FYI: Modern cars are phasing out physical buttons due to evolving consumer preferences and advanced software integration, particularly in China’s growing EV market.
As the automotive industry evolves rapidly, physical buttons in cars are increasingly becoming a relic of the past. This shift is driven by several factors, including automakers’ desire to reduce costs, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, and the need to integrate numerous advanced software features that simply can’t all be mapped to physical buttons. However, a lesser-known reason for this trend is that buyers in China’s EV market consider physical buttons to be "old-fashioned."
The Trend in China’s EV Market
Chinese consumers are accustomed to cutting-edge technology and often view traditional physical buttons as remnants of the past. This general sentiment is pushing automakers to innovate and introduce more advanced, touchscreen-based controls. However, it’s important to note that preferences can vary greatly among individual drivers.
Xiaomi’s Innovative Approach
Xiaomi, a tech giant renowned for its smartphones, has ventured into the electric car market with substantial success. Unlike Apple, which invested heavily in EV development only to eventually withdraw, Xiaomi has captured consumer interest with competitive and innovative electric vehicles, most notably the Xiaomi SU7 sedan.
The Xiaomi SU7’s Detachable Button Bar
Understanding the varying preferences for car controls, Xiaomi has introduced an intriguing solution with its SU7 sedan. It features a detachable row of physical buttons that can be attached to the touchscreen. This row of buttons screws in via fasteners at the back, offering easy, tactile access to essential functions like temperature control and audio settings. This feature caters to users who still value the tactile feedback of physical buttons, marrying the old with the new.
A Multifaceted Vehicle
The Xiaomi SU7, dubbed "China’s Apple Car," comes with a range of customizable accessories to enhance the driving experience:
- Digital Speed and Range Gauge Cluster: Provides real-time driving data.
- Fragrance Diffuser: Adds a pleasant ambiance to the cabin.
- Side-Mounted Light Bars: Accentuate the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.
- Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker: Similar to offerings by Rivian, this feature is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Future Prospects
With such innovative features, it’s clear that Xiaomi is focused on delivering a unique and versatile driving experience with the SU7. Future versions, boasting nearly 1,550 horsepower, promise even more exciting developments.
Conclusion
The transition away from physical buttons in modern vehicles reflects broader trends in automotive design and consumer expectations. Enhanced by Xiaomi’s thoughtful innovations, the SU7 showcases how tech giants can bring a fresh perspective to the automotive industry.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Written by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
