Volkswagen’s new electric car arrives with two battery sizes and three power outputs, plus a future GTI.
by Xavier Pérez (Prensa Ibérica / Spain)
The new Volkswagen ID.Polo is not just another electric city car. It is one of the models destined to define Volkswagen’s new era and holds special significance for Spain: it is manufactured in Seat-Martorell factory alongside the new Cupra Raval, with which it shares the MEB+ electric platform.
At four meters in length, the ID.Polo maintains clearly urban dimensions, but improves practicality compared to the combustion-powered Polo. Its trunk capacity reaches 441 liters and can optionally feature a small front storage space (frunk).
Its approach is simple: to be an easy-to-use car in the city, without being limited to urban commutes. The smooth steering and good maneuverability facilitate daily use, while the different battery and motor combinations also allow it to tackle interurban trips and weekend getaways.
The ID.Polo will be available with two batteries, 37 and 52 kWh, and three power levels: 116, 135, and 211 hp. Driving ranges vary between 323 and 454 kilometers, depending on the version. A GTI variant will join the lineup later, pushing the range’s performance even higher.
The battery can charge from 10 to 80% in about 23-24 minutes, while certified energy consumption sits between 13.3 and 14.9 kWh/100 km. These figures reinforce its status as a vehicle designed for daily life, especially on urban and suburban routes.
Even though it is electric, Volkswagen wanted the ID.Polo to retain the driving character associated with the brand. It debuts the APP290 electric motor, specially designed to offer high efficiency. The chassis combines a McPherson suspension on the front axle and a torsion beam at the rear, with a setup tuned for comfort. The result is a car that is simple to drive, stable, and responsive enough to move nimbly in both the city and on the highway.
It also incorporates different driving modes and a One Pedal driving system, which increases energy recuperation and reduces brake usage under certain conditions. Among its features are the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, allowing the battery to power external devices, and the option to include a tow hitch.
The interior follows an increasingly common formula in Volkswagen’s electric vehicles, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13-inch central screen. The brand has brought back physical buttons, mainly for multimedia and climate control functions, while the steering wheel also regains these controls, particularly for operating the various ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Among its most striking details is undoubtedly the retro-inspired interface that revives visual elements from the third-generation Volkswagen Golf.
The Volkswagen ID.Polo starts in Spain at 25.700 euros without discounts or incentives. For entry-level versions, the price can drop below 20.000 euros with available promotions.
In addition to the three power outputs and two battery sizes, the Volkswagen ID.Polo features the brand’s three traditional trim levels: Trend, Life, and Style, increasing the level of equipment, technology, and comfort in each. The lineup begins with the ID.Polo Trend (116 hp and 37 kWh battery) and tops out with the Style version (211 hp and 52 kWh battery).