I am not saying you are wrong mitch, far from it.
The more screens, menus, options and selections you have to make, particularly ‘on the move’ is a big distraction. Even some of the alleged ‘safety kit’ is a distraction in itself.
As for basic function, for example, heating – a good old slidey knob, hot to the left, cold to the right, you can work without even looking. Same as fan speed – simply turn a knob – the more clicks the faster the fan (and vice-versa) – simples. Why the need for touchscreen control?
A lot of this ‘high tech’ I think poses the question ‘just because something can be done, should it be done?’
What may look nice on a designer’s iPad, doesn’t necessarily correlate into a safer driving experience.
However, car manufacturers currently seem to perceive that ‘low tech’ equals being left behind!