The Volkswagen ID. Polo interior has been shown ahead of its launch.
Volkswagen has officially pulled the covers off the interior of the all-new ID. Polo, offering a first glimpse at a cabin that promises to fix past ergonomics complaints while injecting a heavy dose of nostalgia.
Defined by a new “Pure Positive” design language, the cockpit represents a major pivot for Volkswagen. Shaped heavily by customer feedback, the new interior architecture prioritises clarity, quality, and—crucially—the return of intuitive physical controls.
The Return of Buttons and Rotary Knobs
In a move that will delight Volkswagen purists, the ID. Polo signals a departure from the touch-sensitive sliders that dominated recent ID. models.
Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, confirmed that the new interior features an “intuitive operating environment with physical buttons.” Key ergonomic improvements include:
- Multi-function Steering Wheel: Now features clearly structured button fields rather than haptic touchpads.
- Climate Controls: Separate physical buttons for climate functions and hazard lights are now integrated into a strip below the screen.
- Rotary Audio Controller: Positioned between the smartphone tray and cup holders, a new rotary controller allows both the driver and passenger to easily adjust volume and select tracks—a simple feature that vastly improves usability.
“Secret Sauce”: The Retro Golf Mode
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing feature is a digital Easter egg designed to forge an emotional connection with drivers.
Dubbed “Secret Sauce” by the design team, the ID. Polo features a Retro Display mode. With a single press of a button, the modern digital instrument cluster transforms into the classic analogue dials of the 1980s Golf Mk1. This feature blends the charm of VW’s heritage with its electric future, offering a “playful wink” to the brand’s history.
Screens and Software
While the retro mode looks back, the hardware is looking forward. The cockpit is defined by two large displays arranged along a single line of sight:
- Digital Cockpit: A 26.0 cm (10.25-inch) screen behind the steering wheel.
- Infotainment System: A massive 33 cm (almost 13-inch) touchscreen, which VW claims stands out in the segment for its size and high-resolution graphics.
Powering these screens is a new software generation designed to deliver more comfort. This includes the third generation of Travel Assist, which can now recognise red traffic lights and stop signs, as well as a new One-Pedal Driving function for smoother EV operation.
A “Class-Above” Atmosphere
Volkswagen aims to shake off the “budget” feel often associated with small cars. Chief Designer Andreas Mindt describes the ID. Polo as “an affordable friend for everyday life.”
To achieve this, the interior utilises fabric-covered surfaces on the dashboard and door inserts, moving away from hard plastics to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The interactive ID.Light strip has also been evolved; it now extends across the windscreen and into the front doors, providing intuitive lighting cues to the driver.
With the ID. Polo, Volkswagen appears to be correcting course—combining the tech of an EV with the user-friendly ergonomics that made the original Polo a household name.
