Central trackpad

What is an Automotive Central Trackpad?

The central trackpad is a touch-sensitive surface, usually located on the center console between the front seats, which serves as a control interface for the vehicle's infotainment system. It replaces or complements physical buttons, the rotary controller, or the touchscreen. By allowing the driver to rest their hand on the console and control the main screen's functions with simple finger gestures, it aims to merge cutting-edge technology with ergonomics. This technology is particularly widespread in the premium segment, where it is synonymous with modernity and sophistication. By minimizing distractions, the central trackpad enables the driver to stay focused on the road and driving dynamics, a significant advantage in a performance-oriented vehicle.

Operation and Ergonomics of a Touchpad

The operation of the central trackpad is very intuitive and similar to that of a laptop computer. The surface detects the position and movement of one or more fingers to execute various commands:

• Swipe: To scroll through lists, navigate through menus, or pan the navigation map.
• Tap: To select a highlighted item.
• Pinch: To zoom in or out on the map.
• Handwriting: Many systems, such as Audi's MMI Touch, allow drivers to draw letters or numbers directly on the pad to enter an address or search for a name.

To enhance the experience and safety, most modern trackpads incorporate haptic feedback. A slight vibration or audible click confirms that the command has been successfully registered, allowing the driver to avoid having to visually check the screen. Its positioning is designed so that the wrist can rest comfortably on the console, reducing fatigue and the wide arm movements required to reach a touchscreen.

Trackpad vs. Touchscreen vs. Rotary Controller: Which is Best?

The debate over the best control interface is ongoing in the automotive industry. Each system has its own advantages.

The touchscreen is universally understood thanks to smartphones, but it can be imprecise on bumpy roads and forces the driver to lift their arm, which can be distracting. It is also prone to fingerprint smudges.

The rotary controller (like early BMW iDrive systems) is extremely precise and safe because it offers purely mechanical control. However, it can be slower for complex actions such as text input or map panning.

The central trackpad sits between the two. It offers the gestural flexibility of a touchscreen while benefiting from a fixed ergonomic position like a rotary controller. The current trend is indeed toward hybridization: many manufacturers, such as BMW, now integrate a touch surface directly on top of their rotary controller, combining the best of both worlds.

Pioneering Brands of the Central Trackpad

Several premium manufacturers have adopted and perfected the central trackpad:

• Audi (MMI Touch / MMI Touch Response): One of the pioneers, Audi integrated a touchpad that recognizes handwriting. In its most recent models, the lower screen on the center console acts as a giant trackpad with very realistic haptic feedback.
• Mercedes-Benz (COMAND/MBUX): The brand with the star offers a large touchpad on the center console, enabling full gesture control of the MBUX system.
• BMW (iDrive Touch Controller): BMW cleverly evolved its famous iDrive rotary controller by integrating a touch surface on top, allowing for both rotation/push inputs and touch gestures.
• Lexus (Remote Touch): Lexus long used a trackpad-style system, which has evolved over the years to become more intuitive and responsive, offering a distinctive alternative to German systems.

In conclusion, the central trackpad represents a sophisticated solution for interacting with the increasingly complex systems of modern cars. It offers an excellent compromise between the modernity of touch technology and the safety of a physical control, establishing itself as a key feature of high-end cabins.