Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius admitted the company went too far with touch-only tech, compromising driver convenience. Future models will strike a better balance by reintroducing physical buttons alongside massive digital displays like the 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen. This shift aims to reduce driver distraction and comply with strict 2026 Euro NCAP safety standards.
Technology vs. Usability: Striking a New Balance
The era of hyper-minimalist, screen-only car cabins is shifting. In a recent interview, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius acknowledged that the brand prioritized high-tech aesthetics over everyday practicality. Moving forward, the German automaker plans to merge digital real estate with tactile feedback. Källenius even joked that a car's interface should be simple enough for both a five-year-old and a board member to operate effortlessly.
Screens Aren't Shrinking, But Controls Are Returning
Don't expect the screens to disappear. Massive glass interfaces, including the signature Hyperscreen, will remain a staple in upcoming vehicles like the 2027 GLA. However, instead of replacing traditional controls, these screens will now coexist with physical buttons. Mercedes-Benz isn't alone in this pivot; rivals like Ferrari, Volkswagen, and Hyundai are also backtracking on touch-only layouts due to widespread customer pushback regarding usability.
Safety Regulations and Real-World Distraction
The move back to analog controls is also heavily driven by safety and upcoming legislation:
- New Euro NCAP Rules (2026): Automakers will face safety score penalties if essential functions—like wipers, hazard lights, and turn signals—lack physical controls.
- Proven Ergonomic Benefits: Studies consistently show that physical buttons keep eyes on the road. A recent Swedish study revealed that drivers in button-heavy cars completed routine cabin tasks significantly faster than those tapping through digital menus.
Mercedes-Benz has already started this transition by bringing back tactile steering wheel controls, promising a more intuitive and safer driving experience across its future lineup.