Volkswagen Confirms ID. Polo Production and 2026 Launch
Volkswagen has announced that its new electric ID. Polo model is nearing series production, with a market launch in Europe anticipated for 2026. The German automaker aims to introduce the compact electric hatchback with a competitive starting price of approximately 25,000 euros. This move signifies Volkswagen's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle lineup and making e-mobility more accessible to a broader market.
The ID. Polo is the production version of the previously showcased ID.2all concept and marks a strategic shift in Volkswagen's naming convention, re-introducing familiar nameplates to its electric ID. family.
Advanced Platform and Performance Details
The upcoming ID. Polo will be built on the advanced MEB+ platform, a modified version of the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) specifically designed for smaller, more efficient, and affordable electric vehicles. This platform will enable a front-wheel-drive configuration, a first for an MEB-based vehicle.
Customers will have a choice of two battery options: a 37 kWh (net) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a larger 52 kWh (net) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. The larger battery is projected to offer a WLTP range of up to 450 kilometers. Charging capabilities will include DC rapid charging up to 90 kW for the smaller battery and up to 130 kW for the larger NMC unit.
The ID. Polo will be available with multiple power outputs, initially offering 85 kW (116 PS), 99 kW (135 PS), and 155 kW (211 PS) variants. A sportier ID. Polo GTI model, boasting 166 kW (226 PS), is expected to follow later in the launch year.
Design, Interior, and Production Location
The ID. Polo will feature Volkswagen's new 'Pure Positive' design language. Inside, the vehicle is designed to offer spaciousness comparable to the Golf, despite its compact exterior dimensions. The luggage compartment will provide 435 liters of space with the seats upright, expanding to 1,243 liters when the rear seats are folded. The interior will also incorporate a 12.9-inch central touchscreen and a 10.9-inch digital driver's display, alongside physical buttons for essential controls like audio and climate.
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) will be integrated, including features such as Travel Assist, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, and Park Assist Plus with memory function.
While Volkswagen is a German company, the production of the ID. Polo will take place at the SEAT and CUPRA plant in Martorell, Spain. This model is part of Volkswagen's broader strategy to introduce ten new electric models by 2026, with the ID. Polo being one of four new electric vehicles planned for the small and compact segments.
6 Comments
Noir Black
FWD on an EV feels like a step back. Where's the innovation?
KittyKat
Bringing back the Polo nameplate is a smart marketing move to ease consumers into EVs. However, I hope the 'Pure Positive' design isn't too bland and truly stands out in a crowded segment.
Katchuka
Finally, an affordable EV from a trusted brand! This is a game-changer.
Leonardo
€25k for a brand new electric VW? Sign me up! This will boost EV adoption.
ZmeeLove
It's good to see VW committing to more affordable EVs and a decent range of 450 km. But the charging speeds, while adequate, aren't groundbreaking compared to some rivals already on the market.
Noir Black
Compact, spacious, and packed with tech. Perfect city car for the electric age.