Ferrari Reintroduces Physical Buttons in New Amalfi Grand Tourer

In a notable shift in automotive design philosophy, Ferrari has announced the reintroduction of physical buttons in its new Amalfi grand tourer, a departure from the increasingly prevalent trend of touch controls in modern vehicles. The decision comes after critical feedback from customers regarding the usability of touch-sensing controls, particularly in high-performance driving situations.

Ferrari's commercial director, Enrico Galliera, acknowledged the oversight in their previous approach during the unveiling of the Amalfi, stating, "When we decided to create the SF90, the brief was to have the most performing Ferrari ever. We wanted to establish a distance versus our competitor. To achieve that, we put in all the most advanced available technologies" (Galliera, Autocar, July 2025). The SF90, launched in 2019, was among the first models to feature touch controls, which have since faced significant scrutiny from users who found them less intuitive and more challenging to operate while driving.

In response to this feedback, Galliera stated, "We realize that it was probably too advanced and not 100 percent perfect for the use that is done in the car". He emphasized that the Amalfi will mark a new direction for Ferrari, which aims to balance digital interaction with the tactile advantages of physical buttons. This approach, he noted, would be implemented in every new model launched henceforth.

The Amalfi grand tourer is set to succeed the Roma model, sharing its architecture but featuring extensive updates to its design and engine performance. Powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, the Amalfi delivers 471 kW and 761 Nm of torque, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of just 3.3 seconds. The vehicle's aerodynamic enhancements, including an active rear wing capable of generating 110 kg of downforce, further underline Ferrari's commitment to performance (Ferrari Press Release, 2025).

The interior of the Amalfi features a tri-screen setup, including a 15.6-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. However, the notable inclusion of physical buttons is expected to enhance the driving experience by allowing for more intuitive control of essential functions, such as the start/stop mechanism, which Galliera described as "iconic" to Ferrari's heritage.

Ferrari's decision aligns with a broader industry trend, as several manufacturers have begun revisiting their strategies regarding haptic controls. Volkswagen, for instance, has publicly categorized touch-sensing buttons as a "mistake" (Volkswagen Press Release, 2025). The backlash against touch-only interfaces underscores a growing demand for user-friendly controls in vehicles where driver attention is paramount.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the shift back to physical buttons may represent a significant turning point in user interface design, reflecting a balance between technological advancement and practical usability. The Amalfi's release is highly anticipated, and its reception could influence future design decisions across the luxury car market.

In conclusion, Ferrari's re-embrace of physical controls in the Amalfi signals a recognition of user preferences in the realm of automotive design. As the company prepares to launch the Amalfi, it is poised to set a new standard that may inspire other manufacturers to reconsider their approach to in-car technology and driver interaction.