Newshot BMW says it will consider bringing back more physical buttons on Neue Klasse models if customers demand it
IT之家 November 15 news: In recent years, BMW has made significant changes to the interior design of its Neue Klasse models, removing a large number of traditional physical buttons and switching to touch panels and touchscreen controls in place of the various switches and knobs found on the previous generation of models.
However, BMW does not intend to stick with this minimalist design forever. If enough customers want physical buttons back, BMW is willing to listen.
According to Australian automotive outlet Carsales, 克劳迪娅 Mayer (Claudia Maier), who heads digital technology for BMW's Neue Klasse models, discussed the matter in an interview during the global launch event for the new 3 Series and i3.
IT之家 notes that from the i3, iX3, and iX4 to the X5/iX5 and the 7 Series/i7 and other new models, it is clear just how much BMW's cabin design philosophy has changed. The traditional instrument cluster has been eliminated, replaced by a projection display area that spans the bottom of the windshield and can be customized to show different content.
At the same time, a 17.9-inch central touchscreen handles most of the infotainment functions, and the number of physical buttons is noticeably lower than on the previous generation. On some high-end models, the front passenger even gets a separate touchscreen.
BMW believes that a combination of screens, touch controls, and voice commands is the future direction of the car cabin. However, Mayer acknowledged that customer feedback could also prompt the company to reconsider some design decisions.
She said: "We have a philosophy of 'providing the right information at the right time in the right way,' and we are very confident about that. But of course, I think customer feedback must always be taken seriously. If customers have a strong demand for certain functions, we will certainly take it seriously."
BMW has not yet specified which physical controls might return, but Mayer mentioned air conditioning buttons and real physical buttons on the steering wheel. This is undoubtedly good news for customers who want to operate commonly used functions directly without repeatedly switching through touchscreen menus.
Of course, the Neue Klasse models have not eliminated all traditional controls. The new cars still retain the turn signal stalk, the wiper stalk, physical volume control, and a dedicated button for quick defogging. However, the overall number of physical buttons has indeed been greatly reduced.
To be clear, BMW has not confirmed any specific plans to reintroduce standalone air conditioning buttons or restore a traditional steering wheel button layout.
BMW still believes that owners will eventually adapt to the all-new iDrive operating system. Even though the classic rotary controller has disappeared and is very likely never to return, the company is confident in this new interaction method.
But getting used to a new way of operating something does not mean customers actually prefer it. Physical buttons provide clear tactile feedback, allowing the driver to adjust certain vehicle functions without taking their eyes off the road. This is an advantage that even the most advanced touchscreen cannot fully replace.
BMW has already met the latest Euro NCAP requirements for physical controls for key functions. On the second-generation iX3, the relevant functions received a full score. In other words, BMW's minimalist interior design has not run into regulatory obstacles for now, but that does not mean customer preferences will not eventually push it to change course.
Although BMW is willing to reconsider the design of physical buttons, the company is much firmer about whether to hand more dashboard control to Apple. BMW has officially ruled out the possibility of offering Apple CarPlay Ultra.
Mayer explained that the company's decision is mainly driven by data privacy considerations, and it also wants to keep vehicle information within its own ecosystem. She said: "This is part of our overall philosophy. We want to keep data within our own system because we want to ensure data security."
However, BMW has not completely abandoned smartphone connectivity. Traditional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will still be available wirelessly through the central display.
Mayer also revealed that BMW has not discussed plans to remove standard CarPlay from future models, and stressed that customers should not be forced to use BMW's own software system.
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