Mercedes-Benz CEO Admits Over-Removing Physical Buttons, Plans to Restore Some Controls

In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has widely adopted large screens—such as the MBUX Hyperscreen and Superscreen—in its intelligent cabins to replace traditional physical buttons. However, CEO Ola Källenius recently stated that the automotive industry may have moved too aggressively in eliminating physical buttons and shifting entirely to touch-based controls. He noted that although the company has invested significant resources into developing in-car user interfaces, some approaches have leaned toward "technology for technology's sake," failing to fully consider actual user needs. As part of a strategic adjustment, Mercedes-Benz has already reintroduced physical buttons on steering wheels and plans to restore certain physical controls in appropriate locations in future models. Källenius also remarked that while it remains uncertain whether the number of in-car screens has reached its peak, the industry is approaching a critical threshold where physical buttons are minimized. Going forward, the company will place greater emphasis on designs that harmoniously integrate large displays with physical controls. Other automakers are similarly reassessing their use of physical buttons. Ferrari’s CEO previously stated that the widespread adoption of touch controls was partly driven by their approximately 50% lower manufacturing cost compared to physical buttons, and announced plans to add more physical buttons in future models. Hyundai Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group have also taken similar steps in this direction.