Return Physical Buttons, Mercedes-Benz Admits Touch Screen is Less Effective

Mercedes-Benz is one of the manufacturers that has begun responding to user complaints regarding the dominance of the touch screen in the cabin. The German manufacturer admits that hiding various important functions into a digital menu is not an ideal solution for all users.

Although it still maintains the use of large-sized screens on its latest models, Mercedes-Benz is now starting to return physical buttons for a number of key functions. This step was taken after the company absorbed various customer inputs who wanted easy access without having to rely entirely on the touch screen system.

This approach differs from the strategy taken by Audi and Volkswagen, which chose to shrink the size of the infotainment screen in order to bring back physical controls inside the cabin. The latest models such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Mercedes-Benz C-Class will still be equipped with a 39.1-inch MBUX "Hyperscreen" screen that stretches almost the entire dashboard.

However, now both are also equipped with physical buttons placed in front of the dual wireless charger, as well as the return of conventional buttons and switches on the steering wheel. Head of Sales Mercedes-Benz Mathias Geisen, confirmed the change of direction.

"Customers told us two years ago, 'guys, the idea is good, but it didn't work for us', so we changed it and made it more analog," he said, as quoted by Autocar, Tuesday, May 5.

He added that in the future, physical buttons, switches, and knobs will continue to be an important part of the interior design of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. According to him, the combination of screen technology and physical controls is the best approach to meet user needs.

"I really believe in the screen, because I really believe that if you want to connect, you have to make that magic work behind the screen. But on our future products, you will see more physical buttons for specific functions that customers want to access directly through physical buttons," he said.

Furthermore, he revealed that consumer research results showed clear preferences. In addition, Mercedes-Benz will also present a feature to personalize the display screen through customizable wallpapers.

This almost one-meter wide screen is designed to provide a familiar digital experience, given that users are now very familiar with the smartphone interface. "If you want to connect with customers, you have to find a way to translate this digital experience from your phone to customers," he said.

In the future, the latest generation GLC will use the MB.EA electric vehicle platform and is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. The same platform will also be used by the latest generation of the C-Class, which is planned to arrive earlier.