Will future Volkswagens have buttons instead of touchscreens?

Hi,

Do you know if it's true that Volkswagen is putting a/c and heating control buttons back on its vehicles for 2026? I'm not a fan of having everything on screen. Changing basic settings can take my attention off the road for longer than it's safe and it's so easy to press the wrong setting by mistake. Turning off the heated seat when at its highest takes four swipes on my Golf. I don't have voice control. Buttons are far more instinctive.

Thanks.

Teresa (Co. Clare)

Apr 2025 Filed under: infotainment

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Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

There is certainly a move that way, though don't expect all models to change all at once. It would appear that the car makers (not just Volkswagen) have listened to buyers such as you and critics such as us on this, and there will be a gradual reintroduction of some physical switchgear. Organisations such as Euro NCAP and even the EU are closely monitoring this, too, so we have high hopes for a return to less reliance on touchscreens for basic tasks in a car.

Volkswagen's recent show cars that preview forthcoming production models - such as the ID.1 and ID.2 - have buttons as well as a touchscreen.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor