The Volkswagen Polo Next Generation is welcomed into the ID. Range

It’s quite the statement when Volkswagen launches their new Polo as an electric car, especially as previous generations of Polo were so successful having sold over 20 million examples over the last 50 years.
So, does this new Polo have some tricks up its wheel arches to win over people’s hearts?

Whilst there’s no termination date for the combustion powered Polo, it’s going to feel rather obsolete when comparing it to the specifications of the all new electric ID. Polo.

Space
The new ID. Polo majors on space. Departing from other rear wheel drive ID cars, this all new ID. Polo is front wheel drive based on the more flexible MEB+ platform and that means space is at levels in a class above.

The new ID. Polo is 4,053 mm long with a large wheelbase of 2,600 mm. Compared to the outgoing model, the ID. Polo has an impressive 441 litres of boot space vs 351 litres for the petrol car. With the rear seats folded down, that space increases to 1,240 litres vs 1,125 litres of its combustion counterpart.

Battery, Charging and Range
There will be three power levels available: 85 kW (116 PS), 99 kW (135 PS) and 155 kW (211 PS).

Like the ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq, the 85 kW and 99 kW versions will get a 37 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery as standard. This means each AC charge can be to 100% allowing for the battery’s full range to be utilised after each charge.
However, if it does need to be charged out in the wild, it can top up from 10% to 80% in just 23 minutes at a compatible DC rapid charger.
The total combined range for these versions is 204 miles on the WLTP test cycle.

The 155 kW version has a more energy dense NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery that prefers an 80% AC charge with 100% AC charging acceptable prior to long road trips. And it is on a long road trip the ID. Polo 155 kW can be rapid charged in 24 minutes.
The range for this version is an impressive 282 miles (WLTP).

Vehicle-to-load bi-directional charging is standard in the ID. Polo powering external devices up to 3.6 kW with a separate adapter, likely to be a cost option as an accessory purchase.

Trim Lines
The ID. Polo is being made available in three trim lines: 

Trend - The ID. Polo Trend is equipped as standard with safety assist systems such as Side Assist and Lane Assist (incl. Emergency Assist).
LED headlights feature as does a Digital Cockpit with 10-inch drivers display and a 13-inch Innovision infotainment system.
But there are also buttons with a multi-function steering wheel housing many of those.

Life – As well as the equipment above, there’s adaptive cruise control (ACC), a rear-view camera system, park distance control (front) and front cross traffic assist.
There’s also an automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror and electrically folding exterior mirrors.
There’s even voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as an inductive charging tray for smartphones. The boot gets a variable floor.

Style – this gets IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with LED daytime running lights, 3D LED tail light clusters and illuminated VW logo at the front and rear.
Inside are sport comfort seats, ambient background lighting and higher quality materials.
Steering wheel and seat heating are included, as well as two-zone automatic air conditioning. There’s also better visualisation for navigation instructions or the charging status and the interior light strip - that glides into the front doors - goes smart adding new functions such as warning of approaching road users before the door is opened.

Options
As always with Volkswagen, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as a 425 W Harman Kardon sound system with 10 speakers including a subwoofer.
Customers can pay extra for a large panoramic glass roof.
For gym enthusiasts and bad back sufferers, a pneumatic massage function can be chosen which also comes with 12-way electrically adjusted front seats.
The massage function has three programmes to pamper its occupants.

On Sale
The ID. Polo pre-sale start today in Germany, with prices starting from 33,795 euros for the ID. Polo Life with 155 kW (211 PS)1 and 52 kWh battery. The base version starts at 24,995 euros.
U.K. prices have yet to be confirmed but they won’t be far short of those values in pounds, but it will be subject to compliance with the EV Car Grant which may reduce costs further.
More details about the ID. Polo are available on Volkswagen’s U.K. website.

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About the Author

Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.

You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.