New Approach to Interior Design
The electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar, which previously followed Tesla’s minimalist approach with large screens and a minimum of physical buttons, has announced changes. The company plans to bring back more conventional switches and controls into the interiors of its cars. This step aims to satisfy drivers who do not want to delve into touchscreen menus every time to adjust basic functions.
Currently, in the brand’s cars, such as the Polestar 4, physical controls are limited to:
Almost all other functions are controlled via the touchscreen.
Designer’s Words and Future Plans
Polestar’s Head of Design, Philip Römmer, confirmed that more physical buttons will appear in future models, although he did not specify for which exact functions. He also noted that the company plans to expand the color palette for interiors, considering that Polestar’s customer base is on average 10 years younger than that of Audi, Mercedes, and BMW.
Improvements will also be made to the Android Automotive-based infotainment system, and it will soon offer more personalization options.
When to Expect Updates
However, the new interiors will require some waiting. The updated Polestar 4 in the shooting brake body style, which will get a rear window, will most likely retain the current interior layout. Similarly, the Gran Turiser Polestar 5 will also receive a familiar minimalist interior.
The first signs of a redesigned interior will be seen in the second generation of the Polestar 2, whose presentation is scheduled for next year. After that, the new Polestar 7, whose launch is expected in 2027 and which will be positioned above the current Polestar 3 in class, will also receive updates.
This design shift is happening against the backdrop of growing criticism of the excessive fascination with touchscreens in cars. Many drivers and safety experts point out that physical buttons allow functions to be controlled by touch without taking eyes off the road, making driving safer. Polestar’s decision may prove timely, as more and more automakers are beginning to reassess their approach to interior design, seeking a balance between technology and convenience. It can be assumed that this is only the beginning of a broader trend in the automotive industry.