Volkswagen has unveiled the interior of its upcoming compact electric vehicle, the ID. Polo, emphasizing a return to physical buttons and tactile controls. The design aims to provide stability and trust through real switches and knobs, blending modern digital features with retro elements. The model will debut in European markets later this year.
Volkswagen's ID. Polo represents a shift back toward physical interfaces in car design. The German automaker revealed the interior of this compact EV, highlighting real buttons, switches, and a knob for audio adjustments. This approach follows chief designer Andreas Mindt's commitment last year to reintroduce physical buttons for key functions in all future vehicles, starting from the ID. 2all concept, which evolved into the ID. Polo.
Mindt described the interior in a press release: "We have created an interior that feels like a friend from the very first contact. Clear physical buttons provide stability and trust, warm materials make it appealing, and charming details such as the new retro views of the instruments show the typical Volkswagen wink."
The dashboard includes tangible buttons below the infotainment display and additional ones on the steering wheel. A central knob between the driver and passenger seats handles volume and track selection. Despite the focus on physical controls, the ID. Polo retains digital elements: a 10.25-inch cockpit display behind the wheel and a nearly 13-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Users can switch the cockpit to a retro view inspired by the 1980s Golf I via a steering wheel button or the touchscreen.
As the first of four new EVs in Volkswagen's small and compact segment, the ID. Polo is set for European release starting this year. However, it will not be available in the US market.
