Mercedes-Benz to restore physical buttons in future models

Mercedes‑Benz CEO Ola Källenius said the auto industry has gone “too far” by removing physical controls in favor of large touch‑screen interfaces. The company will re‑introduce sensible physical buttons for frequently used functions such as volume and climate control, while keeping its expansive MBUX Hyperscreen displays.

The shift follows clear customer feedback and safety‑group Euro NCAP’s encouragement to retain tactile controls that reduce driver distraction. Mercedes is not alone: rivals including Volkswagen, Ferrari and Hyundai have also begun bringing back physical switches after similar criticism.

Mercedes stresses that the new approach will blend large digital screens with targeted physical actuators, aiming for an interior that combines high‑tech personalization with intuitive, glance‑free operation.