VW has finally let us take a peek inside the new ID. Half, revealing its production interior ahead of the electric subcompact’s official debut later this year. The biggest news? The long-awaited return of real, physical keys.
As the first vehicle completely designed under the leadership of VW’s new design chief, the Andreas MindtID. The Polo marks a change in direction by merging tactile controls with modern technology in a package that’s significantly easier to use. This philosophy is expected to be carried over to other new or refreshed VW models in the near future.
Buttons are back
Gone are the touch sliders and haptic panels that frustrated many owners of the ID.3 and other recent VW vehicles. In their place come real physical controls, including a jagged volume wheel and a traditional four-switch layout for windows. The redesigned steering wheel brings back grouped physical buttons for cruise control and functions infotainment system, prioritizing usability over visual gimmicks.
A 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, mounted directly on the dashboard, signals a return to a conventional approach, replacing the ID.3’s oddly positioned steering column display. VW has equipped the unit with new software that brings additional functionality along with a few nostalgic touches. At the push of a button, drivers can switch to retro-inspired graphics reminiscent of the instruments and cassette visuals of classic Golfs from the eighties.
Larger 13-inch touchscreen for infotainment the system is anchored to the center console and also benefits from a new approach to controls. Gone are the polarizing touch sliders for volume and temperature. Instead, below the screen is a neat row of physical buttons for HVAC controls and warning lights. The rotary wheel controls the volume and serves as a song or radio station selector.
As Carscoops reports, the cabin itself exudes a warmer tone, with recycled fabric running across the dash, doors and even the center console. VW has kept its famous quirky detail on the pedals, which still have the play and pause symbols.
Platform, drive and price
Measuring 4,053mm in length, 1,816mm in width and 1,530mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,600mm, the new electric Polo shares similar dimensions with its combustion engine counterpart.
ID. The Polo will be launched with a choice of two battery types and three front-mounted motors, with a maximum output of 208 hp. A more powerful 223 hp GTI variant will arrive next year. Battery options include a 37 kWh LFP pack and a more advanced 52 kWh NMC unit with “cell-to-pack” construction. Charging options range from 90 to 130 kW, depending on specification, and the entire range is based on VW’s MEB+ platform.
Although Volkswagen announced a starting price of €25,000 in Germany, the company recently confirmed that only higher trim levels will be available at launch. This means that the starting price will probably be closer to 30,000 euros, depending on the configuration. Read more about it in our text below.