Volkswagen has finally decided to revert to its "all-touchscreen" interior design, which has been criticized by car enthusiasts for years.
Ahead of its official launch, Volkswagen unveiled its all-new all-electric hatchback, the ID. Polo.Interior design photosThis affordable electric car, considered the production version of the ID. 2all concept car, has its biggest highlight not in horsepower or range, but in bringing back physical buttons.
From the steering wheel to the center console, familiar physical switches, levers, and even volume control knobs will return, signaling that the German automaker is trying to correct its overly aggressive digital transformation over the past few years.
Say goodbye to touch hell, chief designer: buttons are like friends.
"We've created an interior that feels like a friend from the first touch," said Volkswagen's chief designer, Andreas Mindt, in a press release. He emphasized that clearly defined physical buttons provide a sense of "stability and trust" while the warm materials make the cabin more inviting.
This wasn't a sudden idea. As early as last year, Andreas Mindt revealed to foreign media that Volkswagen's future new cars would reintroduce physical controls for important functions. And in the ID. Polo, we see concrete implementation: a row of physical buttons is retained below the center console screen (presumably for air conditioning and hazard lights), the easily accidentally touched capacitive touchpad on the steering wheel has been replaced with solid physical buttons, and there's even a physical knob between the driver and passenger seats for adjusting volume or switching tracks/radios.
Modern technology blended with 80s nostalgia
Despite emphasizing the tactile experience, the ID. Polo is well-equipped with technology. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is positioned in front of the driver's seat, while the center console features a nearly 13-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system.
To pay homage to the classics, Volkswagen has also included a delightful surprise: owners can switch the digital instrument cluster interface to the classic 1980s Golf I analog style via steering wheel buttons or the center console menu. This "Volkswagen Wink," which combines digital display technology with retro charm, is expected to resonate with many longtime car enthusiasts.
European sales will begin this year, but the US will miss out.
The ID. Polo is expected to be the first of four new electric vehicles that Volkswagen will launch in the small and compact car market, with a planned official launch in Europe later in 2026. However, there may be bad news for American consumers: Volkswagen currently has no plans to introduce this compact electric vehicle to the US market.
Analysis: This is true "human-centered" technology.
The interior transformation of the Volkswagen ID. Polo symbolizes that after several years of the misconception that "the bigger the screen, the better, and the fewer the buttons, the better," the automotive industry is finally beginning to correct its course and return to normalcy.
In recent years, in pursuit of a high-tech feel (and to save costs), many car manufacturers have integrated air conditioning, volume, and even windshield wiper controls into touchscreens or touch bars. As a result, drivers have to look at the screen while driving, which seriously affects driving safety, not to mention the terrible feel of the controls.
Fox's willingness to "go back to basics" and embrace physical buttons and knobs is actually a sign of progress. It proves that truly good UI/UX design should not force users to change their habits to adapt to machines, but rather allow machines to serve humanity in the most intuitive and safest way.
As for the Golf I's retro instrument panel mode? It's definitely a plus. After all, who doesn't like to occasionally dream of driving an old car while driving an electric car?
