Volkswagen finally ditches all-touch controls: The end of modern car frustrations?
For years, car manufacturers have pushed touchscreens and haptic controls, phasing out traditional physical buttons. But this trend is now reversing. After years of complaints from drivers, Volkswagen has officially announced it will reintroduce physical buttons in its future models, starting with the ID.2. And they’re not the only ones reconsidering their approach.
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A frustrating touchscreen experience
All-touch controls were supposed to make cars more modern and intuitive, but in reality, they’ve done the opposite. Volkswagen has been one of the most criticized brands for its poorly designed touch interfaces, especially in electric models like the ID.4. Basic controls, such as climate settings or volume, were buried in confusing submenus, while overly sensitive haptic buttons on the steering wheel would activate unintentionally. Faced with mounting criticism, Volkswagen’s head of design, Andreas Mindt, admitted: “Honestly, it’s a car. It’s not a phone.” A delayed realization, but one that will finally make life easier for drivers.
A market-driven (and regulatory) shift
Volkswagen isn’t alone in this course correction. Mercedes has also acknowledged that touchscreens don’t always equal luxury and that excessive digital controls can harm the user experience. Even Tesla, a pioneer of all-touch interiors, has begun reintroducing physical controls for some essential functions. Another major factor behind this shift is safety regulations. Starting in 2026, Euro NCAP will require physical controls for essential functions like turn signals, windshield wipers, and hazard lights. Studies have shown that adjusting settings via a touchscreen takes up to four times longer than using a physical button—a serious road safety concern.
A return to simplicity (and common sense)
The first Volkswagen model to benefit from this return to physical buttons will be the ID.2, a compact EV set to launch in 2025. Volkswagen has confirmed that five key functions will get physical controls again:
- Volume adjustment
- Driver and passenger temperature settings
- Ventilation controls
- Hazard lights
Additionally, haptic buttons on the steering wheel will be replaced with traditional physical controls, offering better precision and usability. Other automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, and some Chinese brands, are also adopting this trend. Even Alfa Romeo, which opposed all-touch interiors back in 2021, has reaffirmed that it won’t replace physical buttons with screens.
Is the era of single-screen controls ending?
While touchscreens remain essential for navigation and multimedia, automakers are finally realizing that centralizing all functions onto a single display isn’t the ideal solution. The future of in-car user interfaces seems to be heading toward a hybrid approach, combining the best of both worlds: touch controls where they make sense and physical buttons for critical functions.
A trend making a comeback, even for supercars
While Volkswagen has officially announced its return to physical buttons, it’s not the only automaker taking this step. Aston Martin, the iconic brand associated with James Bond, has also decided to bring back physical controls to improve user experience and appeal to purists. Digital controls have been criticized for years, and for a good reason: when driving, your focus should be on the road, not the center console. Everything should be easily recognizable by touch, without the need to take your eyes off the road.
This article explores how Volkswagen, after years of pushing touchscreens, is reversing course by reintroducing physical buttons in its future models. Faced with user complaints and new regulations, many automakers are now returning to more intuitive solutions. A smart move that could improve both safety and driver comfort.
Images: © Volkswagen
