Volkswagen says that just a few months before its world premiere, a fleet of almost production-ready ID. Polo prototypes are covering the final test kilometres in numerous regions worldwide.
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Analysts say the upcoming electric compact car product offensive is essential for VW Group to counter the competitive threat in Europe presented by Chinese OEMs. Chinese companies such as BYD and Chery have rapidly gained sales and share in BEVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in Europe over the past two years.
At its debut in spring 2026, the ID. Polo will be available in three power outputs: 85 kW (116 PS), 99 kW (135 PS) and 155 kW (211 PS). The sporty ID. Polo GTI with 166 kW (226 PS) will follow later in the year.
The 85 kW and 99 kW versions will come as standard with a 37 kWh (net) LFP (lithium iron phosphate) high-voltage battery. VW says this battery can be charged at DC rapid-charging points with up to 90 kW. The 155 kW and 166 kW versions will be powered by an NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) variant of the new PowerCo unified cell, with an energy content of 52 kWh (net), enabling ranges of up to 450 km and charging at up to 130 kW DC, VW maintains.
The ID. Polo also features a newly developed front-wheel drive. It is based on the further developed Modular Electric Drive Matrix: MEB+. The new electric drive reduces complexity VW says, in terms of the number of components and weight – parameters that allow Volkswagen to reduce costs and consumption. In addition, the electric front-wheel drive offers clear space advantages.
Key component modules include a Volkswagen electric motor, called APP 290. Integrated flat in the underbody is a new battery generation: the PowerCo unified cell, which uses cell-to-pack technology. This eliminates the intermediate step via module housings and combines the cells directly into a battery pack – reducing price, installation space and weight while increasing energy density by about 10 per cent. The benefit: more range.
Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Core and CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said: “The ID. Polo marks the beginning of a new generation of Volkswagen: with fresh design, intuitive operation, top quality and first-class driving characteristics – and finally with a proper name again. With an entry-level price starting at 25,000 euros, we are making electric mobility accessible to many people in Europe. And this is just the beginning: In 2026, we will launch six new electric models – all 100 per cent Volkswagen!”
See also: Volkswagen Group commissions Salzgitter battery cells facility
