Volkswagen’s new generation of electric vehicles is here and it all starts with this, the all-new ID. Polo subcompact hatchback.
By using the well-established Polo name VW is hoping consumers will warm up to the new EV more easily, but if that doesn’t do the trick, the pricing most likely will. That’s because the ID. Polo will be the brand’s cheapest EV yet with a starting price of 24,995 euros (approximately $29,250) in Germany.
Another reason to like the new ID. Polo is the new “Pure Positive” design language, which the new EV inaugurates. Highlights include the “friendly face” that’s almost identical to the ID.2all concept that previewed the ID. Polo in 2023, a dynamic profile with muscular wheel arches, hidden rear door handles and a C-pillar inspired by the first-generation Golf, and a sporty rear end featuring a horizontal light bar and a diffuser-like element integrated into the bumper.
The Most Grown-Up VW ID Model Yet?
Volkswagen
As far as the dimensions are concerned, the ID. Polo bridges the gap between the subcompact and compact hatchback segments. It’s 159.4 inches long, 71.5 in wide, and 60.2 in high, with a wheelbase of 102.3 in.
Factor in the more efficient packaging enabled by the MEB+ dedicated EV platform, and the ID. Polo’s passenger space and cargo volume are comparable with a Golf rather than a Polo. For example, the trunk can accommodate 15.6 cubic feet with all seats in place—25% more than the current gas-powered Polo—or up to 43.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.
Inside the cabin, the big news is the return of physical buttons and switches on the multifunction steering wheel and center console following significant customer backlash over the touch-sensitive sliders used in the ID.3, ID.4 and Mk8 Golf, as well as the over-reliance on touchscreen controls. The ID. Polo features a standard 10-inch Digital Cockpit and a 13-inch tablet-like center touchscreen powered by the new Innovision infotainment system.
Another throwback to the Mk1 Golf is the “retro display” feature of the digital cluster which brings back the look and feel of the iconic model. The center screen features permanent shortcut buttons at the bottom for the climate control system and heated seats, some of which are doubled by physical switches placed under the central air vents. VW claims the controls are “clearly designed and ideally accessible.”
Two Battery Choices Offering Up to 282 Miles of Range
As Volkswagen’s first model based on the MEB+ platform, the ID. Polo brings a lot of improvements, including in terms of range, software and capability. The vehicle will be available with a single-motor FWD powertrain with three output levels: 114 hp, 133 hp and 208 hp.
The entry-level and mid-range versions will feature a 37-kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery pack enabling a range of up to 204 miles (WLTP). The top version gets a bigger 52-kWh NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery that enables a range of up to 282 miles. Charging the smaller battery from 0 to 80% takes about 23 minutes at DC fast-charging stations, while the bigger pack takes 24 minutes.
Volkswagen
The MEB+ platform and new software also enable the ID. Polo to offer features like the optional Connected Travel Assist Level 2 semi-autonomous system with automatic traffic light recognition, which supports assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance and also reacts to traffic lights.
Additionally, one-pedal driving comes standard, as does the bidirectional charging, more specifically a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function that turns the vehicle into a mobile power source (up to 3.6 kW) for devices such as e-bikes.
New Equipment and Tech from Higher Segments
Volkswagen
The ID. Polo will be offered in three trim levels—Trend, Life, and Style—with the entry-level one offering 90 kW DC fast-charging, Side Assist and Lane Assist systems, LED headlights, multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning and more.
The standard equipment becomes more sophisticated as you climb the trim ladder, with the Style trim offering features like IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights with LED light strip, 3D LED taillights, illuminated VW logos front and rear, and improved ID.Light interior LED light strip that provides visual cues for navigation, safety, and charging.
Optional features include a 425-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, a panoramic glass roof, a pneumatic massage function for the 12-way adjustable front seats, and the Park Assist Pro with remote control and memory function, among other goodies.
Pre-sales of the VW ID. Polo have already begun today in Germany with the Life trim with 208 hp and 52 kWh battery, which is priced from 33,795 euros (about $39,500). The cheaper Trend trim will follow in the summer. Unfortunately, VW has no plans to bring the ID. Polo stateside.
