As a proud owner of a previous-generation Skoda Octavia, I must say that the dashboard of my car is a masterpiece in terms of layout and user interface. It strikes a perfect balance between buttons and screens, a feature that was common in Volkswagen Group products until the late 2010s. However, in recent years, VW started moving towards touchscreen-centric dashboards, which some may view as a cost-cutting measure.
But VW is not oblivious to the preferences of a significant portion of its customer base who prefer a more analog interface. Ralf Brandstätter, the head of VW in China, highlighted the different preferences of European and Chinese customers. While European buyers prioritize tactile controls, durability, and driving dynamics, Chinese buyers lean towards AI-first technology, connected vehicles, and smart cockpits.
The trend of abandoning physical buttons and knobs in favor of tablet-like displays is evident in VW’s latest models like the wagon-only Passat and the ID.7 Tourer electric wagon. However, VW has acknowledged the need to incorporate tactile controls in its future models. The Golf GTI and R have already reintroduced physical buttons on the steering wheel, with plans to include them for frequently used functions in upcoming models.
Andreas Mindt, VW’s design chief, admitted that the shift towards screen-heavy dashboards was a mistake. He assured that future models, starting from the ID.2all, will feature physical buttons for essential functions like volume, heating, fans, and hazard lights. This return to proper dashboards is a step towards providing a more user-friendly and intuitive interface for drivers.
Since VW models are often shared across other Group brands like Skoda, SEAT, and Cupra, this shift towards tactile controls is likely to extend to these brands as well. While the inclusion of more physical controls may increase production costs, it is a trade-off that many customers are willing to make for a better driving experience.
Brandstätter’s observation about the age difference of electric car buyers in Europe and China sheds light on the diverse market preferences and regulatory differences between regions. Despite the varying customer demands, VW aims to cater to the needs of both markets while maintaining a balance between technological innovation and user-friendly design.
In conclusion, VW’s commitment to reintroducing physical controls in its future models signals a return to a more user-centric approach to car design. By listening to customer feedback and acknowledging the importance of tactile interfaces, VW is poised to deliver a more engaging and intuitive driving experience for car enthusiasts worldwide.
