Volkswagen is bringing back physical buttons because ‘it’s a car, not a phone’

Volkswagen is bucking the trend of nearly every other manufacturer and is set to reintroduce physical buttons to their cars in a move away from the usual touchscreen.

Touchscreens and haptic sliders have been the norm for several years now as manufacturers have tried to make cars feel more high-tech.

However, they have proved problematic and potentially dangerous, so Volkswagen is set to eliminate them soon.

This is set to be a very welcome addition for consumers. It will make controlling essentials such as heating much easier for the driver and front passenger.

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Volkswagen appears to have learned from mistakes

Volkswagen is not the only car manufacturer guilty of choosing buttons over touchscreens.

But they are one of the first to start doing something about it.

Design chief Andreas Mindt told British publication Autocar that the German company will ‘never, ever make this mistake again.’

It comes after users complained that functions like radio volume, heater controls, navigation, and more have been difficult to perform on the move via touchscreen.

Hyundai found this out in 2024.

Focus groups felt ‘stressed, annoyed, and steamed’ – whatever that means – while trying to adjust touchscreen controls.

Hyundai had gone for a touchscreen approach with its Ioniq models and sister brand Kia’s EV6.

Volkswagen will begin to reintroduce physical buttons with the new ID. 2all later in 2025.

Physical buttons make passengers lives much easier

The change of direction from Volkswagen comes at a very interesting time.

The EU’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) will introduce rules in 2026.

The rules dictate that cars must have certain physical controls to obtain a five-star safety rating.

Customer feedback played a big part in Volkswagen’s decision to make this.

Mindt expanded on his own feelings about the situation, saying: “Honestly, it’s a car.

“It’s not a phone – it’s a car.

“We understood this.”

Tesla is one of the biggest exponents of the touchscreen revolution.

All its models have a large central touchscreen controlling all major functions and showing off information like speed and battery level.

While not currently becoming legislation in the United States, its highly likely regulators in America will soon follow the EU’s lead.

It almost feels like cars are going ‘retro’ again, as buttons feel quite old-school compared to fancy touchscreens.

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