In response to overwhelming customer feedback, Volkswagen is hitting the brakes on touch-sensitive controls and reintroducing physical buttons in its next generation of electric vehicles (EVs). Andreas Mindt, VW’s design chief, confirmed the change, declaring, “We will never, ever make this mistake anymore.”
Why the Shift Back to Physical Buttons?
The decision comes after years of driver frustration. While touchscreens offer a sleek, modern look, they’ve proven to be less practical when it comes to essential functions like adjusting the volume or changing the temperature. Drivers often found themselves fumbling with touch controls, taking their eyes off the road for longer than they should.
Mindt made VW’s stance clear: “It’s not a phone: it’s a car.” This shift emphasizes the need for intuitive, user-friendly interiors where safety and ease of use take priority.
What’s Changing?
Volkswagen isn’t ditching touchscreens entirely. Functions like navigation, infotainment, and backup camera views will still rely on digital interfaces. However, critical operations such as volume adjustment, climate control, and hazard lights will have dedicated physical buttons moving forward.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:
| Feature | Current Design | Future Design |
|---|---|---|
| Volume Control | Touch-sensitive slider | Physical button |
| Climate Control | Touch interface | Physical button |
| Hazard Lights | Touch activation | Physical button |
| Navigation/Infotainment | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
The First Model to Get the Upgrade
The first model to showcase this change will be the Volkswagen ID.2all, a compact EV that some describe as the spiritual successor to the iconic Golf. Production is set to begin later this year, with a global launch expected in 2026. U.S. customers might need to wait until 2027 to experience these improvements firsthand.
Safety Regulations and Industry Trends
Volkswagen isn’t alone in rethinking touchscreen-heavy interiors. Starting in 2026, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) will require physical controls for five essential functions — turn signals, hazard lights, horn, windshield wipers, and emergency calls — for vehicles to earn a five-star safety rating.
Studies have shown that touchscreens increase driver distraction, forcing drivers to take their eyes off the road for longer periods. As Matthew Avery, Director of Strategic Development at Euro NCAP, put it, “The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem.”
Final Thoughts: A Step in the Right Direction
Volkswagen’s return to physical buttons aligns with a broader push for safer, more intuitive car interiors. Automakers like Mazda and Toyota have resisted fully digital controls, keeping physical buttons for key functions. VW’s decision could position it as a leader in a new wave of driver-friendly design.
For those who value simplicity and safety, this change is a welcome one. Buttons are back — and hopefully, they’re here to stay.
