The ID. Polo is the first of a group of new, smaller and more affordable electric cars from Volkswagen. As the name suggests, it's a compact hatchback, though it will be slightly smaller than the ID.3 in every direction. For now, it remains wrapped in a light disguise, but if you squint hard enough, you can get a pretty good idea of how it's going to look once the camouflage comes off.
The ID. Polo has a long wheelbase, which means more space inside, and short overhangs front and rear, giving it attractive proportions. Volkswagen's designers have tucked the rear door handles into the C-pillar frames for a cleaner look and, depending on which specification you go for, it'll come with 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels.
The exterior dimensions of the Volkswagen ID. Polo are:
Length: 4,053mm
Width: 1,816mm
Height: 1,530mm
Wheelbase: 2,600mm
What's under the skin of the ID. Polo?
The new hatchback is built on the MEB+ platform, which is an evolution of what currently underpins the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and a whole bunch of other Volkswagen Group electric models.
Two batteries will be available, starting with a 37kWh (that's the usable energy capacity) LFP (lithium iron phosphate) unit, which will be available with either 116hp or 135hp electric motors.
This battery is paired with 11kW AC charging and will be capable of 90kW fast charging on a DC outlet, the latter allowing for a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in about 27 minutes. A driving range of up to 300 kilometres will be possible with this smaller battery.
A 52kWh NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery will also be offered. This is from the Volkswagen Group's in-house PowerCo battery subsidiary and uses cell-to-pack technology.
It is paired with a 211hp electric motor and manages an official driving range of up to 450 kilometres, with 11kW AC and 130kW DC charging capabilities, topping the battery back up from 10 to 80 per cent in as low as 23 minutes.
The chassis uses MacPherson struts on the front axle. At the rear, the ID. Polo uses a new type of torsion beam setup aimed at optimising comfort and refinement.
Bonded rubber pads on the coil springs are claimed to reduce road noise and improve comfort, while a passive vibration damper reduces lower frequency rolling noise to make the cabin quieter.
Volkswagen's engineers have also created a new 'one-box' brake system with disc brakes all-round. This is claimed to be a lightweight solution and is said to provide very efficient energy recuperation while delivering a positive pedal feel for the driver.
Will there be a high-performance Polo?
Yes, Volkswagen will roll out a fast ID. Polo GTI later in 2026, as previewed by a concept car pictured here.
Sources within the company have told CompleteCar.ie that the production car will be almost unchanged from the design already shown as the ID. GTI.
It will stick with a front-wheel-drive layout but expect some interesting tuning to make it a fun EV to drive.
It will get a 226hp maximum power output from the 'APP290' electric motor and use the same 52kWh battery that features in the standard ID. Polo. APP stands for Axial Parallel Position, while the '290' refers to the maximum torque output in Newton metres.
What else can you tell me about the electric Polo?
When the Volkswagen ID. Polo goes on sale, it will be available in a choice of seven exterior colours: Python Yellow, Candy White, Tornado Red, Grenadil Black, Magnetic Tech, Dolomit Silver and Celestial Blue.
Pricing will be announced closer to the car's arrival in Ireland.