What the ID. Polo is
- ID. Polo = the production model name for what VW previously called ID. 2all (concept). VW says it’s part of a new naming strategy where familiar ICE model names are carried over to ID. EVs for clarity. (Volkswagen Newsroom)
- It’s positioned as “entry-level mobility” and the first of four new small/compact EVs launching from 2026 onwards. (Volkswagen Newsroom)
Platform, layout, and why it matters
- The ID. Polo uses MEB+ (VW’s next evolutionary stage of MEB) and is front-wheel drive. VW highlights benefits in weight, packaging (space), and consumption vs earlier setups.
- New drivetrain hardware mentioned by VW includes the APP290 motor and new power electronics, plus a new battery system using PowerCo “unified cell” with cell-to-pack tech.
Dimensions and practicality (forecast values)
From VW’s fact sheet (note: they explicitly label these as forecast values):
- Length: 4,053 mm
- Width: 1,816 mm
- Height: 1,530 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
- Drag coefficient: ~0.264
- Boot: up to 435 litres (VW headline figure)
Power outputs (launch plan)
VW says the ID. Polo launches with three outputs, and a GTI follows:
- 85 kW (116 PS)
- 99 kW (135 PS)
- 155 kW (211 PS)
- GTI: 166 kW (226 PS) (confirmed for the ID. Polo GTI)
Batteries, range, and chemistry (official split: LFP vs NMC)
VW confirms two battery sizes with different chemistries:
37 kWh (net) – LFP
- Used on 85 kW and 99 kW versions
- Up to 300 km range (forecast)
52 kWh (net) – NMC
- Used on 155 kW (and the 166 kW GTI drivetrain family)
- Up to 450 km range (forecast)
Charging (official targets, forecast)
Both batteries are listed with 11 kW AC charging.
- 37 kWh (LFP): up to 90 kW DC, 10–80% ~27 min
- 52 kWh (NMC): up to 130 kW DC, 10–80% ~23 min
Interior, cockpit, and usability changes (VW is making a point of this)
VW’s cockpit press release focuses heavily on “customer feedback” and more intuitive controls:
- More physical buttons and a new multi-function steering wheel with clear button controls (Volkswagen Newsroom)
- Separate buttons for climate and hazard lights in a strip below the infotainment screen (Volkswagen Newsroom)
- A rotary audio controller between phone tray and cupholders (Volkswagen Newsroom)
- “Retro displays”: instrument cluster views that can mimic classic Golf I-style layouts (Volkswagen Newsroom)
Software/driver assist highlights mentioned
- One-pedal driving
- Advanced parking assistants
- Optional new generation of Travel Assist (VW mentions it can recognise red lights and stop signs) (Volkswagen Newsroom)
ID. Polo GTI (what’s confirmed)
VW positions it as the first electric GTI era for Polo:
- 166 kW / 226 PS, front-wheel drive, MEB+
- Mentions an electronic front axle differential lock (GTI-style) managed by a Vehicle Dynamics Manager
- World premiere: summer 2026
- Pre-sales: autumn 2026 (Europe)
Timing, price positioning, and where it’s built
- Start of pre-sales (ID. Polo): end of April 2026
- VW/Reuters position it as a sub-€25,000 affordable hatchback EV. (Reuters)
- Production: VW states it will be built at SEAT & CUPRA’s Martorell plant in Spain. (Volkswagen Newsroom)
What’s still not fully confirmed
Even with the fact sheet, VW hasn’t published final:
- Final WLTP values per trim (they call current numbers forecast)
- Full specs like 0–100, curb weight by trim/options, towing, heat pump availability, pricing by market, etc.