The Volkswagen ID. Polo, the brand’s contender in the coming wave of more affordable electric cars, is nearly ready and will begin arriving next spring, with prices starting at 25 thousand euros.
While it is not yet ready to shed its camouflage, Volkswagen has revealed fresh details about its forthcoming electric model, previewed by the ID. 2all concept. Until now, little had been known beyond the production model’s name, but the manufacturer has now cleared up several uncertainties.
A wider and taller Polo
Anyone expecting the ID. Polo to be almost identical in size to the combustion-engined Polo was not far off. The new electric model is marginally shorter than its petrol-powered namesake - 4053 mm versus 4074 mm - yet it is larger in every other external measurement.
The ID. Polo measures 1816 mm wide (+65 mm), 1530 mm tall (+79 mm), and has a 2600 mm wheelbase (+48 mm).
These increased dimensions create a roomier cabin. The ID. Polo provides an extra 19 mm of interior length, while boot capacity rises by 24%, from 351 litres in the conventional Polo to 435 litres. Folding the seats increases capacity to 1243 litres, compared with 1125 litres in the combustion model.
The ID. Polo introduces MEB+, a new evolution of the established MEB platform underpinning most electric vehicles in the Volkswagen Group. Here, it brings front-wheel drive to this platform for the first time.
It also features a cell-to-pack battery architecture, meaning there are no modules: PowerCo cells are incorporated directly into the pack. This raises energy density (+10%), cuts weight and reduces costs.
Two batteries and four power outputs
Among the key unanswered questions surrounding the new Volkswagen ID. Polo were its technical specifications. The German brand has now provided answers to almost all of them.
At the front axle is a new APP 290 electric motor, offered in four power outputs: 85 kW (116 hp), 99 kW (135 hp), 155 kW (211 hp), and 166 kW (226 hp) for the ID. Polo GTI.
Entry-level versions, with 85 kW and 99 kW, will use a 37 kWh usable LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery, supporting direct-current (DC) charging at up to 90 kW. Volkswagen has not yet announced the expected range for these variants.
The more powerful 155 kW and 166 kW variants will instead use a 52 kWh usable NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) battery. It can provide up to 450 km of WLTP range and supports DC charging at up to 130 kW.
When will the Volkswagen ID. Polo arrive?
The Volkswagen ID. Polo will be officially unveiled in spring 2026 and built at the SEAT S.A. factory in Martorell, Spain. The ID. Polo GTI will follow later, although still within the same year. The brand reiterates that the entry-level version will be priced at 25 thousand euros.
Over the course of next year, Volkswagen expects to launch six new electric models, strengthening its push in this market segment.
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