There's some new information about VW's compact electric car, including the fact that it will share the Polo nameplate with its internal combustion-powered sibling.
Key Details
Production Name: Volkswagen ID. Polo (formerly known as the ID.2all concept).
Reveal Date: It was revealed in September 2025 as a near-production concept, with a full unveiling expected in May 2026.
Market Launch: The ID Polo is scheduled for sale in 2026, with a GTI version to follow later that year. We have not been informed of any plans to launch the model locally by VW SA.
Platform: It is built on a shortened and simplified version of the MEB electric platform called MEB Entry. This is the first front-wheel-drive application of this platform.
Pricing: Volkswagen aims for a starting price of under €25,000 (around R500 000).
Performance and Specifications
Motor and Drive: A single electric motor on the front axle.
Power: The standard ID. Polo is expected to produce 168kW.
Range: The ID. Polo is expected to have a range of up to 451 km.
Battery: It will have two battery sizes: 38 kWh and 56 kWh.
Charging: It will have 125kW DC fast charging capability.
Design and Features:
Exterior: The design resembles the ID.2all concept, featuring a stubby, sloped bonnet, sleek headlights, a full-width light bar, and a light-up VW badge.
Interior: The interior is expected to have a minimalist design with a large central touchscreen and a digital driver's display. There will be physical buttons for climate and audio controls.
Technology: Features will include advanced driver-assistance systems like Travel Assist, a 360-degree camera, and Park Assist Plus.
ID. Polo GTI:
The ID. Polo GTI has been confirmed and previewed.
It is expected to have a more powerful single motor with around 238kW.
The design will be sportier with a revised bumper, deeper air intake, larger wheels, and a more aggressive rear diffuser and spoiler.
The 0-100 km/h time is estimated to be under 6.0 seconds.
The range for the GTI version is expected to be around 400km on a single charge.
Pricing for the GTI could be under R700 000.
Position in the Market:
The ID. Polo is a key part of Volkswagen's strategy to offer an affordable electric "people's car" to compete with a growing number of rivals in the electric small car segment. It will be sold alongside the current internal combustion Polo, not as a replacement.
