Volkswagen has revealed the electric Polo’s interior with many physical buttons, something that is not common for EVs, ahead of the hatchback’s UK launch later this year. Called the ID Polo, it’s the first Volkswagen model to adopt the brand’s new Pure Positive design language under chief designer Andreas Mindt, who aims to increase the use of switchgear based on customer feedback.
“Clear physical buttons provide stability and trust,” Mindt said. Other upcoming vehicles of the all-electric ID range will also come with physical controls, the carmaker announced.
- The ID Polo will serve as the entry point to VW’s EV lineup
- Steering-mounted buttons to be on offer
- Physical HVAC controls are also to be provided
Earlier, Mercedes-Benz confirmed it will reintroduce physical buttons across current and future models, while Ferrari has said it plans to strike a better balance between digital controls and tactile buttons. Notably, cars that lack physical controls for key functions will find it harder to secure a full five-star rating under the 2026 Euro NCAP crash tests.
VW ID Polo EV interior details
Traditional HVAC control setup
Previewed by the 2023 VW ID 2all concept, the production car’s cabin is largely unchanged, and the 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and the 13-inch touchscreen have been carried over. That said, the central screen no longer houses slider-type controls for media volume or climate. Those have been shifted to a row of physical buttons below, restoring a more traditional layout.
Additionally, a centre console-mounted rotary dial, easily accessible for both driver and passenger, allows for volume control and switching tracks or radio stations. The new steering wheel has been packed with numerous physical buttons on each of the two spokes, including driver assistance and media functions.
1980s Golf Mk1-styled retro mode for the screens
The new Polo electric vehicle will offer customisable displays with a retro mode modelled on a Golf Mk1. This includes an analogue driver’s display theme (number and needle graphics for both the speedometer and battery state of charge), and a simulated spooling tape deck animation for the touchscreen.
The 4,053mm-long, 1,816mm-wide and 1,530mm-tall EV is marginally larger in size than its combustion equivalent sold in international markets, and its flat floor should improve interior space. Even the electric motor and other key mechanicals are placed at the front, and VW claims that the new car will have a deep, 435-litre boot.
