Volkswagen returns physical buttons in the new ID Polo: what has changed in the interior.

According to Korrespondent.net: Volkswagen has first showcased the interior of the new electric hatchback ID. Polo ahead of its scheduled debut at the end of the year. The main news is that the manufacturer is abandoning touch control elements in favor of physical buttons and switches.

The ID. Polo is the first car entirely developed under the guidance of Volkswagen's new chief designer Andreas Mindt. He describes this model as 'an affordable friend for daily use' and a symbol of the brand's new direction.

See photos: Volkswagen revealed the interior of the electric ID. Polo

The interior features comfortable tactile controls: a rotating volume knob, a traditional block of four buttons for windows, and physical keys instead of touch sliders, which have not always been appreciated in models like the ID.3.

New design solutions

The new, more square steering wheel has separate hard buttons for controlling cruise control and multimedia, emphasizing comfort in use instead of modern, but not always convenient, touch panels. The 10.25-inch digital instrument panel is now directly integrated into the dashboard, unlike predecessors where it was mounted on the steering column. Also, the software pleases with a retro mode featuring graphics inspired by the instruments and cassette players of the 1980s Golf models.

In the center of the cabin, there is a large 13-inch touchscreen for multimedia; however, Volkswagen simplified the approach by adding physical buttons below the display for climate control and emergency signaling, as well as a rotary knob for volume and track or radio station selection. The interior has become warmer and cozier thanks to new soft materials that replaced the hard plastic on the dashboard, doors, and center console.

See photos: Volkswagen revealed the interior of the electric ID. Polo

Technical specifications

The dimensions of the electric ID. Polo are close to those of the gasoline version: a length of 4053 mm, a width of 1816 mm, a height of 1530 mm, and a wheelbase of 2600 mm. The model will be available with two battery options and three front-wheel-drive electric motors with power outputs of 114, 133, and 208 hp. A more powerful GTI version with an output of 223 hp will follow later.

The base LFP battery has a capacity of 37 kWh, while the larger NMC version with a capacity of 52 kWh will provide a range of up to 450 km. Charging speeds will vary between 90 and 130 kW depending on the configuration, and the updated MEB+ platform will serve as the model's basis.

Volkswagen has already announced a starting price in Germany of €25,000. However, initially, only the more expensive configurations will be available in Europe, so the actual starting price is likely to reach around €30,000.

It should be recalled that there have recently been reports about the range of the electric crossover ID.Unyx 08.

Thus, Volkswagen places emphasis on comfort and adaptation to modern driver needs in the new ID. Polo. The refusal of touch control elements may indicate the company's intention to return to classic solutions that provide better interaction with the driver. This approach, combined with the updated design and technical specifications, makes the model appealing to a broad audience.