Forget the Massive Infotainment Screen—Older Car Dashboards Were Actually Smarter

Why It Matters

The change directly impacts driver safety and could reshape vehicle interior standards, influencing both regulatory compliance and consumer expectations.

Key Takeaways

• Touchscreens increase driver reaction time compared to analog controls
• IAM RoadSmart study equates infotainment distraction to alcohol impairment
• Euro NCAP 2026 mandates physical controls for five critical functions
• Ferrari and Volkswagen announce retrofits adding tactile buttons
• Physical knobs improve ergonomics and reduce in‑vehicle latency

Pulse Analysis

The rise of large‑format touchscreens in cars has been marketed as a high‑tech upgrade, yet multiple studies reveal a darker side. Researchers at IAM RoadSmart measured drivers completing basic tasks on infotainment‑heavy models and found reaction times lagged behind a 1995 Volvo by up to 33 percent. The same study compared the distraction level to that of alcohol or cannabis consumption, highlighting a tangible safety risk that goes beyond mere inconvenience.

Regulators are now stepping in. Euro NCAP’s 2026 safety criteria require physical buttons, stalks, or dials for five essential actions—directional indicators, hazard lights, horn, wipers, and eCall SOS. This rule forces manufacturers to reconsider the all‑screen philosophy that has dominated the past decade. In response, premium brands such as Ferrari are retrofitting the Purosangue and Roma Spider with dedicated push‑buttons, while Volkswagen plans to reintroduce tactile controls across its upcoming lineup.

For automakers, the pivot back to analog controls offers both a safety win and a market differentiator. Physical knobs eliminate latency, provide tactile feedback, and reduce driver eye‑off‑road time, directly addressing the ergonomic flaws of menu‑driven interfaces. As consumers become more safety‑aware, vehicles that balance digital innovation with intuitive, tactile interaction are likely to gain a competitive edge, reshaping interior design trends for the next generation of cars.