After months of teasing, the new Volkswagen ID. Polo has finally been revealed and, given the level of detail accompanying the previous teases, there's very little about the first-ever electric Polo we didn't know already.
This is our first time seeing the Polo's design, right?
It is the first time seeing the production-ready design in full, but we saw an example wrapped in 'camouflage' months ago, and that didn't do much to disguise it. Anyway, the Polo's look is nigh on identical to that of the VW ID. 2all concept of way back in 2023, when we assumed there was a Volkswagen ID.2 in the works.
The German company changed tack since then, clumsily tagging the well-known Polo name onto its electric "ID” badge to make it clear to everyone that this is indeed an electric Polo.
Anyway, the finished product adopts that 2023 concept's look more or less wholesale, with more sensibly sized door mirrors. That means the rear door handles are 'hidden' for a smoother side, the face is generic VW fare and the car is unassuming but not unattractive.
Big question: how much range has the electric Polo got?
It's not game-changing in that regard, with a maximum official figure of 455 kilometres quoted. That's for models fitted with a 52kWh (usable capacity) NMC battery, which is only available with the higher-output electric motors - maxing out at 210hp and 226hp. The latter is exclusive to the ID. Polo GTI, incidentally.
We're assuming that most buyers will stick with the smaller battery for affordability reasons. It's a 37kWh LFP pack allowing a range of up to 329km. It's paired with either a 115hp electric motor or a 135hp unit, sufficient outputs for a small car such as this.
Unfortunately, the smaller battery can only manage 90kW on DC chargers, while the larger one can take on charge at up to 105kW. All cars are front-wheel drive.
How much will the new Polo be in Ireland?
Thanks in part to the SEAI grant and VRT relief, Volkswagen Ireland has managed to bring the ID. Polo in at a lower price than expected. It starts at €19,885. Orders open in July with first deliveries before the end of 2026 and into the "271" period in January 2027.