Mercedes-Benz jumped on the “touch-sensitive-everything” bandwagon like many other automakers, but it’s now second-guessing that approach. The company’s head of software, Magus Ostberg, recently said it would add back physical controls, noting that, “the data shows us physical buttons are better.”
The automaker will start with the GLC and CLA Shooting Brake EVs, giving them a new steering wheel with “old-school” buttons and wheels. Interstingly, the new GLC has Mercedes’ largest display to date, covering almost the entire dash.
Mercedes plans to make the new wheel standard going forward and said it would be able to retrofit existing cars with no issue. Ostberg said the new approach gives better control while sticking with the brand’s forward-looking tech strategy.
Mercedes collected data that showed physical controls to be extremely important to drivers in some age groups. “So having that balance between physical buttons and the touch is extremely important for us. We’re completely data-driven, seeing that what is actually something that is used high-frequency, the data shows us the physical buttons are better, and that’s why we put them back.”
The company may look to other steering wheel designs in other markets. It’s able to do this sort of analysis thanks to its software-defined vehicles, which collect data on nearly every part of the vehicle and driver behavior.
[Images: Mercedes-Benz]
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