Germany
Audi is rethinking the interiors of its future models after several years leaning into large screens, glossy plastic trim and touch-sensitive controls. The brand wants to bring back costlier materials, physical controls, and what it calls the classic Audi “click and feel.”
What is changing
Screens will play a less dominant role, with some functions moving back onto buttons, switches and dials. Audi is also promising more real metal, less piano black trim, and more tactile surfaces throughout the cabin.
Why the reversal
Customers never fully embraced the all-touch approach. Steering wheels with capacitive-touch buttons and the Digital Stage interior concept drew particular criticism, with drivers finding everyday actions less convenient than with physical controls.
Where it has appeared first
The new direction, internally called Radical Next, has already been previewed on the Concept C design study and the limited-run Nuvolari supercar. Audi plans to carry the philosophy into its production model lineup over the coming years.
