The Volkswagen ID. Polo electric hatch has been spied testing ahead of its global launch later this year, with the hot GTI – the brand’s first GTI-badged electric vehicle (EV) – also spotted in prototype form.
The ID. Polo is one of six new Volkswagen EVs set for launch in 2026.
Caught on camera with little to no disguise, the ID. Polo – with Volkswagen reverting to its iconic model names for its EVs – was spotted on snowy roads in Italy in multiple model grades.
The city-sized hatch, slotting in below the ID.3 in Volkswagen’s electric lineup, will use the new MEB+ architecture and measure 4053mm long, making it similar in size to the current combustion-powered Polo.
It will be sold alongside the existing Polo in showrooms, instead of replacing it; the ‘regular’ Polo will receive upgrades, including new technology and potentially mild-hybrid and hybrid powertrains, to keep it fresh.
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These spy images reveal the ID. Polo will carry the crisp-edged look of the March 2023 ID. 2all concept into showrooms when it goes on sale in Europe later this year, as Volkswagen looks to capitalise after taking the top EV sales spot from Tesla in Europe in 2025.
There are recessed rear door handles for a smoother profile, while sporty elements such as an integrated hatch spoiler and diffuser-style rear bumper suggest one of the test vehicles is an R-Line.
The Polo GTI is instantly recognisable by its larger wheels, bumpers and side skirts, as well as red brake calipers standing out against its black paintwork.
Volkswagen Australia previously told CarExpert local showrooms are “definitely going to have it [the production Polo EV], just a matter of when”.
Volkswagen has already revealed the interior of the ID. Polo, with a premium look and feel using fabric trim, and the capacitive switchgear used on the ID.3 ditched in favour of more physical controls following customer complaints.
There’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster including custom settings such as a retro gauges pack, as well as a 13.0-inch centre touchscreen following the same themes, even showing a cassette tape.
The entry-level ID. Polo uses a 37kWh battery pack with a choice of 85kW or 99kW electric motors, and supports DC fast charging up to 90kW.
A 52kWh battery will be offered with a 155kW motor in standard specification or a 166kW motor in the GTI, with a DC charge rate of up to 130kW.
Australian pricing and equipment are yet to be announced, but in Europe the ID. Polo is expected to start at around €25,000 ($A41,640) before on-road costs, compared to €20,000 ($A33,300) for petrol versions.
