Mercedes-Benz has committed to reintroducing physical buttons, switches, and dials for key functions in its upcoming vehicle models, reversing a years-long industry trend toward touchscreen-only interfaces. The decision, confirmed by Mercedes-Benz Sales boss Mathias Geisen, follows direct customer feedback that touch-sensitive controls for frequently used functions were impractical and distracting.
What is changing
Future Mercedes-Benz models, including the upcoming GLC SUV (due in the fourth quarter of 2026) and the C-Class (expected early 2027), will feature a hybrid interface. Large screens remain — the 39.1-inch MBUX 'Hyperscreen' will still span nearly the entire dashboard width — but physical buttons will be placed in front of the dual wireless chargers, and physical switches will return to the steering wheel.
Geisen told Autocar that the brand changed course after hearing from customers: "Customers told us two years ago, 'guys, nice idea, but it just doesn't work for us', so we changed that and made it more analogue." He added that "in our future products, you will see more hard keys for specific functions that customers want to have direct access for with hard keys."
Why this matters
Mercedes-Benz is not alone in this reversal. Audi and Volkswagen have chosen to reduce the size of their infotainment screens to make room for returning physical controls. The common thread: touch-sensitive buttons and controls buried in menu systems increase cognitive load while driving, a well-documented safety concern.
Mercedes-Benz's approach differs slightly — it keeps the large screen but adds physical controls alongside it, rather than shrinking the display. The brand will also offer a customizable wallpaper element for the Hyperscreen, a feature Geisen justified by noting that "phones are such a huge part of people's lives and they are used to that level of technology."
Tradeoffs
The hybrid approach means drivers still get the large, phone-like display for navigation, media, and vehicle settings, while physical buttons handle frequently used functions such as volume, climate control, and drive-mode selection. This reduces the need to look away from the road to tap a screen for basic adjustments.
However, the Hyperscreen's sheer size — nearly a meter wide — means it will still dominate the dashboard. The physical buttons are positioned in front of the wireless chargers, which may not be the most ergonomic placement for all drivers. Mercedes-Benz has not yet detailed exactly which functions will get physical controls.
When to expect it
The new-generation GLC SUV, built on Mercedes-Benz's MB.EA electric vehicle platform, will be the first model to showcase this hybrid interface when it arrives in the fourth quarter of 2026.