The new Volkswagen ID. Polo: everything you need to know

The ID. Polo is a completely reimagined all-electric version of the Polo, one of our most successful models. The new chapter for this small car is geared toward the future, and it’s already setting technological standards, with a WLTP range of up to 281 miles, the new Connected Travel assist which includes automatic traffic light recognition, efficient one-pedal driving and the vehicle-to-load function which turns your ID. Polo into a mobile power source for things like camping equipment or e-bikes.

Battery sizes and range

The ID. Polo has two different battery sizes to choose from. The largest is a 52 kWh battery with 211 PS and a range of up to 281 miles, while the smaller 37 kWh battery has 116 PS and 135 PS versions, and a range of up to 203 miles.

How quickly does it charge?

The 37 kWh battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 23 minutes using a DC quick-charging station, while the 52 kWh battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes.

Boot space and dimensions

Compact, spacious and suitable for everyday use. The new ID. Polo has a boot capacity of 441 litres, and with the seats down that jumps to 1,240 litres. As for its dimensions, the ID. Polo is 4,053 mm long, 1,816 mm wide and 1,530 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm.

How does it compare to the petrol Polo?

The ID. Polo impresses with significantly better use of space than the combustion-engine Polo thanks to its MEB+ platform. One example of this is the 25-per-cent increase in boot volume, which has gone from 351 to 441 litres. When the ID. Polo rear seats are folded down, the boot capacity increases to 1,240 litres (compared with 1,125 litres in the Polo). This extra space makes the five-seater ID. Polo more of an all-rounder than any of its predecessors, specialising not only in urban life but also effortlessly mastering everyday use with friends and family.

The new ID. Polo is immediately recognisable as a genuine Volkswagen and reflects its technological progress with a modern light design. It’s the first production model to completely follow the new Volkswagen Pure Positive design language of Chief Designer Andreas Mindt. The result is a compact car with clear proportions, iconic design features such as the C-pillar derived from the first Golf, a likeable front end and a powerful rear that has a very high-quality, timeless and charismatic appearance.

Inside the ID. Polo

The interior of the ID. Polo features intelligent architecture, high-quality materials and excellent ergonomics. This loving attention to detail is evident with the elegant decorative seams in the door trims and small ‘Volkswagen’ badges that tie it all together.

Screens, buttons and the retro display

The Digital Cockpit’s new landscape is particularly striking, with its visual axis arrangement and a diagonal of 10 inches. The 13-inch touchscreen Innovision infotainment system resembles a high-quality tablet and is centrally located in the dash panel ensuring both the driver and front passenger can easily reach it. The high-quality interior is topped off with clearly designed and intuitive controls, modern displays and graphics, as well as innovative features such as the ‘retro display’, which brings a touch of nostalgia to the digital instruments with the look and feel of the Golf Mk I.

Comfort and optional extras

The optional equipment for the new ID. Polo includes exceptional features for this class, such as the large panoramic glass roof or the premium sound system from Harman Kardon with 425 Watts of audio output, 10 speakers including centre speaker for clear voice transmission, and a subwoofer for ultra deep bass. The front seats can be electronically adjusted 12 ways, and the driver seat also has a memory function, which will save your preferred seat settings. A new feature in this segment is the pneumatic massage function with three different massage settings available, making each drive feel luxurious.

Thanks to MEB+ and new software, the ID. Polo comes with a host of modern assist systems as standard such as Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, Side Assist Lane change system with Rear Traffic Alert, Eco Assistance, Reversing Assist, Emergency Assist, Front Assist and Lane Assist.

Connected Travel Assist with traffic light recognition

As an option, the next generation of Travel Assist reacts to traffic lights, within system limits, and supports assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance. This means it can manage your speed, keeping a safe preset distance between you and the vehicle ahead, plus the front camera and radar sensors can actively centre your car in its lane. This next generation of Travel Assist is a first in this class.

One-pedal driving

One-pedal driving is also available as standard, which allows you to decelerate simply by lifting your foot off the accelerator pedal.

The ID. Polo can be used to power or charge external devices of up to 3.6 kW. This means wherever you are, you can use your vehicle as a power socket to charge an e-bike, or other outdoor equipment. Charging can be done with the interior, 230 V socket or with a separate adapter, the mode three connection of the charging socket can also be used.

Life

The ID. Polo Life will be launched as the first equipment level in the UK. It’s fitted as standard with assist systems, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), a rear-view camera system, park distance control (front) and front cross traffic assist, which comes in handy on motorways and in the car park. An automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror and electrically folding exterior mirrors with memory function ensure greater convenience while driving at night and squeezing into tight spots. Digital features such as voice control, App Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as an inductive charging function for smartphones are also standard, making it easy to keep connected and hands free. In addition, the boot features a variable-height boot floor for even more convenient use of the large boot compartment.

Style

In addition to the features of the Life equipment level, the ID. Polo Style also comes with state-of-the-art lighting technology with the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with illuminated LED light strip, 3D LED taillight clusters and illuminated VW logo at the front and rear. The interior is characterised by sport comfort seats, background lighting and high-quality materials. Functions such as steering wheel and seat heating, as well as two-zone automatic air conditioner, are also part of the premium equipment. Another innovation is the improved version of ID. Light on board the ID. Polo Style. This provides assistance with visual information in everyday driving, such as navigation instructions or the charging status, plus for the first time, the light strip continues into the front doors, allowing the system to warn you of approaching road users before the door is opened.

The ID. Polo is already available for order in the UK. Currently the Life Launch Edition and Style Launch Edition are the only trims available for order, but the next wave of trims are due to go on sale in September.