(Commonwealth) _ Volkswagen’s future car interiors will undergo a significant transformation, drawing inspiration from the ID 2all concept car. This shift is a response to the dissatisfaction expressed by customers towards the touchscreen-centric approach previously seen in models like the Mk8 Golf and ID 3. Darius Watola, a VW interior designer, highlighted that the ID2all concept signals a fresh direction for all Volkswagen models, reflecting recent customer feedback. The touchscreen-heavy design approach had faced criticism, acknowledged even by VW CEO Thomas Schäfer, who admitted it had negatively impacted the brand. The forthcoming interiors will notably reintroduce physical buttons and controls. The layout includes backlit physical buttons for climate control and a central rotary controller, akin to BMW’s iDrive, to manage the dashboard screen. Safety is a focal point, with a dedicated screen in the driver’s line of sight for driving information. European customer preferences, which lean towards more physical buttons, influenced this redesign. Additionally, there’s a shift in material usage, aiming to phase out hard plastics, glue, leather, and chrome. The emphasis is on surfaces that are soft to the touch, achieved through a blend of fabrics, Alcantara, wood, and metals in a sustainability-oriented approach.
While striving to incorporate as many features and materials from the concept into the production car expected by 2025 (potentially under a different name than ID 2), Volkswagen remains committed to a price below €25,000 (£22,000). This cost consideration might limit the inclusion of some premium materials in the final cabin design. The concept’s customizable screens, offering themes like retro graphics inspired by the original Golf, are anticipated to transition into production, adding a distinctive touch to the interiors of upcoming Volkswagen vehicles. The future of Volkswagen’s car interiors is set to retain innovative storage solutions, including a foldable rear bench that accommodates a bike in the rear passenger area and an under-floor storage compartment in the 490-litre boot, spacious enough for three large drink crates. Efforts to streamline components are evident, such as consolidating door handles, grab handles, and armrests into single units. This redesign aligns with Volkswagen’s ambition to become a cherished brand, as outlined by design head Andreas Mindt, who, having transitioned from Bentley, envisions VWs with enduring, appealing designs infused with a sense of humor.
Mindt emphasized that the new interiors will boast superior quality and more appealing designs, responding to customer feedback that favors physical switches and dials alongside touchscreens for essential functions. The ID 2all concept not only showcases interior changes but also previews the brand’s fresh exterior design language, drawing inspiration from iconic models like the Beetle, Golf, and VW Polo. The ID 2all embodies an entirely new design language slated for all future VW EVs, emphasizing the brand’s heritage as a distinguishing factor from new electric rivals. Notably, this concept takes design cues from traditional models like the Polo and Golf, setting it apart from the more radical ID 3. Despite initial plans for an ID Life crossover concept to preview the first MEB Entry model, it was shelved due to a lukewarm reception. Astonishingly, Mindt’s team crafted the ID 2all concept within a mere six weeks, working within the preset parameters of the MEB Entry platform. Measuring 4050mm in length (slightly shorter than the current Polo), the ID 2all boasts a substantially longer wheelbase of 2600mm, resulting in significantly enhanced interior space. Its 490-litre boot expands to a capacious 1330 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
