Volkswagen has introduced new interior designs for its upcoming budget electric vehicle, the ID. Polo, showcasing a return to physical buttons in its dashboard layout. This model may not be available in the U.S., but the company has confirmed that its new button strategy will apply broadly across future vehicle designs.
Previously criticized for a reliance on touch-sensitive controls, VW acknowledges the consumer desire for traditional buttons, particularly on steering wheels. Design chief Andreas Mindt emphasized that the company learned from past mistakes and will include essential buttons for functions like volume control and heating in all future models, starting with the ID. Polo.
The new interior configuration aims to enhance user experience by providing tactile feedback, addressing widespread dissatisfaction with current infotainment systems that resemble tablet interfaces. Kai Grünitz, VW's board member for technical development, stated that the changes are part of a comprehensive redesign, featuring an intuitive operating environment with both physical buttons and restructured screens.