Volkswagen Prioritizes Practicality Over Aesthetics in Door Handle Design
Volkswagen's executive leadership has voiced a strong disapproval of flush-mounted car door handles, a design choice popular among many modern electric vehicles for aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons. Thomas Schäfer, the CEO of the Volkswagen brand, publicly declared these contemporary handles as 'terrible to operate,' signaling a clear shift in the automaker's design philosophy towards prioritizing user functionality over sleek visual trends. This stance, articulated at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, comes as the company prepares for a significant expansion of its electric vehicle lineup, including models such as the ID. Polo and ID. Cross.
For years, automotive manufacturers, particularly those in the EV sector, have embraced flush door handles. These designs aim to create a seamless exterior, reduce aerodynamic drag, and contribute to a futuristic appearance. Brands like Tesla have notably incorporated such elements, leading to a proliferation of similar designs across the industry. However, Volkswagen's recent pronouncement suggests a reevaluation of this trend, driven by direct feedback from consumers who often find these handles inconvenient or difficult to use in daily scenarios. Schäfer's comments underscore a commitment to designing vehicles that are not only technologically advanced but also intuitively operational for the average driver.
The move away from flush handles is part of a larger strategy by Volkswagen to make its electric vehicles more appealing to a broader consumer base. The company acknowledges that early EV adopters might be more tolerant of novel, sometimes less practical, design elements. Still, to achieve widespread market penetration, future EVs must offer a familiar and user-friendly experience. This includes reintroducing traditional physical buttons and making infotainment systems more straightforward, addressing criticisms often leveled at modern car interiors that rely heavily on touchscreens. Volkswagen's internal design discussions appear to be gravitating towards a balanced approach, where innovation does not compromise essential usability.
The debate surrounding flush door handles extends beyond mere aesthetics and convenience. Safety advocates and regulatory bodies globally have raised concerns. In China, there are reports of potential bans on hidden or pop-out door handles due to safety implications. Similarly, in the United States, emergency services have reported difficulties accessing vehicles equipped with these complex handles during critical situations, highlighting a significant safety risk. The slight aerodynamic gains, often cited as a primary benefit, are also being questioned, with some analyses suggesting they contribute minimally, perhaps only adding about a single mile to an EV's range. This marginal benefit, when weighed against usability and safety drawbacks, diminishes the overall appeal of the design.
Volkswagen's upcoming models, such as the ID. Polo and ID. Cross, are expected to feature more conventional door handles, diverging from the recessed designs seen in earlier concepts like the ID. Every1. This strategic pivot reflects a renewed focus on core automotive principles: practicality, user experience, and safety. By listening to customer feedback and acknowledging the real-world challenges posed by certain design trends, Volkswagen aims to build electric vehicles that are not only efficient and modern but also reliably functional and accessible to everyone. This commitment to 'true Volkswagens' signifies a return to design principles that prioritize the driver's interaction with the vehicle above all else.