Volkswagen is set to reverse a recent trend in automotive interior design, re-embracing tactile controls such as buttons and knobs. For years, the automaker, like many others, leaned into minimalist cabin aesthetics, integrating most functions into touchscreens. This often led to frustration among drivers, particularly with features like the non-illuminated touch sliders. However, the company is now making a definitive move to bring back physical interfaces, promising a more intuitive and safer driving experience.
\nKey Volkswagen executives have confirmed this strategic pivot. The Head of Technical Development stated that future updates for models like the ID.3 and ID.4 will feature redesigned dashboards that prioritize traditional switchgear. This new direction was hinted at by the ID.2all concept, which showcased a more balanced approach to physical and digital controls. Moreover, the design chief explicitly committed to reintroducing physical buttons for critical functions, including volume, climate control, and hazard lights, asserting that the company will not repeat past mistakes. Even steering wheels, which had adopted capacitive-touch controls, will revert to physical buttons, emphasizing the importance of tangible feedback for drivers.
\nThis commitment extends beyond electric vehicles, with combustion-engine models also expected to benefit from the return of physical controls. While the extent of the reintroduction may not match the abundance seen in older models like the Golf Mk7, the intention is clear. For instance, the facelifted Mk8 Golf GTI and R versions already feature physical steering wheel buttons, and the European R-Line trim has also abandoned capacitive touch keys. This signals a broader, positive change across the Volkswagen Group, with sister brands like Skoda and Audi potentially following suit. The first models showcasing these refreshed interiors are anticipated to launch in 2026, including the production version of the ID.2 and updated ID.3 and ID.4.
\nThis evolution in automotive interior design highlights a commitment to human-centric principles, recognizing that technology should enhance, not complicate, our interactions with daily necessities. By listening to feedback and adapting, industries can foster solutions that are both innovative and practical, ultimately leading to a more positive and effective user experience. This pivot serves as a reminder that true progress often involves a thoughtful balance between cutting-edge advancements and time-tested functionality, leading to more accessible and safer products for everyone.