Volkswagen has unveiled the interior of the all-new ID. Polo, its future entry-level electric model, is priced from €25,000—the ID. Polo reintroduces physical switchgear on board, complemented by retro-inspired graphics to enhance its appeal.

Volkswagen started a new interior design philosophy with the advent of its electric ID model range, beginning with the ID.3 in 2019. It featured a pared-down cabin that relied heavily on touch controls, removing most physical buttons.

A lot of criticism followed, forcing VW to not only bring back physical switchgear but also restore the build quality that it had become renowned for in the 1990s and 2000s.

Still big screens, but now with actual buttons

With the ID. Polo, launching in the coming months, will feature a new interior design that harmonizes digital and physical elements. The dashboard is still quite minimalistic, with a horizontal layout and two large displays (10.25 and 13 inches in diameter).

But the way you interact with the car brings back the old days, when you didn’t need to take your eyes off the road to make adjustments.

It starts with the steering wheel, which features a new two-spoke design and buttons neatly arranged in a rectangular layout. On the left are the driver-assist controls, which are also being upgraded to the third-gen Travel Assist. And on the right are the interaction buttons for the driver’s display.

Retro display mode

Speaking of which, Volkswagen has added a retro touch to the ID’s digital interfaces. Polo. At the press of a button (or a swipe on the infotainment screen), the cockpit can be transformed into the classic Golf I view of the 1980s.

This brings back the classic rotary dial, but with modern features such as range and regenerative braking integrated into the retro look.

More generally, VW has also focused on bringing a cosy atmosphere inside the ID. Polo. The grey and black plastics are contrasted by brighter elements and fabrics that envelop the door panels and dashboard.

Coming soon

For more details, we’ll have to wait until the Spring of 2026. VW is planning to unveil the ID. Polo is scheduled for the coming months, while the order books are set to open at the end of April. We’re expecting two battery sizes (37 or 52 kWh) and a starting price of around €25,000.