Mercedes to reintroduce physical buttons alongside Hyperscreen

Mercedes is rethinking its approach to in-car controls. After facing criticism, the company has decided to bring back physical buttons for key functions, though it has no plans to abandon screens entirely.

The centerpiece of the interior, the massive Hyperscreen, will remain. Mercedes considers it part of its premium image: the large display enables a personalized atmosphere and consolidates all functions in one space. In essence, the brand is still betting on a “digital experience” reminiscent of modern smartphones.

However, real-world use has shown that not everything works well in touch format. Drivers complained about the difficulty of controlling basic functions like climate or settings while driving. As a result, Mercedes has already started reintroducing physical elements—familiar scroll wheels and buttons are returning to the steering wheel, replacing touch panels.

This approach will be further expanded in future models. Mercedes plans to combine both solutions: screens for interface and visuals, and buttons for quick actions. Many manufacturers are seeking this balance, since fully touch-based controls have proven less convenient in actual use.

Mercedes hasn’t abandoned screens, but it has acknowledged the key point: comfortable operation isn’t possible without physical buttons.