Mercedes: Return to buttons in current and future models
That this realization has come to Mercedes-Benz, of all companies, is somewhat surprising. After all, the Swabian company has recently been relying on ever-increasing numbers of larger screens like few other manufacturers. However, in the future, we'll likely find more physical control elements in Mercedes-Benz vehicles—even in the previously clearly digitally oriented interiors.
“The data shows us that physical buttons are better,” Mercedes software boss Magnus Östberg told Autocar .
The electric versions of the new GLC and the CLA Shooting Brake will be the first to be introduced. Both will feature a newly developed steering wheel with switches, rotary controls, and paddle shifters. This steering wheel will become standard in all models in the future and will also be retrofitted to existing model series – starting this year with the redesigned CLA Sedan .
“This is the simplest and most cost-effective way to integrate additional controls into existing models without abandoning the basic digital concept of our cockpits,” Östberg told the British publication.
At the IAA in Munich, he explained: "You can see the difference when you switch from the CLA sedan, which primarily features touch controls and a few buttons, to the new GLC . We've reinstated rollers and switches there because our data shows that they're very important for certain age groups and user groups. This balance between touch surfaces and traditional controls is crucial for us. The analysis shows that switches have a clear advantage for frequently used functions—that's why we're bringing them back."
Östberg also suggested that different steering wheel designs are conceivable depending on the market. While European customers prefer switches, Asian buyers tend to prefer touch and voice control. Mercedes is also considering additional buttons and controls for future models in other areas of the interior. However, this is most likely to be implemented in larger vehicles such as SUVs, as there is more space for integration and buyers of such vehicles "place greater value on buttons."
The decision comes just as Mercedes is introducing its largest screen yet in the new GLC – the MBUX Hyperscreen. The continuous display measures 99.3 centimeters diagonally and extends across the entire width of the dashboard.
At the IAA, design chief Gordon Wagener explained: “It’s almost impossible to make screens any bigger; we’ve reached a limit here.”
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