In a move hailed as a victory for common sense—and disgruntled drivers—Volkswagen has announced it will reintroduce physical buttons and knobs for core dashboard functions in its next-generation electric vehicles, starting with the affordable ID. 2all hatchback. The decision marks a dramatic U-turn for the German automaker, which had aggressively pursued a minimalist, touchscreen-heavy interior design philosophy in recent years.
The Backlash Against "Touch Everything"
Volkswagen’s pivot comes after widespread criticism of its reliance on touch-sensitive controls and sliders in models like the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.7. Drivers complained that adjusting basic features—such as climate control, volume, or windshield defrosters—required distracting menu diving or awkward swipes on glossy panels. Safety advocates and automotive reviewers alike condemned the setup, arguing that tactile buttons improve usability and reduce driver distraction.
“We listened, and we’re acting,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, in a statement. “Physical controls are making a comeback for key functions. Customers want simplicity, and we’re delivering it without sacrificing the modern, digital experience.”
According to a report by Autocar, the ID. 2all—a compact EV slated to launch in 2025 with a starting price under €25,000—will feature a redesigned cockpit with dedicated buttons for climate settings, volume, and driving modes. The steering wheel will also regain physical scroll wheels, a feature removed in earlier ID models.
Balancing Tech and Tradition
The ID. 2all’s interior, previewed in concept form earlier this year, retains a large central touchscreen but pairs it with a streamlined row of backlit physical switches below. Volkswagen designers emphasized that the layout prioritizes “muscle memory” for frequently used features while keeping less-accessed settings in the digital interface. The approach mirrors trends seen in brands like Mazda and Hyundai, which have dialed back touchscreen dependency in recent models.
Industry analysts see the shift as a broader acknowledgment that automotive innovation must balance futuristic design with ergonomic practicality. “Touchscreens have their place, but critical functions need instant, tactile feedback,” said Rebecca Chaplin, senior editor at Car Design News. “Volkswagen’s reversal shows even legacy automakers can adapt when users push back.”
What’s Next for VW’s EV Lineup?
The ID. 2all, set to enter production in 2025, is a cornerstone of Volkswagen’s strategy to dominate the affordable EV market. Its retro-inspired design and promised 280-mile range have already generated buzz, but the return of physical controls could broaden its appeal to skeptics of overly digitalized cabins.
Schäfer confirmed that feedback from the ID. 2all will influence future models, including higher-end EVs like the ID.7 sedan. The automaker is also exploring hybrid interfaces, such as haptic feedback panels that mimic physical buttons—a middle ground between analog and digital.
A Win for Drivers?
For many, Volkswagen’s decision is a long-overdue correction. “I test-drove an ID.4 and hated the touch controls,” said Emma Carter, a London-based nurse. “It felt like using a cheap tablet while driving. Buttons might not look as sleek, but they just work.”
Safety organizations have also applauded the move. A 2023 study by the UK’s Thatcham Research found that drivers using touchscreens took up to four times longer to adjust settings than those with physical buttons, increasing crash risks.
As the ID. 2all nears production, Volkswagen’s experiment serves as a reminder: in the race toward electrification and autonomy, the human experience behind the wheel still matters.
The ID. 2all is expected to debut in European markets in late 2025, with global releases to follow. For more details, visit Volkswagen’s official website or read the full announcement via Autocar.
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