New Euro NCAP rules may bring back physical car buttons
Technology has completely changed how we interact with our cars. It felt normal at one time to just remove the stereo faceplate every time you parked your car. But looking back, it seems almost old-fashioned compared to what we have today.
Cars today are not only technologically advanced, they're also fast, capable and boast some of the most fascinating pieces of tech. As such, today’s dashboards have been taken over by touchscreen infotainment systems. While these sleek, minimalist designs may be cost-effective for manufacturers and visually appealing to most customers, they also pose a safety risk.
If we’re honest, operating a touchscreen infotainment system when driving can be cumbersome. Ask us, we know. Unlike actual buttons and toggle switches which provide tactile feedback and allow for intuitive adjustments without taking your eyes off the road, infotainment screens require more focus and precision. That may soon change, though.
The Euro NCAP programme is set to introduce new regulations in 2026, requiring manufacturers to bring back physical buttons for key vehicle functions. The reasoning behind this is simple and acceptable if you have been in a car where all key functions are digital, forcing drivers to take their eyes off the road. This new protocol aims to improve safety by ensuring that important features remain easy to access without unnecessary distractions.
And honestly, we couldn’t agree more. If there’s one car that proves how frustrating and dangerous an over-reliance on touchscreens can be, it’s the Volvo EX30. Almost everything in this car is controlled through its infotainment touchscreen, from checking the speed and navigation, adjusting the exterior mirrors, and EV range to opening the glove box. Good luck with trying to find all that while driving.
If the new regulations go through, there will be a scoring system, with five out of a total of 100 points awarded to cars that keep physical buttons for critical features. Now, five points might not seem like much, but in the real world of car safety ratings, every point counts. Euro NCAP ratings have become a big deal for car companies. A higher score means better safety credentials, which can influence consumer trust and ultimately, sales. That said, marques that are looking for 5-star safety ratings will then have to rethink their designs to comply with these new standards. This could mean one thing: the return of physical buttons in more cars.
Unlike cars of today, the Bugatti Tourbillon, for example, prioritises driver engagement and a distraction-free driving experience. Instead of a central touchscreen, it features a set of analogue dials and a small digital display within the instrument cluster. In contrast, VW has listened to the growing frustration by reintroducing physical buttons to its multifunctional steering wheel, instead of the touch-sensitive ones that we also found hard to use.
As we look towards the future, the Euro NCAP regulations could be a step in the right direction to balance technology. connectivity and driver safety, something we can all support.
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