Design round up: New ID. Polo EV; Lepas UK design manifesto & people news

VW reveals new ID. Polo 

The seventh generation of the Polo has been revealed as the first production model to follow the new VW ‘Pure Positive’ design language.

The compact EV, created by chief designer Andreas Mindt and his team, is immediately recognisable as a Polo but with a twist. There’s a nod to the very first Golf through the C-pillar and the interior is full of physical buttons and rotary controls – plus, there’s a ‘retro’ display with the look of the Golf I facelift. 

Andreas Mindt commented: “With the ID. Polo, we wanted to create an interior that feels like a friend from the very first encounter. Clear physical buttons promote a feeling of stability and confidence, warm-looking materials give it a genuinely likeable aura, while lovable details such as our new ‘retro display’ allow Volkswagen’s unmistakable charisma to shine through. The ID. Polo is a compact car with a big heart – Pure Positive in its purest form.” 

A sporty flagship model will follow in 2027 – the ID. Polo GTI. 

Full release here. 

Lepas announces UK design manifesto 

Lepas, part of Chinese automaker Chery International, has revealed its core design values, specifically for the UK. These values are centred on the brand’s connection to the leopard, particularly taking inspiration from the ripple of muscles beneath a leopard’s skin. 

The brand goes on to explain that the aim is to create a balance between strength and beauty, with each model blending taut surfaces with fluid lines to recreate the elegance of a predator in motion. 

This news comes after the Lepas L6 made its European debut during Milan Design Week.

Further information here. 

Polestar swaps Google Assistant for Gemini

In a move away from Google Assistant, Polestar has begun replacing its in-cabin AI model with Gemini. 

Polestar accredited this to how Gemini can interpret natural conversational language rather than pre-set commands. 

Connected car manager at Polestar, Han Bleckert, said in a statement: “Google Gemini represents a fundamental shift for Polestar drivers and how they interact with their vehicles. Together with Google, we replace outdated command structures with an advanced AI model that enables free-flowing conversation between Polestar vehicles and drivers.” 

More information here. 

BMW unveils iX3 Flow Edition at Auto China 

As the first series-ready production car to carry e-paper technology on its exterior, the iX3 Flow Edition was revealed at the Beijing Auto show 2026. 

This vehicle has E Ink’s Prism electrophoretic film embedded into the bonnet, enabling the surface to change appearance on demand via eight pre-set animation designs.

The technology works by using millions of microcapsules containing charged particulars that respond to electrical signals, drawing power only during transitions. 

Full release here. 

People news 

Pedro Henrique Lides has joined BYD as automotive CMF designer. 

Rachael Dillon has been promoted to interior design manager for Mustang. Dillon previously held the role of senior interior designer.

Hussein Al Attar has left the BMW Group and Designworks after 14 years to join General Motors' Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena at design director. During his time at BMW, Al Attar led the exterior design of vehicles such as the F87 M2 Coupe, the 6 Series Gran Turismo, the X6.