- Volkswagen shared details on the upcoming ID. Polo lineup.
- EV launches with two batteries and three motor configurations.
- A 223 hp ID. Polo GTI arrives one year after initial launch.
Volkswagen has released a slew of details about the ID. Polo, ahead of its launch next year. The company has a lot riding on its success, as it’s the first of four compact electric models that VW believes will reshape its small car lineup.
Since we’ve already seen camouflaged prototypes at the Munich Motor Show, we’ll simply note the car has a “Pure Positive” design that promises to offer space worthy of the “next higher class of vehicle.”
More: VW Revives Polo Name For EV Era And Teases First Ever Electric GTI
In this case, the car measures 159.6 inches (4,053 mm) long, 71.5 inches (1,816 mm) wide, and 60.2 inches (1,530 mm) tall with a wheelbase spanning 102.4 inches (2,600 mm). Volkswagen noted this is roughly the same size as the MQB-based Polo, but the interior is 0.7 inches (19 mm) longer with a lot of that helping to improve rear seat legroom. There’s also more headroom as well as extra interior width.
Practicality gets a noticeable lift in the boot as well. The ID. Polo offers more cargo room than the ICE-powered model. It holds 15.4 cubic feet (435 liters) of luggage, but that can be expanded to 43.9 cubic feet (1,243 liters) by folding the rear seats down.
Three Powertrains at Launch
When the ID. Polo debuts next spring, it will be offered with three front-mounted motors. They’ll have outputs of 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS), 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS), and 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS). The ID. Polo GTI will arrive one year later with 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS).
The 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS) variants will come equipped with a small 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. These versions will also have an underwhelming DC fast charging capacity of 90 kW.
The two range-topping variants up the ante with a larger 52 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, which promises to deliver up to 280 miles (450 km) of range.
Volkswagen went on to say the battery uses cell-to-pack technology, which “eliminates the intermediate step via module housings and combines the cells directly into a battery pack – reducing price, installation space, and weight while increasing energy density by about 10 percent.”
It’s also worth mentioning buyers will find an upgraded DC fast charging capability of 130 kW.
New Platform and Tech
The ID. Polo rides on the new MEB+ platform, which is described as a “further developed” version of the existing architecture. It benefits from reduced complexity, higher efficiency, and less weight.
Volkswagen also said we can expect next-generation driver assistance systems including a “significantly enhanced” version of Travel Assist. It provides “assisted lateral and longitudinal guidance” as well as automated lane changes on highways. The system also has traffic light and stop sign recognition.
According to Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer, “The ID. Polo marks the beginning of a new generation of Volkswagen: with fresh design, intuitive operation, top quality and first-class driving characteristics – and finally with a proper name again.” He added the company will launch six new electric vehicles next year and the ID. Polo’s €25,000 ($29,388) starting price will make “electric mobility accessible to many people in Europe.”
