Mercedes Reverses Course on Touchscreen-Heavy Interiors
Mercedes admits the industry 'went too far' removing physical buttons from interiors.
Key Takeaways
- Mercedes acknowledges the industry removed too many physical buttons from interiors.
- Future Mercedes models will reintroduce physical controls for frequently used functions.
- Large screens, like the Hyperscreen, will remain an important selling point.
- Customers want a balance between digital interfaces and tactile controls.
- Mercedes is not alone in bringing back physical controls, with other automakers following suit.
What Led to the Great Screen Reversal?
Mercedes sales and marketing boss Mathias Geisen said the company has heard complaints from buyers who miss traditional buttons and switches.
Geisen admits that Mercedes realized as far back as two years ago that its touchscreen-heavy interior wasn’t for everyone.
Why Are Screens Still Here to Stay?
According to Geisen, large screens remain an important selling point for Mercedes-Benz because they allow for greater customization and personalization.
Customers reportedly still appreciate the technology and flexibility that digital interfaces provide.
How Does This Impact Driver Safety?
Studies have shown that touchscreen-heavy interfaces can increase driver distraction and slow reaction times behind the wheel.
Safety organizations such as Euro NCAP plan to reward vehicles that retain physical controls for essential functions in future crash-test ratings.
What’s Next for Mercedes?
The first signs of the reversal are already appearing, with Mercedes replacing some of its haptic steering-wheel controls with physical scroll wheels.
Mercedes promises similar upgrades to its cars in the near future.
What’s the Industry Trend?
Mercedes isn’t alone in bringing back physical controls, with other automakers such as Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Subaru following suit.
The shift has been encouraged by safety organizations and customer feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Mercedes remove all touchscreens from its vehicles?
No, Mercedes will retain large screens for customization and personalization while reintroducing physical controls for frequently used functions.
Q: Why are safety organizations encouraging physical controls?
Safety organizations such as Euro NCAP have found that touchscreen-heavy interfaces can increase driver distraction and slow reaction times.
Q: Are other automakers following Mercedes’ lead?
Yes, other automakers such as Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Subaru are also bringing back physical controls in response to customer feedback and safety concerns.
