Volkswagen has opened an early window into the interior of its forthcoming ID. Polo, using the small EV to introduce a new cockpit layout and software set-up that it says is shaped heavily by customer feedback.
The German carmaker said the ID. Polo would be the first model to use a more “holistic” interior design approach aimed at clearer menus, improved perceived quality and controls that feel more familiar to long-time Volkswagen drivers.
A key change is the return of more physical buttons for commonly used functions, alongside reworked screen layouts intended to reduce distraction.
Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, said: “Our new interior architecture, starting with the all-new ID. Polo, elevates the customer experience to a new level: with clean lines, high-quality materials, and an intuitive operating environment with physical buttons and newly structured screens.
“In addition, from the ID. Polo onwards, our next software generation will deliver noticeably more comfort and functions for our customers. This includes, for example, the third generation of Travel Assist, which will soon recognise red traffic lights and stop signs, as well as comfortable one-pedal-driving.”
Volkswagen chief designer Andreas Mindt said: “We have created an interior that feels like a friend from the very first contact.”
The cockpit’s physical layout is anchored by two displays aligned on a horizontal axis: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an almost 13-inch central infotainment screen.
Volkswagen said a strip of separate buttons sits below the touchscreen for climate functions and the hazard warning lights, while a new multi-function steering wheel uses clearly separated button fields.
There is also a rotary controller for audio volume and track selection near the cup holders, plus an updated ID.Light strip that now extends into the front doors.
A playful extra is a retro instrument mode that, at the press of a button, switches the digital dials to graphics inspired by a 1980s Golf I.
