Future Audi Interiors to Ditch Buttons in Favor of Screens

Buttonless Future

If you're the old school type, you probably prefer the presence of physical buttons in your automotive interiors. And we don't blame you. After all, hunting through endless screens and menus just trying to adjust your interior temp is pretty annoying, not to mention dangerous. Unfortunately, Audi seems content to ditch physical buttons, dials, and switches altogether in the future, according to a recent report from Motor Authority. 

Photos: Audi 

Screens Everywhere

That future has already started, to a point. The new A8, A7, A6, and Q8 all utilize Audi's new MMI Touch Response infotainment system, which features few buttons as it is. Pretty much everything is controlled by a trio of screens, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for climate controls. 

Photos: Audi

>>Join the conversation about what's to come with Audi cabins right here in Audiworld.com.

Shrinking and Expanding

But as Marc Lichte, Audi's head of design, explained to Motor Authority, that's only the beginning. Apparently, Audi is already working on implementing an "augmented reality heads-up display" in future products. Lichte also wants to shrink the size of the existing gauge cluster and merge the two center touchscreens into one larger unit. 

Photos: Audi

>>Join the conversation about what's to come with Audi cabins right here in Audiworld.com.

Merging Into One

Litche also noted that the existing volume knob as we know it and love it will disappear. He did say that Audi might retain some sort of physical control for this function, however, perhaps a rocker on the steering wheel. All-in-all, this transition sounds like it'll look a lot like a modern-day Tesla. One giant screen, with only a couple of steering wheel-mounted controls.

Photos: Audi 

>>Join the conversation about what's to come with Audi cabins right here in Audiworld.com.

Exterior Changes

In addition to these major interior changes, Lichte also talked at length about the future of exterior design. We're seeing a preview of this shift in the E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback, which certainly look like Audis yet feature longer wheelbases and shorter overhangs. Obviously, this was possible in these vehicles because they don't have an internal-combustion engine up front. 

Photos: Audi

>>Join the conversation about what's to come with Audi cabins right here in Audiworld.com.

Electric Evolution

That's the sort of thing you'll see on future Audi products as well, but it'll be more evolutionary than revolutionary so as not to turn off customers. Lichte also noted that future EV designs will feature lower ride heights with low floors, though crossovers and SUVs will retain a higher ride height and seating position.

Photos: Audi 

>>Join the conversation about what's to come with Audi cabins right here in Audiworld.com.

Changes Coming

We'll first see these changes when the Audi E-Tron GT lands in showrooms by the end of next year. In the meantime, it's becoming increasingly clear that Audi has big plans for the future, ones that certainly break with long-standing traditions. Whether or not consumers embrace these changes, well, we'll just have to wait and see.

Photos: Audi 

>>Join the conversation about what's to come with Audi cabins right here in Audiworld.com.

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