[gardarh]

To be entirely fair I had the exact same problem with a "knob" interface. The variable resistor in the AC knob broke down putting the AC in the "just blow air as hard as you can, always" mode.

With a fully digital solution it should even be easier to provide workarounds for situations like that (e.g. remote screen on your phone). I'm not a big fan of touchscreens in cars though, but this particular argument doesn't feel strong to me.

[ultrarunner]

I can replace a resistor pack for $20 with a single Phillips screwdriver. I can even (and have) replaced a transistor when I couldn’t find the part in stock (I had a box of large transistors from an old project). With a screen I am at the mercy of the dealership for what seems to amount to a ‘coolness factor’. Hard pass.

[maxxxxx]

If everything is operated through the touch screen you lose a lot when the screen fails. With knobs only the function of the knob fails.

[oftenwrong]

Even older cars have cables (as in mechanical linkages) connected to those knobs.