Euro NCAP Finds Carmakers Adding Physical Controls
Safety testers say more manufacturers are returning buttons and stalks after consumer criticism of screen-heavy car interiors.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Car Types
Live Poll
Would you prefer a car with physical buttons over a touchscreen for driving controls?
Car manufacturers are introducing more physical controls after consumer criticism of screen-heavy designs, according to Euro NCAP's latest safety testing. The body found more cars now carry a greater number of buttons, with key driving controls such as indicators, hazard warning lights, and wipers required to be operated through a physical input.
Why it matters
Euro NCAP said it is concerned by the industry's move toward placing driving controls inside touchscreen systems, which its testing treats as a safety consideration. The findings put pressure on manufacturers to keep essential driving functions within easy physical reach.
Euro NCAP's driving-controls scores ranged from 100% for the BMW iX3 to 0% for the Leapmotor B05, with the Audi Q7 at 90%. The extraction does not detail how the scoring weights were applied across the protocol.
The players
Euro NCAP
The European New Car Assessment Programme is the independent body that crash-tests and rates new vehicles for safety, and its protocols now score driving controls.
Volkswagen Group
The German automotive conglomerate owning brands such as Audi and Volkswagen has faced criticism from consumers for its lack of physical buttons.
The details
Euro NCAP assessed the Audi Q7, Kia EV2, and Xpeng X9 under its latest protocols, scoring driving controls on whether they are physical buttons or stalks that are clearly visible and ergonomically sited. The testing found clear differences between European and Chinese manufacturers, with the exception of Geely's EX2, and Euro NCAP said the Xpeng X9 relies too heavily on touchscreen technology.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Article published on Euro NCAP's physical controls findings
Roadmap
Euro NCAP's latest protocols now score driving controls directly, turning interior ergonomics into a safety question rather than a matter of styling. The shift marks a partial reversal of the industry's move toward touchscreen-centric cabins, at least for functions drivers need without looking away from the road.
Buyers comparing new cars may find that driving controls such as indicators and wipers are now scored for physical accessibility, which can affect how easily they operate the vehicle. Shoppers who prefer tactile controls can check whether a model keeps those functions on buttons or stalks before purchasing.
The takeaway
When evaluating a new car, check whether essential driving functions like indicators, hazard lights, and wipers are operated by physical buttons or stalks rather than only through a touchscreen. Those controls are easier to reach without taking your eyes off the road.
Further reading
Explore more on Car Types to see how different vehicle designs handle driving controls.
Source note: This article includes information reported by dpa International.
Live Poll
Would you prefer a car with physical buttons over a touchscreen for driving controls?
