Balance is being restored—physical buttons are making a comeback
When Ferrari unveiled the new Amalfi, it wasn’t just the upgraded V8 engine that caught attention—it was the return of real, physical buttons. As the Roma’s successor, the Amalfi skips hybrid tech in favor of a more powerful combustion engine and brings back traditional steering wheel controls, including a proper start button.
Why the change? Maranello says it’s responding to widespread customer frustration over the capacitive-touch controls introduced in recent models. That feedback prompted Ferrari to ditch touch-sensitive keys in favor of tactile buttons.
The Amalfi is just the beginning. Ferrari’s commercial chief Enrico Galliera confirmed to Autocar that all future models will include physical buttons on the steering wheel. Even better, product development head Gianmaria Fulgenzi told Top Gear that current owners may be able to retrofit their cars with updated controls. The upgrade doesn’t require replacing the full wheel—just the central section—and it can be done at local dealerships.
Ferrari first embraced touch interfaces with the SF90, aiming to showcase cutting-edge technology. But Galliera now admits the execution missed the mark. “It wasn’t 100% suitable for how our cars are driven,” he said, acknowledging that drivers found the controls unintuitive while on the move. The goal was smartphone-like responsiveness, but it compromised safety and usability.
Still, the tech shift didn’t hurt Ferrari’s bottom line. The brand posted record sales in 2024, delivering 13,752 vehicles—up 0.7% from the previous year. Demand remains strong, with new orders stretching production into 2027.
Ferrari isn’t alone in reversing course. Volkswagen has also brought back physical buttons to several models, including the GTI and R-Line. Yet, the broader trend toward screen-heavy interiors continues. Dedicated controls for climate and core functions are increasingly rare—though brands like Toyota and Hyundai/Kia still offer them. Even Ferrari has added a dedicated screen for the front passenger.
But with the Amalfi, Ferrari signals that some traditions are worth reviving.
