In a bold move that's sure to please drivers tired of swiping and tapping, Volkswagen is bringing back physical buttons in its upcoming ID. Polo EV. Yes, you read that right—actual, tactile controls are making a comeback, signaling a possible end to the touchscreen-everything era in car design. Finally, I won't have to take my eyes off the road to adjust the volume!
A Button Renaissance?
Volkswagen's chief designer, Andreas Mindt, gets it. "Clear physical buttons provide stability and trust," he said, promising a user-friendly experience. The ID. Polo will feature tangible buttons beneath the infotainment display, plus a knob for adjusting audio volume or shuffling tracks. This is great news for anyone who's ever fumbled with a touchscreen while trying to keep their eyes on the road – me included!
Mindt had previously stated Volkswagen would recommit to physical buttons, starting with the ID. 2all concept car that evolved into the ID. Polo. The steering wheel will be packed with even more clearly defined buttons. I know some people love the minimalist look of all-touch interfaces, but give me a physical button any day. It's about usability and safety, period.
Tech Isn't Going Anywhere
Don't worry, VW isn't going full retro. A 10.25-inch digital cockpit sits behind the steering wheel, and a nearly 13-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties. There's even a retro mode that swaps the cockpit display to one inspired by the classic Golf I from the 1980s. The ID. Polo is expected to be the first of four new EVs in Volkswagen's small and compact car segment, launching in European markets this year. Bad news for us in the States – VW currently has no plans to bring the Polo EV stateside.
While other automakers at CES 2026, like Hyundai with its Holographic Windshield Display, are pushing further into digital interfaces, Volkswagen is taking a different path. As someone who spent years fixing iPhones at the Genius Bar, I've seen firsthand how frustrating overly complicated interfaces can be. This move from Volkswagen could be the start of a larger trend, where automakers prioritize usability and safety over sheer technological flash. I'm all for it.