by Volkswagen ID. Polo: Electric hatchback starts from €24,995
Pre-sales of the new electric Volkswagen ID. Polo begin this week. The model’s starting price is €24,995. This is the fully electric seventh generation of the famous hatchback, built on the new front-wheel drive MEB+ platform.
Over 20 million Polos have found owners since the model launched over 50 years ago. Now Volkswagen is relaunching the entire concept as the ID. Polo — a fully electric seventh-generation hatchback on a new front-wheel drive MEB+ platform, with a range of up to 283 miles (455 km) and a starting price that remains in the accessible segment.
Trims and prices
Pre-sales have already started in Germany, where the base Trend trim costs from €24,995. This is the figure Volkswagen is actively promoting. However, currently only the mid-level Life trim is available for order, starting at €33,795. Other variants will appear in the summer.
Powertrains and batteries
Three power options are available at launch. The 114 hp (116 PS / 85 kW) and 133 hp (135 PS / 99 kW) versions are equipped with a 37 kWh LFP battery, providing a range of up to 204 miles (329 km) and supporting DC fast charging at up to 90 kW. Charging from 10% to 80% takes about 27 minutes.
The 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) version gets a 52 kWh NMC battery, increasing the range to 283 miles (455 km) and supporting charging at up to 105 kW, reducing charging time to approximately 24 minutes. A GTI version with 223 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) is expected in 2027.
New front-wheel drive platform
The switch to the front-wheel drive MEB+ platform offers advantages in space, as unlike the larger ID.3 Neo, there is no motor under the trunk floor. Luggage capacity has increased by 25% compared to the petrol Polo — from 351 to 441 liters, and with the rear seats folded, it reaches 1,243 liters. The cabin also gained an additional 19 mm of space, which is particularly noticeable for rear passengers.
Polo dimensions: length 4,053 mm, width 1,816 mm, height 1,530 mm, wheelbase 2,600 mm. This makes it 131 mm shorter and 42 mm narrower than its main competitor, the Renault 5 E-Tech, but almost identical in size to the Cupra Raval, which, like the Skoda Epiq, shares the platform and components with the Polo.
Exterior design
Externally, the ID. Polo is almost identical to the 2023 ID.2all concept, right down to the thick five-spoke wheels and blue body color. The rear door handles are hidden near the C-pillar for clean lines, and a wide transverse light bar at the rear is topped by a glowing red VW logo, completing the style started by the white logo at the front.
Retro digital interior
The interior debuts Volkswagen’s “Pure Positive” design. Chief designer Andreas Mindt stated he wanted the cabin to feel like an old friend. The interior combines a 10-inch digital instrument cluster with a 13-inch central touchscreen for the infotainment system.
Physical buttons control the climate control, a rotary audio controller is located between the front seats, and a “retro mode” for the display transforms the instruments into something reminiscent of a post-facelift Mk1 Golf, with a classic speedometer and power indicator instead of a tachometer. A nice touch.
Three trim levels: Trend (LED headlights, safety systems, standard 90 kW charging), Life (adaptive cruise control, rearview camera, CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging), and Style (IQ.LIGHT matrix headlights, 3D taillights, illuminated VW logo, sport seats, dual-zone climate control, updated ID. Light light bar).
Massage seats
Among the options worth noting are a 425-watt Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic glass roof, and a pneumatic massage function for the 12-way power-adjustable front seats, offering three programs. This is a premium feature in a hatchback costing less than €25,000.
The ID. Polo also standardly supports Vehicle-to-Load technology, allowing it to output up to 3.6 kW via a Schuko adapter for charging e-bikes or powering external equipment. Depending on the trim, the car can tow a trailer weighing up to 1,200 kg.
Affordable charging
Volkswagen’s subsidiary, Elli, is launching a new urban tariff of €0.39 per kWh for public AC charging at over a million European charging stations. This is intended to make street charging as predictable and affordable as home charging. The dynamic home tariff Naturstrom Flex can reduce home charging costs by up to 30%, automatically charging when electricity prices are lowest.
Aside from the future GTI version, the ID. Polo lineup looks fairly complete for launch. It is a practical, well-priced car, and the retro display alone could sell plenty of units.
Overall, the new ID. Polo demonstrates Volkswagen’s ambition to make electric vehicles accessible to the general public without sacrificing modern technology and comfort. The combination of an attractive price, practical space, and interesting options like massage seats makes it a serious player in the compact electric vehicle segment. The attention to interior detail is particularly noteworthy, especially the retro display mode, which adds personality to the car. The market launch of the GTI version in 2027 will undoubtedly attract enthusiasts looking for a more dynamic electric hatchback.
