Volkswagen Reveals Polo ID EV Marking 50 Years of Legacy

Volkswagen is gearing up to revive the iconic Polo hatchback nameplate with an all-new electric avatar called the ID. Polo, marking a momentous occasion as it celebrates 50 years since the Polo’s inception. Announced as part of Volkswagen’s ambitious transition to electric mobility, this historic hatchback comeback is set for a global launch in 2026 and will usher in the future of affordable and stylish electric cars for the masses.

New Naming Strategy: Legacy Meets Future

• The ID. Polo is the first model under Volkswagen’s revamped naming strategy that shifts legacy combustion-engine model names into their electric lineup under the “ID.” family.
  
  
• CEO Thomas Schäfer emphasized that this strategy preserves brand heritage by connecting customers emotionally with familiar names while driving the future of electric mobility.
  
  
• The ID. Polo concept, currently known as the ID. 2all, previews a compact, affordable electric vehicle based on Volkswagen’s MEB Entry platform—designed exclusively for small EVs.

 

 

 

 

 

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Design and Dimensions

• The ID. Polo measures 4,053 mm in length, 1,816 mm in width, and 1,530 mm in height, making it slightly larger than the previous internal combustion engine Polo but retaining its compact urban footprint.
  
  
• It features a sleek and modern exterior design with slim LED headlights, a large glasshouse, and aerodynamic touches.
  
  
• The sportier ID. Polo GTI version comes with distinct styling cues such as flared wheel arches, an aggressive front bumper, a front diffuser, split rear spoiler, and unique alloy wheels reflecting its performance DNA.

Powertrain and Performance

• The ID. Polo is expected to offer two battery options: a 38 kWh and a larger 56 kWh pack.
• The larger battery variant boasts a WLTP range of up to 450 km on a single charge.
  
  
• Power outputs will vary across variants, including a range-topping GTI model with up to 226 hp (approx. 166 kW).
  
  
• Volkswagen intends the ID. Polo GTI to be its first fully electric, high-performance hot hatch, with plans for a future Clubsport and all-wheel-drive R version with up to 400 hp.

Interior and Technology

• The ID. Polo will incorporate a high-tech cabin with a large 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.9-inch digital instrument cluster.
  
  
• Volkswagen is focusing on sustainability by using soft materials and avoiding hard plastics as well as glue in the interior assembly.
  
  
• Physical controls will include buttons and knobs for audio and climate to offer intuitive usability alongside digital interfaces.
  
  
• Advanced driver assistance systems, including the latest Travel Assist with semi-autonomous features such as automatic lane change and traffic light recognition, are expected to make driving safer and easier.

Market Position and Future Outlook

• Volkswagen aims to price the ID. Polo competitively, with the base version expected to retail for under €25,000, making electric mobility accessible to a broader audience.
  
  
• The model launches during the Polo’s 50th anniversary year, reinforcing its role as a symbol of reliability and innovation.
  
  
• The ID. Polo will join the established ID. family, which includes ID.3, ID.4, and the ID.7, gaining the trust of customers familiar with the Polo brand while attracting new EV buyers.

Launch and Reception

• The ID. Polo and its sportier sibling, the ID. Polo GTI, will officially debut to the public at the IAA MOBILITY event in Munich this September.|
  
  
• The production-ready models will follow in 2026, with Volkswagen targeting global markets including India, Europe, and beyond.
  
  
• The ID. Polo represents Volkswagen’s evolution, blending heritage with cutting-edge electric technology, while meeting growing global demand for compact, sustainable urban mobility solutions.

Summary Table: Volkswagen ID. Polo Key Specs & Features

Conclusion

The unveiling of the Volkswagen ID. Polo marks a pivotal moment not only in the hatchback’s celebrated legacy but also in the electric revolution sweeping the global auto industry. By harnessing advanced electric drivetrain technology, spacious and sustainable interiors, and a reinvigorated design language, Volkswagen is positioned to attract both nostalgic Polo enthusiasts and fresh EV buyers.