Comment I don't think this is a safety thing (Score 2) 47
A button-less design allows the whole product line to use one infotainment unit. Year on year improvements are software only. Features can vary by model without needing different hardware. I think this is all a manufacturing cost thing.
I have never heard someone ask for a touch screen replacement for physical buttons. They don't work with all gloves. They don't work well when dirty. They require much more time with your eyes off the road. There is no customer benefit to this, only manufacturing cost.