The current design has a touchscreen that is responsible for many of the interactions drivers will want to access while underway. Things like audio and HVAC controls will be used innumerable times while driving. With some trivial additions now, it would be far easier to add a tactile interface if it ends up being required for homologation or customer demand.
Assuming the computer has an internal USB hub, a free locking on-board connector would allow the future addition of a USB HID device. I do not suggest using a standard USB port as that would invite people connecting random USB devices to an important computer and potentially causing issues. There would also have to be three or four accessible locations where clips or screws could attach for mounting. This would make it relatively simple to add a custom tactile controller into new and fielded vehicles.
Once this capability is built-in, you'd always have the option to make or commission a custom device. These USB HID class devices should give you an idea of what's possible:
The main discussion about this topic I found was here but most of the suggestions required significant rework and design philosophy changes:
I believe that with some minor, and hidden, additions now you can build in the flexibility to adapt to the future.
https://www.aptera.us/forum/main/comment/5ff79bf582b26c001731915e in there is titled "HARD DIALS", its basically what yoru describing except it inputs data via teh touchscreen itself without need to plugin via USB or something, and its a more specific design overalll.