Beyond the symbolism of its name, the Volkswagen ID.Polo marks a return to the brand’s traditions, a retreat to the essentials. With its Golf-like vibe, the German electric hatch arrives with two battery options and pricing that stays within reach.
With an entry version starting at €24,330, this model immediately positions itself among the most potential-packed electric hatchbacks, ready to compete with a Renault 5, a model that sits among the bestsellers in its European segment.
Volkswagen ID.Polo: a return to the essentials
Returning to the basics, to the essentials, is often the best way to move forward again. Volkswagen has undertaken this effort to rebuild its electric lineup with the aim of reclaiming the brand’s original spirit: to once again manufacture authentic Volkswagens, in the words of its chief, Thomas Schäfer. The ID.Polo is the first pillar of this project, and probably one of the most strategic.
With more than 20 million units sold over roughly 50 years, the Polo is central to Volkswagen’s history. By adopting this name, Volkswagen ensures that the public’s attention is drawn to its electric range, just as Renault does with its R5 and Twingo E-Tech.
The designers, under the direction of Andreas Mindt, have respected the brand’s intrinsic cues. While the proportions have evolved compared to the current Polo, the overall design is undeniably that of a Polo. To the side, one might even wonder if it’s the current Polo or the ID.Polo.
Inside this electric Polo, there aren’t many surprises. Except one: the era of touch has ended. “Customers wanted to return to physical buttons,” says Kaï Grunitz, Volkswagen’s head of development. First, for climate control. Then, with the dial to adjust the audio volume. Its position between the seats may surprise, but it sits perfectly under the hand to regulate the volume, among other functions.
On the steering wheel, with two spokes, tactile feedback keys give way to the good old buttons, much more ergonomic. But that’s not all: the driver’s armrest again features four window switches for all four electric windows (unlike in the ID.3, which had two).
Lastly, it’s impossible not to mention the digital screens of the dashboard. Yet Volkswagen manages to turn this mandatory element of modern cars into an unmistakable retro wink.
The 10.25-inch (26 cm) instrument cluster can adopt the look of the analog gauges from the Golf I, the 1970s, while the 13-inch central touchscreen (33 cm) can take the form of a cassette player.
The ID.Polo measures 4.05 m in length (20 mm longer than the current Polo) and 1.82 m in width (12 cm wider than the petrol Polo) with a wheelbase of 2.60 m. The proportions are those of a Polo, but the interior space is that of a Golf. This is also evident in the boot. It offers a volume of 435 liters, compared to the 351 liters of the Polo VI. However, it does not come with an additional storage space under the front hood.
A single electric motor, but four power levels
The ID.Polo line-up revolves around a single electric motor available in up to four power variants, paired with two battery types, depending on the version. This motor, with internal code APP290 indicating the developed torque (290 Nm), is offered in the main range in three power levels: 116, 135 and 211 hp. An even more powerful 226 hp version will arrive later under the GTI badge.
The first two versions come with an LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery with a net capacity of 37 kWh and a WLTP range of 329 km. The two more powerful versions feature a lithium-ion battery with NMC chemistry (nickel-manganese-cobalt) with a net capacity of 52 kWh, enabling a range of up to 455 km.
From the entry version, the ID.Polo includes an 11 kW onboard charger (AC) and supports up to 90 kW (DC) for the smaller battery (10% to 80% in 27 minutes). The larger battery accepts up to 105 kW (DC) and goes from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes.
During the 2023 unveiling of the ID.2all concept, Volkswagen’s leadership announced a starting price below 25,000 euros for the production model. Promise kept, and even more precise: from €24,330. At this price, the model will include an 11 kW charger as standard, as well as the One Pedal system.
However, to get the ID.Polo at this price, patience will be required. For now, orders are only open for the version with the 52 kWh NMC battery powering the 211 hp motor. This implies a relatively high starting price: €30,705 with the Life trim and €34,205 for the Style trim.
In the ID.Polo’s equipment, highlights include V2L charging and the Connected Travel Assist, which integrates adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Unlike its predecessor, Travel Assist, this new system incorporates real-time data that enriches the information captured by the vehicle’s sensors. It also introduces a significant improvement: the ability to detect and react to traffic lights.
All of this, without counting the purchase incentives, such as the Auto+ Plan, for which the model is eligible thanks to being manufactured at Martorell, costing less than 35,000 euros, and for having a European battery manufactured in Valencia (although the first units will still arrive with batteries assembled in China).
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