Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Polo, its first fully electric version of the iconic city car. Built on the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive, the ID. Polo measures 4,053 mm in length and offers 441 liters of cargo space—24% more than its combustion-powered predecessor. With an electric range of up to 454 km and three power options, the ID. Polo is set to shake up the affordable EV market. Pre-sales begin in Germany at the end of April with a starting price of €24,995 (approximately 186,100 DKK).
Technical Specifications
The ID. Polo’s dimensions are nearly identical to the traditional Polo but with notable differences. At 4,053 x 1,816 x 1,530 mm, it’s 21 mm shorter, 65 mm wider, and 79 mm taller than the combustion-engine Polo (MQB platform). The wheelbase is 48 mm longer, contributing to improved interior space. The vehicle weighs from 1,568 kg with the smaller battery pack.
Front-wheel drive is handled by the new APP290 electric motor positioned parallel to the axle, producing 290 Nm of torque. Volkswagen developed the inverter in-house. The same MEB+ platform underpins the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Cross compact SUV, arriving in autumn 2026. Top speed is capped at 160 km/h across all versions.
Power and Battery Options
Three power levels are available at launch:
- 85 kW (116 CV)
- 99 kW (135 CV)
- 155 kW (211 CV)
Two battery options, both using Volkswagen Group’s unified cell-to-pack technology:
- 37 kWh (LFP): Paired with 85 and 99 kW motors, offering up to 329 km of range. DC charging reaches 90 kW, with 10-80% charging in approximately 27 minutes.
- 52 kWh (NMC): Paired with the 155 kW motor, delivering up to 454 km of range. DC charging reaches 105 kW, with 10-80% charging in approximately 24 minutes.
All models support 11 kW AC charging and come standard with DC fast charging capability.
Interior and Features
The ID. Polo’s cabin introduces Volkswagen’s new “Pure Positive” design language. The dashboard is notably horizontal, with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and 13-inch central infotainment display positioned on the same visual axis.
Climate controls feature dedicated physical buttons—temperature, fan, and defrost—separate from the touchscreen zone.
Notable Interior Features
One of the most charming touches is a retro display mode: press the View button on the steering wheel, and the digital dashboard transforms into a 1980s Golf-inspired design, complete with a classic tachometer and power meter replacing the traditional RPM gauge. It’s a delightful nod to automotive history.
Other standout features include:
- ID. Light: An interactive light bar that extends from the dashboard to the front doors on the Style trim
- Vehicle-to-Load: Bidirectional charging capability (up to 3.6 kW) to power external devices via a standard Schuko outlet
- Pneumatic Seat Massage: 12-way adjustable front seats with three programs (optional)
- Harman Kardon Audio System: 425-watt setup with 10 speakers and a subwoofer (optional)
Sustainability is built into the materials. Seat, door, and headliner materials are made from recycled PET (rPET), while the top trim incorporates SEAQUAL yarn produced from ocean-recovered plastic.
Rear legroom has grown by 19 mm compared to the MQB Polo. With rear seats folded, the cargo capacity reaches 1,243 liters (compared to 1,125 liters on the traditional Polo). Towing capacity is 1,200 kg at an 8% gradient.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Three trim levels are available for the German market at launch:
Trend (from €24,995 / ≈ 186,100 DKK)
- 90 kW DC charging
- Side Assist
- Lane-keeping assistance with Emergency Assist
- LED headlights with automatic high-beam control
- 10″ digital cockpit and 13″ infotainment
- Multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Automatic climate control
Life
All Trend features plus:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Rear-view camera
- Intersection Assist and front parking assistance
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Folding side mirrors with memory
- Voice control
- Adjustable load floor
Style
All Life features plus:
- LED Matrix IQ.LIGHT headlights with illuminated trim and logo
- 3D LED tail lights
- Sport comfort seats
- Ambient lighting
- Heated steering wheel and seats
- Dual-zone climate control
- Extended ID. Light to doors
- Digital key (Mobile Device Key)
Italian pricing has not yet been announced. A more powerful ID. Polo GTI with 166 kW (226 CV) will arrive in 2027, also featuring the 52 kWh battery.
Driver Assistance and Safety
The ID. Polo introduces Connected Travel Assist, an optional system that represents a first for its segment. It uses online data to automatically recognize traffic lights and will brake to a complete stop if it detects a red light—a clever integration of connectivity and safety.
The One Pedal Driving function comes standard. Simply lifting off the accelerator triggers regenerative braking to recharge the battery while slowing the vehicle.
The ID. Polo achieves an aerodynamic coefficient of just 0.264—among the best in its class—thanks to vertical air curtains integrated into the front bumper and optimized rear design. The suspension combines a MacPherson front axle with an independent rear axle setup, with disc brakes on all four wheels and a one-box braking system.
Design Legacy
The ID. Polo marks the seventh generation of a model that has sold over 20 million units across more than 50 years. The design is penned by Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s Chief Designer, and pays homage to the brand’s heritage by drawing elements from the original Golf (notably the C-pillar) and the iconic Beetle.
Importantly, the traditional combustion-engine Polo (MQB) will continue to be sold alongside the ID. Polo, giving buyers a choice between electrification and conventional powertrains.
