Mercedes Admits It Went Too Far Killing Buttons, But Don’t Expect Fewer Screens
Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius says the industry went too far replacing physical controls with in-screen buttons, but giant digital dashboards aren't disappearing.
Key Takeaways
- Mercedes admits the industry went too far replacing physical controls with in-screen buttons.
- Real controls are returning, though giant digital dashboards aren’t disappearing anytime soon.
- Ferrari, Volkswagen, Hyundai and others are also rediscovering the humble physical button.
- Buttons alone aren’t a magic cure for infotainment distraction.
- Volvo’s screen-focused XC60 topped a recent Swedish distraction test.
Has the Industry Gone Too Far with Digitalization?
Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius says the industry may have gotten carried away eliminating physical controls. Mercedes has already restored physical steering-wheel controls and will continue bringing back buttons where they make sense.
“Sometimes you get a bit ahead of yourself and do technology for the sake of technology and maybe forget a little bit about the customer,” Källenius said.
Will Screens Replace Buttons?
Asked whether the industry had reached maximum display, Källenius replied, “I don’t know if we’re at peak screen, but we’re at low button.” It sounds like we should expect screens and switches to coexist rather than one replacing the other.
Mercedes has been one of the most enthusiastic adopters of the screen-heavy cabin, culminating in the MBUX Hyperscreen and Superscreen infotainment setups.
Other Manufacturers Follow Suit
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna recently admitted touch buttons became more common because they can cost around 50 percent less to produce, while confirming Ferrari will reintroduce more physical controls.
Hyundai and Volkswagen are moving in the same direction too.
The Balance Between Buttons and Screens
A recent Swedish distraction test found a button-packed Mazda CX-60 took longer to complete several everyday tasks than a touchscreen-heavy Tesla Model Y.
Mercedes’ CLA also performed poorly, while Volvo’s screen-focused XC60 topped the test.
What’s Next for Mercedes?
Mercedes isn’t alone in rediscovering controls you can operate without looking. The brand will continue to balance physical controls with digital displays in its future models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Mercedes getting rid of its giant screens?
No, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius says the industry is at “low button” but doesn’t know if it’s at “peak screen.”
Q: Why did manufacturers switch to touch buttons?
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna says touch buttons became more common because they can cost around 50 percent less to produce.
Q: Will other manufacturers follow Mercedes’ lead?
Yes, Ferrari, Volkswagen, Hyundai and others are also rediscovering the humble physical button.
