First look at dashboard of the Volkswagen ID. Polo EV

Quick look

• New ‘Pure Positive’ design language is introduced with the fully electric ID. Polo and future models.

• For those who like a classic look, the instrument panel can be changed to look like that of the first Golf with analogue meters.

As the months count down to the launch of the new Volkswagen ID. Polo, glimpses of the new model are being released. It’s a trend by automakers for some time to let people know a new model is on their way so they might want to hold off on buying the car they have in mind at the moment.

For a start, the automaker is showing what part of the interior looks like. The new design approach for the cockpit, to also be seen in other new models, is said to have been ‘shaped especially by customer feedback’. This feedback persuaded Volkswagen to give up on all-touch interfaces that frustrated owners, reverting to physical switches.

Features include new clarity and quality, and intuitive controls, with familiar operating patterns adopted and further developed. At the same time, a new software generation brings fresh functions to the ID. Polo.

“Our new interior architecture, starting with the all-new ID. Polo, elevates the customer experience to a new level: with clean lines, high-quality materials, and an intuitive operating environment with physical buttons and newly structured screens. In addition, from the ID. Polo onwards, our next software generation will deliver noticeably more comfort and functions for our customers. This includes, for example, the third generation of Travel Assist, which will soon recognise red traffic lights and stop signs, as well as comfortable one-pedal-driving, said Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development.

New design language
With the all-new ID. Polo, Volkswagen introduces the new ‘Pure Positive’ design language. The cross-class impression is reflected in details such as fabric-covered surfaces on the dashboard and door inserts. The pleasant feel of all surfaces, buttons, controls and handles creates an inviting and friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, Volkswagen’s new cockpit landscape focuses on even more intuitive operation.

“The all-new ID. Polo is an affordable friend for everyday life. Just as the Polo always was, but now electric,” said Volkswagen Chief Designer Andreas Mindt. “We have created an interior that feels like a friend from the very first contact. Clear physical buttons provide stability and trust, warm materials make it appealing, and charming details such as the new retro views of the instruments show the typical Volkswagen wink.”

The cockpit architecture
The ID. Polo’s cockpit architecture has with clear horizontal orientation. Two large displays, arranged along a single line of sight, define the new architecture. These include the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel, with a screen diagonal of 26 cm, and the 33-cm touchscreen of the infotainment system. The graphics are high-resolution and precise, and the central display is easily accessible for the front passenger as well.

Separate buttons for climate functions and the hazard warning lights are integrated into a strip below the infotainment screen. The multi-function steering wheel is also completely new, featuring clearly structured button fields.

Positioned between the smartphone tray and the cupholders is a rotary controller for audio operation, easily accessible for both driver and passenger, allowing volume adjustment as well as track and station selection.

The ID.Light has been significantly further developed: this interactive and intuitive light strip now extends not only across the width of the instrument panel at the base of the windscreen, but also into the front doors for the first time.

The Retro Display
Thanks to digital displays, it is now possible for interior designers to provide different instrument panels without the high cost of actually making physical elements. Personalisation of displays has been available for some time and the designers have now used it to present a retro look in the ID. Polo.

At the press of a button (on the steering wheel or via the infotainment system), the cockpit displays transform into classic analogue views from the very first Golf. For those who remember that first model or who appreciate the look of yesteryear, this creates an emotional connection.

Volkswagen ID. EV family to get familiar model names