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| The 80s-inspired ID.Polo retro gauges |
In an industry racing toward seamless screens and voice-activated everything, Volkswagen is taking a surprising—and delightfully retro—detour. The interior of upcoming VW electric vehicles is poised for a dramatic shift, one that draws direct inspiration from the brand’s iconic designs of the 1980s. This move isn't just about aesthetics; it’s a fundamental reevaluation of what makes a car's cabin both functional and emotionally resonant.
For years, the template for EV interiors has been defined by minimalism: vast, barren dashboards dominated by a single tablet-like screen. Tesla, the undeniable trendsetter, championed this approach, removing traditional controls in the name of simplicity and cost savings. But Volkswagen now openly calls this direction a “mistake.” The German automaker is steering its EVs back toward the tactile, ergonomic comfort of physical knobs and buttons, betting that drivers are craving a more familiar and intuitive connection with their cars.
The Science of Touch: Why Muscle Memory Matters
The shift is backed by more than just sentiment. Numerous studies have confirmed what many drivers have long felt: interacting with a physical button or knob is faster and requires less visual attention than navigating a touchscreen menu while driving. The muscle memory they create is a genuine safety feature. Volkswagen’s new strategy acknowledges that removing these tactile controls may have been a step too far in the pursuit of a futuristic look.
This philosophy is already taking shape. Volkswagen teased its back-to-basics approach with the charming ID. 2all concept, a budget EV that proudly showcased physical controls for climate and volume. You can explore more about VW's vision in their official press releases.
The concept’s spirit is set to materialize fully in its production successor, the anticipated ID. Polo. Slated to become VW's most affordable electric car upon its launch later this year, the ID. Polo will be the standard-bearer for this retro-futurist cabin design.
A Blast from the Past, Powered by the Future
So, what can drivers expect? The cabin is a clever fusion of old and new. The instrument cluster, spread across a 10-inch display, is a pixel-perfect homage to the legendary VW Golf I, complete with a retro-styled digital clock. Front and center is a modern 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, but crucially, it’s flanked by a dedicated bar of physical buttons for core functions like climate control. A playful—some might say enthusiastic—nod to the past even includes a visualization of a cassette tape on the screen.
The commitment to tactility doesn’t stop there. The steering wheel is satisfyingly populated with buttons, and even the door panels feature physical controls. For enthusiasts who find today’s sweeping touchscreens and ambient LED lighting to be soulless, the new ID. Polo’s interior will feel like a warm, welcoming embrace.
The Industry’s Tactile Awakening
Volkswagen isn’t alone in this reassessment. A broader “retro feel” trend is emerging, with everything from high-end audio equipment to gaming keyboards celebrating the satisfying click and turn of physical controls. Even Tesla, the pioneer of the buttonless cabin, is facing feedback. Regulatory pressure recently forced the reinstatement of physical turn signal stalks in some markets, and a cottage industry of accessories has sprung up to fill the tactile void.
For Tesla owners missing that physical interaction, products like the aftermarket Ctrl-Bar for Model Y and Model 3 have become popular. This clever device, which you can find here, resurrects essential buttons for functions like windshield wipers and climate control, proving that the desire for tactile feedback is strong.
Volkswagen’s bold direction signals a new chapter in EV design—one where innovation isn’t measured by how much you remove, but by how thoughtfully you integrate the best of the past with the promise of the future. By bringing back the click, the press, and the turn, VW isn’t just building cars; it’s rebuilding a connection with the driver.
