Audi’s Classic Touch: The Comeback of Physical Controls in Modern Cars

Audi has announced that five new models will eliminate the touchscreen slider on steering wheels in favor of a physical scroll wheel used for controlling volume and menu navigation. These models include the Audi A5, Audi Q5, Audi A6, Audi A6 e-tron, and Audi Q6 e-tron. All these models are relatively new and recently released. Audi acknowledged that the changes were made in response to persistent customer requests to return to traditional physical controls. Company spokesperson Michael Kruzius said that customers would like to return to the familiar design of physical controls.

Recently, Audi made interior enhancement a priority. A few months ago, Oscar da Silva Martins, head of Audi’s Product & Technological Communications, admitted in an interview that the interior quality had indeed declined and promised to restore it to its former high level. “In the past, Audi has performed better, and Audi will return to that level.”

Similar issues are not unique to Audi. Many automakers, under cost-saving pressures, overly rely on large screens, moving away from physical buttons and using cheaper materials, resulting in many functions only being available through the central control screen.

In recent developments, Audi is also focusing on electric vehicle technology, aiming to enhance battery efficiency and range, positioning itself competitively in the growing EV market. These initiatives come amid industry trends toward sustainability and technological integration, reflecting Audi’s commitment to innovation while respecting customer preferences for familiar design elements.