Peter Lyon
January 3, 2026
Volkswagen is opening the doors to the all-new electric ID. Polo for the first time, offering a glimpse into the interior of its future models. The new holistic design approach, shaped especially by customer feedback, will define the cockpits of the upcoming ID. models. Features include new clarity and quality, and intuitive controls with familiar VW operating patterns adopted and further developed.
At the same time, a new software generation brings fresh functions to the ID. Polo. Interestingly, the charm of the 1980s is now present in the vehicle thanks to the retro display: with a single button press, the digital instrument displays transform into screen views reminiscent of the first Golf.
Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, says: “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.”
With clear horizontal orientation of cockpit architecture, the ID. Polo has two large displays, arranged along a single line of sight from the driver’s seat. These include the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel, with a screen diagonal of 26 cm (10.25 inches), and the 33-cm (almost 13-inch) touchscreen of the infotainment system, which stands out in its segment due to its size and features. The graphics are high-resolution and precise, and the central display is 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 new, featuring clearly structured button fields. Positioned between the smartphone tray and the cup holders is a rotary controller for audio operation, 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.
Special unexpected details designed to create an emotional connection are summarised by the design team under the term ‘Secret Sauce’. In the ID. Polo, this tangible extra is embodied by the retro display—with just one press of a button on the steering wheel or via the infotainment system, the digital cockpit displays transform into classic views from the Golf I of the 1980s.
