Carmakers are equipping their latest models with fancy touchscreens, but that could cause problems with Europe’s largest car safety authority.
The European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) is revamping its rating system starting Jan. 1, 2026 to mandate that five of a car’s primary controls — its horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard warning lights and SOS features — will need physical buttons or switches.
Car models will have to comply to get NCAP’s coveted five-star rating. The scheme is voluntary but is heeded by most automakers because it’s closely monitored by consumers.
Belgium-based NCAP says that purely digital controls are a potential safety issue.
There did used to be some glitchiness in AA for me along those lines about a year ago, but they cleared up about a month before the P8 launch. I also use a P8P, but on an older car using the wired-only AA since the cars end doesn’t support Bluetooth AA sadly. Wonder if that’s got something to do with it?
Funny enough the glitch that’s remained no matter how many updates (and yes I’ve reset settings on both ends many times) is that whatever audio was left playing will Autoplay at max volume when AA initiates. Luckily I can just mute my system and then go forth, but it’s annoying to have to rewind or if I forget.