Volkswagen is entering the final stages of development of its upcoming ID. The Polo is nearing series production as an all-electric hatchback. Just months ahead of its global debut, a fleet of near-production-spec prototypes is undergoing intensive final testing in multiple regions around the world.
These extensive road tests focus on validating build quality, attention to detail and fine-tuning the driving dynamics to ensure the ID. The Polo met Volkswagen’s standards in terms of performance, comfort and reliability before its market launch.
Commenting on the milestone, Thomas Schaefer, member of the management board of Volkswagen AG for Brand Group Core and CEO of the Volkswagen brand, told ID. The 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 wider customer base in Europe.”
Schaefer said the ID. Polo is only the first step towards broader change. Volkswagen plans to introduce six new all-electric models by 2026, reinforcing its commitment to delivering 100 percent Volkswagen DNA in the electric age.
Located as a key volume driver, ID. Carrying forward the legacy of one of Volkswagen’s most iconic nameplates, the Polo is set to redefine affordable electric mobility.
A new era – 50 years after the first Polo. With ID. With the Polo, Volkswagen is focusing on familiar strengths: intuitive handling, functionality, quality and affordability. Also I.D. The Polo is the first model to feature the new ‘Pure Positive’ design language by design chief Andreas Mindt. The result is a compact electric model that offers more space and precise driving characteristics at the next higher class level of vehicle. Moreover, it is the first model in electric ID. The family would carry the established Volkswagen name Polo.
Four power outputs, two battery sizes, range up to 450 km. In its debut in spring 2026, the ID. The Polo will be available in three power outputs: 85 kW (116 PS), 99 kW (135 PS) and 155 kW (211 PS). Sporty ID. The Polo GTI with 166 kW (226 PS) will arrive later this year.
The 85kWh and 99kWh versions will come as standard with a 37kWh (net) LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) high voltage battery. This battery can be charged at up to 90 kW DC rapid-charging points. The 155kW and 166kW versions will be powered by an NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) version of the new Powerco integrated cell, with an energy content of 52kW (net), capable of a range of up to 450km and charging up to 130kW DC.
ID. The Polo features newly developed front-wheel drive. It is based on a further developed modular electric drive matrix: MEB+. The completely new, highly efficient electric drive reduces complexity, number of components and weight – parameters that allow Volkswagen to reduce costs and consumption. Furthermore, electric front-wheel drive offers clear space advantages. The main module includes the latest generation highly efficient Volkswagen electric motor, called the APP 290. Integrated flat into the underbody is a new battery generation: the Powerco integrated cell, which uses cell-to-pack technology. This eliminates the intermediate step via module housing and connects the cells directly to the battery pack – reducing price, installation space and weight while increasing energy density by approximately 10 percent. Advantages: More range.
Democratizing innovations. With MEB+, not only the latest electric drive technologies but also several next-generation assistance systems make their way into the ID. Polo. These include significantly improved travel assistance: the system can enable assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance and assisted lane changes on motorways. Also, travel assistance in ID. The Polo will offer traffic light and stop sign recognition for the first time.
Main data of the new ID. Polo. ID. The Polo is 4,053 mm long, 1,816 mm wide and 1,530 mm high. Its wheelbase is 2,600 mm. Although its size is approximately the same as the classic Polo (MQB, Modular Transverse Toolkit), the electric ID. Thanks to the compact drive module of the MEB+ the Polo offers obvious space benefits: passengers benefit from an additional 19 mm of interior length, which is particularly noticeable at the rear. Interior width and headroom have also increased. Compared to the classic Polo, the volume of the luggage compartment has increased by 24 percent – from 351 to 435 liters. With the rear seatbacks folded down, load volume increases to 1,243 liters (compared to 1,125 liters in the classic Polo). This extra space always makes for a four-door, five-seater ID. The Polo is more versatile than any of its predecessors – perfectly suited to urban life and everyday use with friends and family.
The brand group harnesses the full innovative power of core Europe. Development of ID. The Polo is a collaborative project within the Brand Group core: SEAT and CUPRA led the project, and the ID. The Polo was designed at the Volkswagen Design Center in Wolfsburg. Key technologies – such as software, assistance systems, drive, chassis and steering – come from Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform. ID. The Polo will be manufactured at the SEAT & CUPRA plant in Martorell, Spain.