--- title: "Mercedes Boss Admits “Buttons Are Better,” and Will Bring Them Back: TDS" date: "2025-09-17" modified: "2025-09-17" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/mercedes-boss-admits-buttons-are-better-and-will-bring-them-back-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Mercedes Boss Admits “Buttons Are Better,” and Will Bring Them Back: TDS ![Mercedes-Benz GLC EV]() *\Mercedes-Benz AG\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. *TDS* is light, tight, and right. *TDS* takes the latest automotive news from around the globe and summarizes stories in a single sentence with a link provided for those seeking more information. The first cup of coffee is gone here, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: The 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum is in my garage and the three most notable things are the new split tailgate design, new dashboard and steering wheel design, and the fact that ever single one of these things has a black tailgate. ⌨️ Mercedes-Benz software boss Magnus Östberg [admitted that "the data shows us the physical buttons are better,"]() noting the automaker will bring back buttons, roller knobs, and toggles, but will do so with a new steering wheel design first shown on the GLC EV, as that's the quickest way to bring physical controls back into the luxury automaker's vehicles. 🏎️ Mercedes-Benz AMG is determining the [viability of an electric iterati]()[o]()[n]() of its upcoming Porsche 911 fighter. ‼️ Stellantis [recalled nearly 165,000 Jeep Wagoneers and Grand Wagoneers]() due to the possible detachment of trim on the driver and passenger doors. ✨ Rolls-Royce unveiled a [one-off Cullinan dubbed the Cosmos](), and it is said to be inspired by the drama of space with a hand-painted Starlight Headliner that took over 160 hours to create. 🇦🇪 Tesla began [selling the Cybertruck in the UAE]() as the childish-looking electric truck continues to flop in America. 🪏 Rivian [broke ground on the automaker's new EV factory]() in Georgia. 🕵️‍♀️ The U.S. federal government is investigating whether about 174,000 [Tesla Model Y EVs have door handles that may not work](), which could trap children inside the vehicle. 💄 Lexus unveiled a [one-off LX SUV dubbed the Glam LX](), which is said to be outfitted with beauty and fashion-inspired necessities turning the vehicle into a full-service glam studio. *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()