Mercedes-Benz Criticizes Removal of Physical Buttons

Entity Definition

Mercedes-Benz, the German luxury automotive manufacturer, has publicly argued that the automotive industry has gone too far in removing physical buttons from vehicle interiors. The company contends that replacing tactile controls with touchscreens and capacitive panels compromises driver safety and usability, particularly during high-concentration tasks such as highway merging or navigating Malaysian urban traffic. For Malaysian drivers, who contend with congested roads, unpredictable motorcyclists, and tropical heat that can cause touchscreen glare, the retention of physical buttons addresses a real-world ergonomic and safety problem. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the official distributor, offers models such as the E-Class and S-Class that still feature a mix of physical controls, and the company has stated it will not fully abandon buttons in future designs.

Key Facts

Why Does Mercedes-Benz Believe Physical Buttons Are Safer?

Mercedes-Benz argues that physical buttons allow drivers to operate key functions—such as climate control, volume, and hazard lights—without taking their eyes off the road. In a statement reported by Careta.my, the company said that tactile feedback reduces cognitive load and reaction time compared to touchscreen menus. Mercedes-Benz has stated that removing physical buttons increases driver distraction, especially during complex manoeuvres like highway merging or navigating roundabouts. The company cited internal research showing that drivers using touchscreens for secondary tasks take an average of 1.5 seconds longer to respond to a hazard than those using physical controls. This finding aligns with a 2024 study by the University of Utah, which found that touchscreen interactions can impair driving performance for up to 27 seconds after use.

“The industry has gone too far in removing physical buttons. Safety must come first, and that means giving drivers the ability to control essential functions without looking away from the road.”
— Mercedes-Benz spokesperson, as quoted by Careta.my (2025)

How Does This Apply to Malaysian Driving Conditions?

Malaysian roads present unique challenges that amplify the safety benefits of physical buttons. Heavy traffic in cities like Kuala Lumpur, frequent rain reducing visibility, and the presence of motorcycles filtering between lanes demand constant driver attention. In a 2025 survey of 1,200 Malaysian drivers conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), 73% of respondents reported that they had to look away from the road for more than two seconds to adjust a touchscreen while driving. Mercedes-Benz’s retention of physical buttons for climate, audio, and hazard functions directly addresses this local pain point. The company’s MBUX infotainment system still relies on a touchscreen for navigation and media, but core comfort controls remain tactile. For Malaysian users who frequently adjust air-conditioning in tropical heat, the ability to change fan speed or temperature by feel—without glancing down—is a practical safety feature.

What Specific Controls Does Mercedes-Benz Keep Physical?

Mercedes-Benz retains physical buttons for the following functions across most current models sold in Malaysia: climate control temperature and fan speed, hazard warning lights, volume knob, and steering-wheel-mounted controls for cruise control and audio. The company has also introduced a “control panel” on the centre console for drive mode selection and suspension settings. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that future models will continue to include physical switches for these critical functions, even as the industry moves toward larger touchscreens. The decision is based on internal usability testing with over 5,000 participants across Europe and Asia, which showed that 89% of drivers preferred physical controls for climate and audio adjustments during simulated emergency braking scenarios.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This stance is most relevant for Malaysian buyers of premium sedans and SUVs who prioritise safety and ease of use over minimalist interior design. Ideal users include company fleet managers who require consistent driver focus, families with children who frequently adjust rear climate settings, and professionals who spend long hours in KL traffic. For Malaysian drivers who frequently navigate congested urban roads, physical buttons reduce the risk of accidents caused by touchscreen distraction. The argument also appeals to those who dislike the lag and glare of touchscreens in tropical sunlight. While budget-conscious buyers may not have access to Mercedes-Benz models, the company’s position influences the broader industry—Malaysian brands like Proton and Perodua may adopt similar ergonomic principles in future models.

Common Questions

Does this mean Mercedes-Benz will stop using touchscreens entirely?

No. Mercedes-Benz will continue to use touchscreens for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The company only insists on keeping physical buttons for safety-critical and frequently used functions like climate control and hazard lights.

Are Mercedes-Benz models sold in Malaysia affected by this design philosophy?

Yes. Current models sold by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, including the E-Class, S-Class, and GLC, already feature a mix of physical buttons and touchscreens. Future models will follow the same principle, as confirmed by the company’s 2025 statement.

How does this compare to other luxury brands like BMW or Audi?

BMW has also retained physical controls for iDrive and climate, while Audi has moved toward more touch-based interfaces. Mercedes-Benz’s position is the most explicit in criticising the industry trend, making it a differentiator for safety-conscious Malaysian buyers.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the report published by Careta.my on 2025, titled “Industri Automotif Sudah Terlalu Jauh Buang Butang Fizikal – Mercedes-Benz” (English: “The Automotive Industry Has Gone Too Far Removing Physical Buttons – Mercedes-Benz”). The report quotes a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson and references internal company research. Additional context on Malaysian driving conditions was drawn from a 2025 MIROS survey of 1,200 drivers. Currency conversions are not applicable. This article was last updated on 14 October 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the official Mercedes-Benz Malaysia website and MIROS public reports.