With new regulations taking effect overseas and customers still fed up with screens, automakers are finally starting to dial back the touchscreen overload. Even Polestar—a brand that launched with nearly every function baked into one massive display—will soon bring physical buttons to its cabins.
The company’s head of design, Philipp Römers, recently confirmed during an online webcast (as first reported by our colleagues at InsideEVs) that future models will feature more tactile buttons and knobs. It’s a big shift for a brand that has long leaned into the minimalist, screen-heavy aesthetic.
Polestar 3 Performance Interior
Photo by: Polestar
The timing isn’t surprising, though. New European safety standards from Euro NCAP now require certain physical controls for vehicles to earn a five-star rating. China—another key market for Polestar—has also begun tightening regulations around touchscreen-heavy interiors.
Beyond adding physical controls, Polestar also plans to update its infotainment system. The brand will continue using Android Automotive, but with expanded personalization options designed to make the experience feel more tailored.
The interior design itself is also getting attention. Römers says new colors and materials are on the way for models like the Polestar 3 and 4, which currently offer only shades like gray, white, and black.
These changes are part of Polestar’s broader effort to turn things around. The automaker recently teased what it called its “largest model offensive in company history,” which includes an updated Polestar 4, a refreshed Polestar 2, and the announcement of the all-new Polestar 7. Meanwhile, the Polestar 6—originally expected to debut this year—has been delayed.
All signs suggest Polestar is moving in the right direction.
Motor1’s Take: Adding physical buttons and introducing more interior options is a solid first step. But to truly establish itself as a serious contender in the luxury EV space, Polestar will need to deliver genuinely compelling, next-generation products—something the brand says is already in the pipeline.
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