Volkswagen is entering the final stages of development for its upcoming ID. Polo, as the all-electric hatchback edges closer to series production. With just months remaining before its global debut, a fleet of near-production-spec prototypes is undergoing intensive final testing across multiple regions worldwide.
These comprehensive road tests are focused on validating build quality, attention to detail, and fine-tuning driving dynamics, ensuring the ID. Polo meets Volkswagen’s benchmarks for performance, comfort, and reliability ahead of its market launch.
Commenting on the milestone, Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for Brand Group Core and CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said the ID. Polo represents a turning point for the company’s electric strategy.
“The ID. Polo marks the beginning of a new generation of Volkswagen—featuring fresh design, intuitive operation, top-tier quality, and first-class driving characteristics. Importantly, it also brings back a proper name. With a starting price of around €25,000, we are making electric mobility accessible to a broad customer base in Europe.”
Schäfer added that the ID. Polo is only the first step in a broader transformation. Volkswagen plans to introduce six new all-electric models by 2026, reinforcing its commitment to delivering 100 per cent Volkswagen DNA in the electric era.
Positioned as a key volume driver, the ID. Polo is set to redefine affordable electric mobility while carrying forward the legacy of one of Volkswagen’s most iconic nameplates.
A new era – 50 years after the first Polo. With the ID. Polo, Volkswagen is focusing on familiar strengths: intuitive operation, functionality, quality and affordability. At the same time, the ID. Polo is the first model to feature the new ‘Pure Positive’ design language by Head of Design, Andreas Mindt. The result is a compact electric model offering more space and precise driving characteristics on the level of the next higher class of vehicle. In addition, it is the first model in the electric ID. family to bear the established Volkswagen name Polo.
Four power outputs, two battery sizes, up to 450 km range. At its debut in spring 2026, the ID. Polo will be available in three power outputs: 85 kW (116 PS), 99 kW (135 PS) and 155 kW (211 PS). The sporty ID. Polo GTI with 166 kW (226 PS) will follow later in the year.
The 85 kW and 99 kW versions will come as standard with a 37 kWh (net) LFP (lithium iron phosphate) high-voltage battery. This battery can be charged at DC rapid-charging points with up to 90 kW. The 155 kW and 166 kW versions will be powered by an NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) variant of the new PowerCo unified cell, with an energy content of 52 kWh (net), enabling ranges of up to 450 km and charging at up to 130 kW DC.
The ID. Polo features a newly developed front-wheel drive. It is based on the further developed Modular Electric Drive Matrix: MEB+. The completely new, highly efficient electric drive reduces complexity, the number of components and weight – parameters that allow Volkswagen to reduce costs and consumption. In addition, the electric front-wheel drive offers clear space advantages. Key modules include a highly efficient Volkswagen electric motor of the latest generation, called APP 290. Integrated flat in the underbody is a new battery generation: the PowerCo unified cell, which uses cell-to-pack technology. This eliminates the intermediate step via module housings and combines the cells directly into a battery pack – reducing price, installation space and weight while increasing energy density by about 10 per cent. The benefit: more range.
Democratising innovations. With MEB+, not only the latest electric drive technologies but also numerous next-generation assistance systems make their way into the ID. Polo. These include the significantly enhanced Travel Assist: the system can enable assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance and assisted lane changes on motorways. In addition, Travel Assist in the ID. Polo will for the first time offer traffic light and stop sign recognition.
Key data of the new ID. Polo. The ID. Polo is 4,053 mm long, 1,816 mm wide and 1,530 mm high. Its wheelbase measures 2,600 mm. Although its size is roughly comparable to the classic Polo (MQB, Modular Transverse Toolkit), the electric ID. Polo offers clear space advantages thanks to the compact drive modules of MEB+: passengers benefit from an extra 19 mm of interior length, particularly noticeable in the rear. Interior width and headroom have also increased. The luggage compartment volume has grown by 24 per cent compared with the classic Polo – from 351 to 435 litres. With the rear seatbacks folded down, the load volume rises to 1,243 litres (compared with 1,125 litres in the classic Polo). This extra space makes the always four-door, five-seater ID. Polo more versatile than any of its predecessors – perfect for city life and everyday use with friends and family.
Brand Group Core harnesses Europe’s full innovative power. The development of the ID. Polo is a collaborative project within the Brand Group Core: SEAT & CUPRA led the project, and the ID. Polo was designed at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Wolfsburg. Key technologies – such as software, assistance systems, drive, chassis and steering – come from Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform. The ID. Polo will be built at the SEAT & CUPRA plant in Martorell, Spain.
