Physical Car Controls Return After Screen Criticism
Drivers comparing new cars should check how easily indicators, wipers, and hazard lights can be operated without a touchscreen.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Car Types
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Car manufacturers are adding more physical controls after consumer criticism of screen-heavy designs, according to Euro NCAP's latest safety testing. Euro NCAP tested the Audi Q7, Kia EV2, and Xpeng X9 under its latest protocols, scoring driving controls on whether they are clearly visible, ergonomically placed physical buttons or stalks.
Why it matters
Buttons and stalks for core functions such as indicators, hazard lights, and wipers can be operated without looking away from the road, which matters for everyday driving safety. Euro NCAP said it is concerned by the move toward placing driving controls within touchscreen systems.
Audi Q7 scored 90% for driving controls and BMW iX3 scored 100%, while the Leapmotor B05 scored 0%. Euro NCAP reported clear differences between European and Chinese manufacturers, with the exception of Geely's EX2.
The players
Euro NCAP
The European safety-testing body that rates new cars and assessed driving-control design in its latest protocols.
Volkswagen Group
The automaker group that has faced consumer criticism for its lack of physical buttons in recent vehicles.
Audi Q7
A Volkswagen Group SUV that scored 90% for driving controls in Euro NCAP's latest testing.
BMW iX3
A BMW electric SUV that scored 100% for driving controls in Euro NCAP's latest testing.
Xpeng X9
A Chinese electric people-carrier that Euro NCAP said relies too heavily on touchscreen technology for driving controls.
The details
Euro NCAP scored driving controls by checking whether key functions such as indicators, hazard warning lights, and wipers can be operated through a physical input. Volkswagen Group has faced criticism for its lack of buttons, while Euro NCAP said the Xpeng X9 relies too heavily on touchscreen technology. Under the protocol, a control counts only if it is a physical button or stalk that is clearly visible and ergonomically sited.
Timeline
Euro NCAP's physical controls findings were published on 3 November 2026.
The Home Front
Euro NCAP's latest protocols are shaping how carmakers design the controls drivers use daily, moving the conversation beyond infotainment screens toward basic functions. The shift affects everyday ownership, since the layout of controls determines how easily a car can be used without distraction.
If you are shopping for a new or used car, test how easily you can reach the indicators, hazard lights, and wipers without looking away from the road. Check the driving-control scores in Euro NCAP's published results before deciding between touchscreen-heavy and button-based layouts.
The takeaway
Physical controls for core driving functions are becoming a point of comparison alongside range and price. Test the controls yourself on a showroom visit before you buy.
Further reading
Explore how different Car Types are designed around everyday controls and driver safety.
Source note: This article includes information reported by dpa International.
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Would you prefer a car with physical buttons over a touchscreen for driving controls?
