Volkswagen brings back physical dashboard controls with the ID. Polo EV

Volkswagen is signalling a major shift in vehicle interior design as it prepares to reintroduce physical dashboard controls in its upcoming ID. Polo electric vehicle. The compact EV has been revealed with a strong emphasis on real buttons, switches and tactile controls, marking a notable departure from the touch-focused design seen in many recent cars. The move suggests the brand is responding to growing driver calls for simplicity, familiarity, and ease of use in modern vehicles.

The German automaker has been steadily reshaping its electric line-up and now appears ready to balance digital innovation with traditional usability. By combining screens with reliable physical controls, Volkswagen aims to create a driving environment that feels intuitive and reassuring rather than overwhelming. The ID. Polo serves as one of the clearest examples of this design philosophy to date.

Volkswagen shifts back to buttons and switches

Volkswagen revealed the ID’s interior, emphasising comfort and familiarity. The dashboard features clear buttons beneath the infotainment screen, a steering wheel with physical controls, and a rotary knob between the driver and passenger. This knob allows users to adjust audio volume and switch between tracks or radio stations without relying on the touchscreen. The approach reflects an attempt to restore the feeling of control that many drivers believe has been lost in the move to touchscreen-heavy interiors.

Chief designer Andreas Mindt explained that the company wanted the cabin to feel instantly welcoming and trustworthy. “We have created an interior that feels like a friend from the very first contact,” he said, highlighting how the use of tactile controls contributes to driver comfort and confidence. He added that “clear physical buttons provide stability and trust,” while the materials and styling are intended to create an inviting and engaging environment.

A design promise now taking shape

This return to physical controls is not sudden, but rather part of a promise Volkswagen has been building towards. Last year, Mindt stated that the company intended to bring back physical buttons for important functions “in every car we make from now on,” starting with the ID. 2all concept. That concept has since evolved into the ID. Polo and the production interior make it clear that Volkswagen intends to follow through on that commitment.

The ID. Polo, therefore, represents more than just another electric vehicle. It is also a symbol of the company’s updated design direction. Instead of placing nearly every function behind digital menus and touch gestures, Volkswagen is choosing to blend digital screens with familiar tactile elements. This approach may appeal particularly to drivers who value straightforward controls that can be operated without distraction.

Blending modern technology with retro charm

Despite the renewed focus on physical interfaces, the ID. Polo still offers modern digital features. Behind the steering wheel sits a 10.25-inch digital cockpit that provides essential driving information in a clear, contemporary layout. At the centre of the dashboard, a nearly 13-inch touchscreen handles infotainment functions, demonstrating that Volkswagen is not abandoning digital technology but is instead trying to balance it with practicality.

In a nod to the brand’s history, the vehicle also features a cockpit display that switches to a retro-inspired view. Drivers can activate an instrument layout inspired by the classic Golf I from the 1980s via the steering wheel controls or the infotainment system. This small detail highlights Volkswagen’s effort to connect modern electric mobility with its long-standing heritage.

Volkswagen expects the ID. Polo to be the first of four new electric models in its small and compact segment, with launches planned for European markets starting this year. However, the company has confirmed that there are currently no plans to release the compact EV in the United States. Even so, the model could still play an important role in shaping future interior design trends across the industry, especially if drivers respond positively to the return of physical controls.