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March 28, 2025 – Zeekr, the electric vehicle brand under Geely, is finally listening to drivers who hate fumbling through touchscreens for basic controls. The company confirmed it will add tactile buttons and dials to upcoming models, starting with the 7GT sporty wagon and extending to larger SUVs like the 8X and 9X. The move comes after consistent customer complaints about the lack of physical controls in the 007 sedan, forcing the design team to rethink the cabin layout.
Javier Garcia-Gallardo, head of Zeekr’s Shanghai design studio, told media at a recent 7GT pre-launch event that the decision was driven by direct feedback from Chinese buyers and global markets alike. “For the 007, we had no physical controls in the center console. We got a lot of pushback, so when we designed the 7GT, we knew we had to change,” he said. The result is a hybrid approach: a large central touchscreen remains for infotainment, but frequently used functions like seat adjustments and massage controls now have dedicated switches.
The shift is particularly important for Zeekr’s higher-end models. “Customers looking at the 8X and 9X appreciate the tactile feel of switches and buttons. They don’t want to navigate a menu just to turn on massage or adjust the seat,” Garcia-Gallardo explained. “For features you use often, we make sure there’s a physical switch.” This aligns with a broader industry trend: automakers from Hyundai to Volkswagen have reversed their all-screen designs after studies showed physical buttons reduce driver distraction and improve safety.
Zeekr’s design team is also adapting to the needs of international buyers, including the U.S. market, where the brand has yet to launch. “We’re designing cars that appeal to all markets from the start,” Garcia-Gallardo said. “China is still our biggest and most important market, but as we mature, we bring global requirements into the program early.” He noted that the brand’s software suite – a bespoke operating system built from scratch – is frequently updated over the air, and the design team plays a major role in curating the user interface to match the new hardware.
The 7GT, which arrives in Australia later this year and is expected to enter other right-hand-drive markets, also features a unique animated LED light bar that was deleted for Australia due to local design rules. For the U.S., Zeekr would face similar regulatory hurdles, but the brand’s commitment to physical controls could be a strong selling point. According to a 2024 J.D. Power study, 68% of new car buyers in the U.S. prefer physical buttons for climate and audio controls, a statistic that Zeekr’s leadership is likely aware of.
One key advantage for Zeekr is the autonomy it enjoys within the sprawling Geely Group. “The company trusts design a lot, especially when it comes to proportions and architecture,” Garcia-Gallardo said. “That’s what makes a car feel special at first glance – not falling into the mainstream.” The brand is currently rationalizing its lineup around two design languages: “Hidden Energy” for the 7X and 7GT, and “Powerful Elegance” for the 8X and 9X hybrid large SUVs. Elements inherited from sibling brand Lynk & Co, such as the dual DRLs, will be phased out over time.
The 8X and 9X, both plug-in hybrids, are expected to be key for Zeekr’s expansion into markets like the U.S. and Europe, where range anxiety remains a concern. With a combined electric and gasoline range of over 500 miles, these two models could compete directly with the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox PHEV. Zeekr has not announced a firm timeline for U.S. entry, but the brand’s investment in dealer networks and compliance testing suggests 2027 is a realistic target.
Industry analysts see Zeekr’s button revival as a smart move. “Touchscreens are great for infotainment, but they’re terrible for core controls,” said Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst at Guidehouse Insights. “By adding physical buttons, Zeekr is acknowledging that driver ergonomics matter. It’s a lesson Tesla and others are still learning.” The 7GT, for example, retains a 15-inch central display for navigation and media, but the steering wheel and center console now feature tactile knobs for volume, temperature, and drive modes.
Zeekr’s sales momentum in Australia – largely driven by the 7X mid-size SUV – has given the brand confidence to expand its lineup. The fully electric 7GT is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms by the end of 2025, with the 8X and 9X hybrids following in 2027. For U.S. consumers, the wait may be longer, but the promise of a cabin that respects the driver’s need for physical controls could make Zeekr a welcome alternative to the all-screen trends dominating the market.
Zeekr’s decision to reintroduce physical buttons reflects a broader correction in the auto industry. As Garcia-Gallardo put it: “We listen to feedback. That’s the only way to build cars people actually want to drive.” For a brand that started as a Lynk & Co spin-off, Zeekr is now charting its own course – one that balances cutting-edge tech with the simple, satisfying click of a button.
