The article mentions the touch screen interface without providing a picture.     For those interested here is a link:

https://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/images/car-reviews/first-drives/legacy/range-rover-velar-asdf4-1005_1.jpg?itok=1DDyvFkb

As for an interface like this never being done before...  well, that's simply not true.    Just look at Tesla.    MB and Audi have replace traditional information (speedo, tach, etc) with a panel screen as well.     The decision to make the steering wheel controls thumb touch panels vs traditional switches is questionable too.   Sometimes a thumb switch is the simplest way to control something - can be done by feel once you are familiar with the car, even with gloves.