introduces a new dashboard design with a set of physical switches under the touch screen.
These changes indicate that the automotive industry is increasingly considering the needs and preferences of drivers, trying to find the optimal balance between innovation and convenience. Although technologies are constantly evolving, classic control elements remain an important part of the user experience, especially for those who value simplicity and reliability. This also shows how important data analysis is for decision-making in modern car manufacturing.