Volkswagen is returning to physical buttons instead of touch controls

It may seem like blasphemy for an Engadget writer to diss touch controls, but as the demise of the MacBook Pro's Touch Bar has proven, those aren't always a good idea - especially on cars. As spotted by Autocarat Volkswagen City Studio in Copenhagen, the ID. 2all concept electric car now features a slightly updated interior, with the most notable change being the return of physical buttons below the central touchscreen. According to the brand's interior designer Darius Watola, this will be "a new approach for all models" based on "recent feedback from customers" - especially those in Europe who wanted "more physical buttons."

In Autocar's Tiguan launch interview back in June, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer already acknowledged customers' criticism on the over-reliance on touch controls - namely on the Golf Mk8 and ID.3, not to mention the same trend across the motor industry. The exec went as far as saying the earlier touch-heavy approach - endorsed by his predecessor, Herbert Diess - "definitely did a lot of damage" in terms of customer loyalty.

The future of Volkswagen interiors revealed. Here's the ID.2 - on sale in 2025.
Classy and not everything on the touchscreen. pic.twitter.com/bXef4fXk99

- Steve Fowler (@SteveFowler) December 14, 2023

The ID. 2all is based on Volkswagen's updated MEB Entry platform, and packs a 223HP motor that can go up to 62MPH in under seven seconds. As far as range goes, this car can apparently travel up to 280 miles on a single charge, but that's with the larger and more advanced 56kWh battery instead of the base 38kWh version. Expect this concept electric vehicle to cost under 25,000 (around $27,300), when it arrives as a production model in Europe in 2025. The company also recently teased the ID. 2all SUV, which is described as "the brother of the ID. 2all," but it won't be out until 2026.

First look at the ID. 2all SUV, the brother of the ID. 2all. The SUV version will arrive in 2026! pic.twitter.com/4SxgTDdH2e

- Stepan Rehak (@StepanRehak) December 14, 2023

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/volkswagen-drivers-want-more-physical-buttons-instead-of-touch-controls-044931087.html?src=rss