Driving enthusiasts, rejoice! Volkswagen is set to ditch its touchscreen-heavy control systems in favor of good old-fashioned physical buttons. This shift will begin with its next generation of electric vehicles, starting with the much-anticipated ID 2all. The move comes after widespread criticism from customers and experts who found touch-based controls frustrating and unsafe.
Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s design chief, confirmed the change in an interview with Autocar, stating: “We will never, ever make this mistake any more. On the steering wheel, we will have physical buttons. No guessing any more. There’s feedback, it’s real, and people love this.”
Why the Shift? The Car is Not a Phone
Volkswagen’s decision to return to tactile controls acknowledges a simple truth: a car is not a smartphone. While touchscreens offer versatility, they lack the intuitive, hands-on experience that physical buttons provide. Many drivers have voiced their frustration with VW’s reliance on touch-sensitive controls, particularly for essential functions like climate control and hazard lights.
Mindt emphasized this point: “Honestly, it’s a car. It’s not a phone: it’s a car.” This marks a stark contrast to the industry trend of eliminating physical buttons in favor of sleek, screen-based interfaces.
The Key Features Making a Comeback
Though VW’s infotainment screens are here to stay, the company has promised to bring back physical controls for several key functions, including:
- Audio volume
- Heating and cooling
- Hazard lights
- Steering wheel controls
- Other critical in-car adjustments
Mindt assured customers that these physical buttons would be standard in all upcoming Volkswagen models. This decision follows earlier remarks from VW CEO Thomas Schäfer, who admitted in late 2023 that the company’s overreliance on touch controls had led to a poor user experience.
Lessons Learned from Customer Feedback
Volkswagen’s touchscreen-based controls were introduced with the intention of modernizing vehicle interiors. However, the backlash was swift. Many drivers found the haptic-feedback-based controls unintuitive and even dangerous, requiring too much attention while driving. The complaints were particularly loud regarding temperature controls, which required multiple taps instead of a simple twist of a knob.
Schäfer himself acknowledged these flaws, admitting that VW’s initial approach to digital controls was “awful” for the customer experience. The company’s response? A renewed focus on usability and practicality.
What’s Next? The ID 2all Leads the Charge
Volkswagen’s pivot towards physical controls will debut with the ID 2all, the brand’s upcoming Golf-sized electric vehicle. Internally still referred to as the “electric Golf,” the ID 2all is set for a production reveal later this year, with global sales beginning in 2026.
For American drivers, the wait may be slightly longer. The ID 2all is expected to launch in Europe first, with North American availability likely following a year later.
A Win for Driving Enthusiasts
VW’s move back to physical controls signals a major shift in automotive design philosophy. While digital interfaces offer convenience, they should never come at the cost of driver safety and ease of use. By striking a balance between modern touchscreens and tactile buttons, Volkswagen is setting a new standard for what customers can expect from their driving experience.
For now, driving purists can celebrate—Volkswagen has heard them loud and clear.
