The VW ID. 2all concept will influence the interior designs of future Volkswagen products as the manufacturer brings back more physical buttons and switches following heavy criticism of the touch-sensitive controls dominating the Mk8 Golf and the electric ID.3.
While speaking with the media, VW interior designer Darius Watola acknowledged the design of the ID. 2all concept’s interior took into account the feedback from customers not fond of the touchscreen-heavy approach. It differs from the Mk8 Golf thanks to the presence of a row of physical switches for the climate control positioned just below the central infotainment display.
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In addition, the concept has a rotary dial in the center console that can be used to control the infotainment display, Autocar reports.
This is not the first time that VW has acknowledged it took the whole touch-sensitive control trend a little too far. In October last year, VW chief executive Thomas Schäfer said the firm would ditch the haptic controls found on the steering wheels of its newer models in favor of more conventional buttons.
“Customers say a pure touchscreen is not enough and they expect physical switches and dials for important functions,” added VW design boss Andreas Mindt.
While speaking about the design of the ID. 2all concept’s interior and that of future VW models more broadly, Watola noted the firm is looking to phase out leather, chrome, glue, and hard plastics from its cabins and will use more fabrics and Alcantara.
VW has already confirmed that it will build a production version of the ID. 2all concept and will position it as its most affordable EV with a price tag of below €25,000 ($27,000). The carmaker will also launch Skoda and Cupra-badged versions of the small hatchback and has also confirmed an SUV-based variant.