
The all-electric version of one of the most successful models in Volkswagen history has been revealed: the ID. Polo. Having sold more than 20 million vehicles globally, the Polo is entering a new chapter.
Developed in Wolfsburg, the ID. Polo combines clear design, generous space and high quality.
Completely reimagined and systematically geared towards the future, the ID. Polo will impress with three output levels (85 kW (116 PS), 99 kW (135 PS) and 155 kW (211 PS)), two battery sizes, and a range of up to 455km (282 miles).
The result is a compact car with clear proportions, iconic design features such as the C-pillar derived from the first Golf, a likeable front end, and a powerful rear that has a very high-quality, timeless and charismatic appearance.
The new model is immediately recognisable as a genuine Volkswagen and reflects its technological progress with a modern light design.
Thanks to the new front-wheel drive concept, the ID. Polo offers plenty of space for five people and more luggage compartment capacity than many vehicles in the compact class.
The vehicle features a modern interior and intuitive operation, including a 26cm digital cockpit, 33cm infotainment screen and physical buttons.
The ID. Polo also includes technologies from higher vehicle classes, such as the option of Connected Travel Assist with automatic traffic light recognition.
‘Big compact’ packaging: despite having a similar footprint to the current internal combustion engine (ICE) Polo (4,053mm long), the EV’s new design allows for a 2.6m wheelbase, not much smaller than a Golf.
Roomy boot: the vehicle offers a 441-litre boot, which is roughly 24 per cent more than the current petrol Polo, and expands to over 1,200 litres with seats folded.
A roomier cabin: it boasts a completely flat floor in the rear, providing more space than some of its more expensive competitors.
2. An interior overhaul
Return of the physical buttons: responding to customer feedback, the ID. Polo drops the touchscreen ‘slider’ controls for volume and temperature in favour of physical buttons and a rotary dial.
Retro mode: the digital cockpit includes a ‘retro’ mode that mimics the dashboard of the Mk1 Golf.
Sustainable materials: all textiles on the seats and doors are made from recycled plastic bottles, and the interior uses high-quality fabric-covered panels on the dashboard.
3. It can charge up to 80 per cent in 23 minutes
Under 30-minute charging: the larger 52kWh battery version of the vehicle can charge from 10-80 per cent in as little as 23 minutes (up to 105kW).
GTI: the ID. Polo GTI is set to be the most powerful production Polo ever, with 166kW (226 PS) and an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock.
One-pedal driving: the new MEB+ platform software enables efficient, strong one-pedal driving, providing a smooth, quiet experience.
4. ‘Pure Positive’ design
New design language: the ID. Polo is the first Volkswagen model to use a new design language under Andreas Mindt, focussing on clean surfaces and a more expressive, upright stance.
New naming convention: this is the first model to move away from purely numerical ID. names, with Volkswagen officially choosing to name an electric car after one of best-selling classics and remembering its roots.
Accessible pricing: in Germany, the entry price is under €25,000 (roughly £22,000).
5. The ID. Polo can power other things - not just itself
Vehicle‑to‑load (V2L): the ID. Polo supports vehicle‑to‑load (V2L), meaning it can supply electricity to external devices directly from its high‑voltage battery.
What this means in practice: the ID. Polo can be used to:
Unusual for a supermini segment hatchback: V2L has mostly appeared on larger EVs or lifestyle‑focused models. Volkswagen has included it in the ID. Polo to reinforce the idea that that it isn’t just a city runaround, but an all‑round vehicle for the future.