Volkswagen once replaced the usual buttons on the steering wheel with touchpads like a smartphone screen. But it turned out that they require very precise touch, there were a lot of false positives from accidental touches. After many customer complaints, the company decided to “turn everything back” and return to the classic control buttons.
Touch steering wheel in VW Golf R.
Board member and VW brand boss Thomas Schäfer announced the news in a post on Linkedin (a social network banned in Russia):
“We are refining our portfolio and design, creating a new level of ease of use in our vehicles. For example, we are bringing back the push-button steering wheel! That’s what VW customers want.
The touchpads were introduced in the current Golf, have been gradually migrated to other models and can also be found in all VW electric vehicles.
In his post, Schaefer did not disclose which model would see the new “old” steering wheels for the first time. Most likely in innovative electric cars, but admitting this is somehow embarrassing. “By 2026, we will launch ten new electric models in all relevant segments around the world,” said the head of Volkswagen’s passenger car division.
Journalists from automotive publications and owners criticized the touch controls on the steering wheel. This is also included in the models of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. In addition to false positives, sensors have another drawback: car owners believe that buttons work faster than using sensors. Although this may be a false statement.