Buttons are back for basic functions, Euro NCAP confirms in testing

In its latest round of vehicle safety tests, Euro NCAP has reaffirmed its belief that the use of physical buttons or controls for basic functions is safer, and that some manufacturers are responding to the call that in an increasingly complex age, keeping things simple is the safest approach.

Three new cars have been assessed by safety experts under Euro NCAP’s 2026 protocols that include the Audi Q7, Kia EV2 and Xpeng X9.

The results of Euro NCAP’s testing show that car manufacturers are making a steady return in favour of buttons and switches for basic functions, rather than the use of touchscreens and voice control.

This point is illustrated by the differing performances of the latest generation Audi Q7, the Kia EV2 and the new Xpeng X9. Both the Q7 and the X9 are large, premium cars aimed at families, but, according to Euro NCAP, the Q7 SUV shows how to make driving controls simple, intuitive and ultimately safe, whereas the X9 relies too heavily on touchscreen technology.

Under the Safe Driving section of Euro NCAP’s safety rating, the key driving controls – indicators, windscreen wipers and washer, hazard warning lights, horn and eCall emergency button – should be operated by a direct physical input rather than hidden within a menu on a touchscreen.

Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, which has previously been criticised for doing away with buttons and switches, scores a high 90 per cent overall for driving controls: 100 per cent for the essential driving tasks and 80 per cent for comfort and infotainment.

Euro NCAP said the new Q7 uses buttons and stalks that are clearly visible and ergonomically sited, are easily operated manually and reduce the chances of driver distraction. The Kia EV2, a smaller SUV also achieves excellent scores for its driving controls.

In contrast, Euro NCAP said Chinese car maker Xpeng relies too heavily on the central touchscreen, which can be distracting, scoring only 20 per cent for its primary driving controls.

Of the cars already tested by Euro NCAP in 2026, the tester said that there are clear differences between European manufacturers and Chinese carmakers (with one exception the Geely E2) with the Europeans scoring highly in the use of buttons for basic functions in the driving control assessment.

The BMW iX3 scores 100 per cent in driving controls with the Cupra Raval and the Geely E2 both scoring 80 per cent.

In contrast the Zeekr 7GT and Aion UT only score 20 per cent with the Leapmotor B05 lagging with a score of zero per cent.

Dr. Aled Williams, programme director Euro NCAP, said: “Euro NCAP is continually monitoring market trends, and the move toward placing as many driving controls within a car’s touchscreen system is one that has concerned us just as much as it has annoyed consumers.

“It is clear in these results that the Xpeng adheres to the mantra that everything must be included in the touch screen, despite overwhelmingly negative feedback by European car buyers. We applaud Audi and Kia for taking a more common-sense approach.

“Our latest protocols reward the intelligent use of physical buttons and controls, as this can reduce driver distraction, and both Audi’s new Q7 and Kia’s EV2 do an excellent job of keeping safety simple. Other manufacturers, including Xpeng, would do well to follow this strategy.”