Header: Volkswagen AG
Volkswagen has revealed the ID. Polo, the fully electric version of the Polo, one of the company’s best-known models, which has sold more than 20 million units worldwide. This new version keeps the idea of a compact everyday car but changes the platform, powertrain and technology for electric use.
“The ID. Polo brings a Volkswagen bestseller into the electric age. For decades, the Polo has been part of people’s everyday lives. With the ID. Polo, we are making electric mobility accessible to many more people. (…) A genuine Volkswagen, just like our customers expect from us.”
Thomas Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand and Head of the Brand Group Core
The upgraded visuals
The exterior uses Volkswagen’s new Pure Positive design style, led by Chief Designer Andreas Mindt. The car has simple proportions, a recognisable front and a much more prominent rear. One detail refers back to the first Golf: the shape of the C-pillar.
Volkswagen uses the same approach inside. The cabin is wider and easier to use, with improved materials and controls. Some versions have decorative stitching in the doors, with small Volkswagen badges worked into the seam detail. The ID. Polo is built on Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform, remaining a small car but with more interior space than the petrol or diesel Polo. The boot is larger, the rear seats fold to increase load space and the car keeps the five-seat layout.
The dashboard uses two main screens: a 10-inch digital cockpit in front of the driver and a 13-inch Innovision infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, within reach of both front occupants. The graphics are modern, but Volkswagen also offers a retro display mode.
Three equipment lines
- “Trend” is the entry version and includes 90 kW DC rapid charging, along with Side Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist. Other standard equipment includes LED headlights with main beam control, the 10-inch Digital Cockpit, the 13-inch infotainment system, a leatherette multifunction steering wheel and automatic air conditioning.
- “Life” adds more comfort and convenience equipment, including adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera, front parking sensors and front cross traffic assist. It also has an automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror and electrically folding exterior mirrors with memory. Voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless phone charging are standard, plus the boot also gets a variable floor.
- “Style” is the top version, as it includes the equipment from Trend and Life but adds IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, an illuminated LED light strip, 3D LED rear lights and illuminated Volkswagen logos at the front and rear. Inside, it has sport comfort seats, ambient lighting and higher-quality materials. Heated seats, a heated steering wheel and two-zone automatic air conditioning are also included. Style also gets a newer version of ID. Light, which gives the driver visual information, including navigation directions and charging status.
The technical specs change depending on the chosen line. Trend produces 85 kW, or 116 PS, while Life produces 99 kW, or 135 PS. Both use a 37 kWh net lithium iron phosphate battery, known as LFP, and have a range of up to 329 km. At a DC rapid charger, they can charge from 10% to 80% in about 23 minutes. The most powerful version, Style, produces 155 kW, or 211 PS, and uses a 52 kWh net nickel manganese cobalt battery, known as “NMC”. It offers the longest range, at up to 454 km, and has a DC rapid-charging time from 10% to 80% of about 24 minutes.
Some extras
Volkswagen will also offer several options, which include a Harman Kardon sound system with 425 watts, ten speakers, a centre speaker for clearer voices and a subwoofer. A large panoramic glass roof is also available. Another option is a massage function for the electrically adjustable 12-way front seats that uses air chambers and offers three massage programmes.
