Audi has long been a leader in innovation, but when it comes to touchscreen-heavy interiors, it might be time to hit the brakes. While sleek digital interfaces look futuristic, they can be distracting, frustrating, and even dangerous. As more automakers reintroduce physical controls, Audi should take note—and bring back more buttons where they matter most.
Touchscreens vs. Buttons: The Safety Factor
A recent study by Swedish magazine Vi Bilägare tested how long it takes drivers to perform simple tasks—like adjusting climate controls—on touchscreen vs. button-based systems. The results? Physical buttons were significantly faster and safer.
🚘 Touchscreen users took up to 4x longer to complete tasks.
👀 That means more time with eyes off the road—a serious safety hazard.
Even European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) research has raised concerns about touch-based controls in vehicles, urging manufacturers to rethink their designs.
Drivers Want Buttons Back
Audi isn’t alone in this touchscreen overload—many automakers have leaned too hard into digital-only dashboards. But now, the tide is turning.
📢 Hyundai recently announced a shift back to physical controls, citing customer frustration with touchscreen-only interfaces.
📢 Even luxury brands like Porsche have retained key physical buttons, balancing modern tech with intuitive usability.
So why is Audi still doubling down on all-touch controls?
The Perfect Balance: Audi’s Opportunity
Touchscreens aren’t all bad—they’re great for navigation and infotainment. But critical functions like climate control, volume, and drive mode selection should always have physical buttons or knobs.
🔹 Tactile controls allow muscle memory to take over—you don’t need to look away from the road.
🔹 They work better with gloves (crucial for winter driving).
🔹 Less frustration = better user experience for Audi owners.
Final Thoughts: Time for a Change
Audi has a chance to lead the charge in bringing back a smarter, safer balance between buttons and touchscreens. A modern Audi should feel high-tech, but not at the cost of safety and driver convenience.
What do you think—should Audi bring back more buttons? Let us know in the comments!
Stay tuned to AudiSpeed for the latest news on everything Audi!
