Carmakers are equipping their latest models with fancy touchscreens, but that could cause problems with Europe’s largest car safety authority.
The European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) is revamping its rating system starting Jan. 1, 2026 to mandate that five of a car’s primary controls — its horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard warning lights and SOS features — will need physical buttons or switches.
Car models will have to comply to get NCAP’s coveted five-star rating. The scheme is voluntary but is heeded by most automakers because it’s closely monitored by consumers.
Belgium-based NCAP says that purely digital controls are a potential safety issue.
Touchscreens in cars are stupid. Add miniature track pads to that too.
I’d be ok with a haptic track ball or pad. If it gave you a noticable “click” it would be miles above the current screens.
My A4 has it. I love it. When searching for something in the car, I don’t need to pull my phone out. I can just write the letters on the console.
You need to fuckin write while driving? That’s nuts…
I am specifically talking about the micro pads they put on the Mercedes Benz steering wheels. Everything is still done at the touchscreen, but now you have a track pad to navigate it with. It is faster and safer to reach over and touch the screen. Less time with your eyes off the road when you are driving a big ass van.
That’s pretty cool. I like that idea.
The capacitive Mercedes wheel is the worst… not to mention they still don’t have a dedicated track forward button. It’s baffling and insane.
Or simply install a physical button.
they should just link the display to the steering wheel
to go left and right you steer accordingly
to go up and down you accelerate or break