VW

Volkswagen ID. Polo 2027: the 100% electric production version of the Polo's successor

When it arrives in European stores later this year, the ID. Polo will have direct competitors such as the Renault 5 E-Tech, Peugeot e-208, and the future electric Ford Fiesta, as well as the Chinese BYD Dolphin and MG4. Volkswagen plans to sell the model with a starting price of 25,000 euros.

In terms of design, the ID. Polo follows the identity adopted by the brand for electric cars, but with an extra touch of boldness compared to other models in the ID line. At the front, the highlight is the horizontal LED strip that connects the main headlights, passing through the illuminated logo. In profile, the rear door handles are integrated into the pillars, while at the rear the taillights are narrow and positioned horizontally.

In terms of size, the ID. Polo will be 4.05 meters long, 2.60 m wheelbase, 1.81 m wide and 1.53 m high, in addition to a 440-liter trunk and another 50-liter luggage compartment located under the rear seat. For comparison, the standard gasoline-powered Polo is 4.07 m long, 1.75 m wide, 1.47 m high, and has a wheelbase of 2.56 m.

One of the key selling points of the ID.2 is its size. Designed with city environments in mind, the ID.2 offers a compact footprint that makes it easier to navigate through tight city streets and squeeze into roadside parking spaces. Yet, despite its smaller size, the ID.2 won’t skimp on interior space. Volkswagen has made clever use of the MEB platform’s design, which allows for a longer wheelbase and short overhangs. This means that the ID.2 will offer more interior room than you might expect from a car of its size. Just as the ID.3 offers as much interior space as the Passat, the ID.2 is expected to be as roomy inside as the current combustion-engined Golf.

Inside, the ID.2 carries forward the minimalist and tech-forward design language that has become synonymous with the ID. range. The cabin is expected to feature a clean and uncluttered layout, with a focus on digital interfaces. The central infotainment screen will likely dominate the dashboard, providing access to a range of features including navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Volkswagen’s commitment to user-friendly technology means that the ID.2’s systems should be intuitive and easy to use, even for those new to electric vehicles. New Volkswagen design boss Andreas Mindt has put on record his preference for physical buttons rather than touchscreen controls, so expect the ID.2 to be a little more ‘analogue’ than the ID.3 when it comes to switchgear. 

One of the traditional challenges with compact electric cars has been battery range, but Volkswagen seems determined to address this with the ID.2. The car will be offered with two battery size options: 38kWh and 56kWh, with the smaller battery pack expected to offer around 200 miles of range and the larger 56kWh pack delivering nearer to 280 miles. Those figures would put it on level pegging with the best offerings in the sector. 

Charging is another area where the ID.2 is expected to perform well. Volkswagen has invested heavily in its charging infrastructure, and the ID.2 will be compatible with fast-charging networks. This means that drivers will be able to add a significant amount of range in a relatively short period, making the ID.2 more convenient for longer trips. The car will likely support DC fast charging, which could see the battery reach 80% charge in around 30 minutes, depending on the charger used.

Volkswagen ID.2 performance...Unlike all other ID models launched to date, the 2 will be the first to be front-wheel drive with a single motor on the front axle. This makes it simpler and cheaper to make. Indeed, such is the drive to reduce costs that Volkswagen will move the charging port to the front wing to save on expensive cabling though the car. We’re yet to hear about motor outputs, for the final production version but the ID.2all concept car (upon which the final car will be heavily based) came with a 223hp motor which delivered a sub-seven second 0-62mph time. We’d expect the production model to prioritise range and efficiency over performance and power output of around 200 bhp. That said, a GTI version is understood to be in the works and could well appear with the concept’s 223hp drive system. 

The ID.2 is expected to come equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking. These systems are designed to enhance driver confidence and reduce the likelihood of accidents, particularly in busy urban environments where the ID.2 is likely to spend much of its time.

How much will the Volkswagen ID.2 cost? Pricing is a crucial factor for the ID.2, as it is positioned to be a more affordable option in the ID. range. Volkswagen has made it clear that the ID.2’s main task is to bring electric vehicles to a wider audience, and this will be reflected in its pricing. While final prices are yet to be announced, it’s expected that the ID.2 will be priced competitively against its rivals with the small battery, entry level model expected to go on sale for around £22,000. The higher spec, large battery model is likely to start from £26,000. Volkswagen will be keen to steal market share away from cars like the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e, along with Chinese rivals such as the BYD Dolphin and is expected to price the ID.2 aggressively. 

The Volkswagen ID. Polo is the 100% electric production version of the Polo's successor, based on the ID.2all concept presented in 2023. Scheduled for release in the European market in 2026, the model marks a change in the ID line's nomenclature, returning to using iconic brand names instead of just numbers.

Main features of the ID. Polo(below):

Platform and Drivetrain: Uses the new MEB+ (or MEB Entry) architecture, focused on compact models, with front-wheel drive, a first for the ID line.

Range and Battery: Two battery options will be offered:

-37 kWh (LFP): Focused on urban use, with an estimated range of 300 km.

-52 kWh (NMC): Long-range version with up to 450 km (WLTP).

-Performance: Power outputs range from 116 hp (85 kW) to 211 hp (155 kW) in standard versions.

-Fast charging: Capable of recharging from 10% to 80% in about 20 to 25 minutes on chargers up to 130 kW DC.

Interior Space: Despite being compact (4.05m), it offers interior space comparable to that of a Golf, with a generous 435-liter trunk.

GTI Version (Launch in 2027):

-The sporty ID. Polo GTI variant is expected to hit the streets in early 2027.

-Power: Approximately 226 hp (166 kW).

-Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds.

Differentials: More aggressive look with the classic GTI red line, exclusive wheels and electronic differential on the front axle for greater dynamic control.

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