Car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz plans to reintroduce physical buttons in their vehicles for both existing and forthcoming models.
Mercedes-Benz Introduces Data-Driven Steering Wheel Design for News
Mercedes-Benz is making a significant shift in its cabin design, integrating more physical controls into its digitally focused interiors. The move, according to Gorden Wagener, who leads the integration of physical control elements in Mercedes-Benz cabins, is a data-driven decision based on high-frequency usage data.
The new steering wheel design, set to be standard for all future Mercedes models, was announced at the Munich motor show. This innovative wheel will feature rockers, rollers, and buttons, and will first be fitted to the new GLC, which boasts a single-piece display named MBUX Hyperscreen, spanning 39.1 inches – the biggest screen ever in a production car.
The decision to bring back some physical controls is not without merit. Data shows that these controls are better for certain functions in Mercedes' digital-first cabins. Mercedes believes that physical buttons are important for certain age groups and populations, and is considering adding more physical controls elsewhere in the cabin for future news.
However, the addition of more physical controls may be restricted to SUVs due to packaging limitations. Depending on the market, different wheel designs may be used. For example, Europeans prefer buttons while Asian drivers lean more towards touchscreen and voice controls.
The plan is to fit this new steering wheel to all cars already on sale, starting with the CLA saloon later this year. This approach is the easiest and most cost-efficient way to add physical controls to news that are already on sale.
Mercedes-Benz's push towards integrating more physical controls comes as it continues to evolve its software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The CLA and the incoming GLC are Mercedes' first and second SDVs, allowing car makers to update software over the air, giving them access to drivers' data and usage.
With this new steering wheel design, Mercedes-Benz is striking a balance between digital innovation and user-friendly design, ensuring that its vehicles remain at the forefront of automotive technology while maintaining a focus on the needs and preferences of its diverse customer base.
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