Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that more physical buttons will be added to the brand’s current and upcoming models. We’re completely data-driven, and data shows us physical buttons are better and something used high-frequency," Mercedes-Benz chief software officer Magnus Ostberg told Autocar UK. The data comes from software-defined vehicles (SDVs), including the electric CLA shooting brake (estate version) and GLC SUV models, which give carmakers access to drivers’ data and usage.

1. The new physical button-clad steering wheel will debut on the CLA and GLC EVs
2. It will be introduced in current cars as well
3. More physical buttons may be added to the interior, especially in SUVs

CLA, GLC EVs to first get new steering wheel with physical buttons

It gets a set of rockers, rollers and buttons

This will begin with the upcoming CLA and GLC, both of which will be equipped with a set of rockers, rollers and buttons on a new-design steering wheel. "We see in the data that the rollers and these physical buttons are very important for certain age groups and certain populations," Ostberg further told Autocar UK on the sidelines of the Munich motor show. "Having that balance between physical buttons and the touch is extremely important for us," he added.

Mercedes GLC EV’s steering wheel with physical controls.

“The new steering wheel will eventually become standard across new Mercedes cars. The carmaker also plans to fit the same unit to its current line-up of cars. It's the easiest and most cost-efficient way of adding physical controls to cars that are already on sale, while still keeping Mercedes’ digital-first cabins,” Ostberg explained. The data also shows that Asian drivers prefer touchscreen and voice controls, which could lead the brand to design market-specific steering wheels.

SUVs offer space for more physical controls in the interior: Ostberg

In addition to the steering wheel, the carmaker is looking to add more physical controls elsewhere in the cabin, but this may be exclusive to SUVs. More freedom to package in larger cars and buyer preferences were the two main reasons cited by the Mercedes CSO for the same.

Mercedes GLC EV’s 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen.

Interestingly, the revelation comes after Mercedes fitted the new GLC EV with a 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, a single-piece display which spans the entire width of the SUV’s dashboard. “We have reached a point where you cannot make the screen much bigger,” chief design officer Gordon Wagener said at the recently concluded motor show in Germany. Explaining further about giving the interior a more luxurious treatment, he said, “It’s the software that feels more premium than others, and I think our software feels more premium than others.” The increased application of artificial intelligence, centred around voice commands, is also being studied.