By the wanting glass: Touchscreens in automobiles are a double-edged sword. Whereas they provide smooth aesthetics and the flexibility to replace software program options simply, they may also be a big distraction for drivers, requiring you to take your eyes off the street to poke round attempting to get issues performed – which is way from supreme if you’re hurtling down the freeway at 70 mph.
Whereas many American automakers proceed to supply buttons for essential performance, most Chinese language automotive makers have given up on them completely, changing them with huge touchscreen panels that typically occupy a lot of the dashboard upfront. Xiaomi’s lately launched SU7 sedan is just not spared from the development both and boasts an enormous 16.1-inch 3K panel. There’s one factor the model is doing completely different although.
Recognizing {that a} “one dimension matches all” answer might not resonate with all prospects, the smartphone-turned-automaker made a wise transfer: providing consumers the choice so as to add a removable row of bodily buttons under the touchscreen.
It is a nifty accent that permits customers to simply management capabilities like temperature, audio, and extra with the satisfying tactility of fine, old-school buttons. For many who discover extreme touchscreen interactions distracting or cumbersome whereas driving, it is such an excellent possibility and we solely want extra automakers provided equipment prefer it.
In any case, research have shown that fidgeting with touchscreen controls can divert a driver’s consideration from the street for harmful lengths of time – wherever from 5 to 40 seconds in some circumstances. With no tactile suggestions, drivers may discover themselves glancing down repeatedly to make sure instructions have registered appropriately.
These points have not gone unnoticed by regulators. The truth is, the European New Automobile Evaluation Programme (NCAP) might be updating its ranking standards in 2026, mandating that sure important controls just like the horn, flip indicators, and hazard lights have devoted bodily buttons or switches for prime security scores.
Whereas the SU7 is not slated for European markets (no less than not but), NCAP’s transfer underscores the potential hazards of ditching buttons altogether in favor of touchscreen interfaces.
Xiaomi’s tailor-made method permits it to cater to various preferences. Past the intelligent button bar, the SU7 could be kitted out with an array of different nifty equipment – from perfume diffusers to facet gentle bars and even outside Bluetooth audio system.
With such an fascinating array of accent choices, it’s going to be fascinating to see what additional goodies Xiaomi cooks up for the SU7’s upcoming 1,548hp “Extremely” hyper-performance variant.
Given simply how insanely fast this mannequin is – we’re speaking a 217 mph prime pace and a mind-boggling 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) time of 1.97 seconds – maintaining your eyes firmly planted on the street might be essential. Heck, at these speeds, fumbling round with a barrage of touchscreen menus and submenus to easily change the radio station or cabin temperature is just about courting catastrophe.
