Volkswagen unveils all-electric ID. Polo, with return to physical buttons

Volkswagen has introduced the all-electric ID. Polo, marking a significant evolution of one of its most enduring and popular models. The new ID. Polo features a streamlined design and offers a driving range of up to 454 kilometres, depending on the variant. Notably, Volkswagen has reintroduced physical buttons in the cabin, a departure from the fully touch-sensitive controls common in recent models, aiming to enhance user experience and intuitive operation. The ID. Polo will be offered in three technical variants that differ in motor power, battery capacity, and range. The entry-level model comes with an 85kW motor and a 37kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, providing up to 315km of range, while the mid-tier option increases motor output to 99kW with a slightly longer range. The top variant boasts a 155kW motor paired with a larger 52kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, enabling a maximum range of 454km. Fast-charging capabilities are strong across the range, with charging times from 10 to 80 per cent taking around 23 to 24 minutes, and all versions support vehicle-to-load charging for powering external devices. In terms of dimensions and practicality, the ID. Polo measures just over four metres in length and offers a spacious interior thanks to its front-wheel-drive layout based on the MEB+ platform. It comfortably seats five passengers and provides a generous luggage capacity of 441 litres, expandable to 1,240 litres with the rear seats folded. Inside, the cabin features a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen alongside a 10-inch digital driver display, blending modern technology with the convenience of tactile controls. Volkswagen positions the ID. Polo as a crucial model in its strategy to compete with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and to broaden access to electric mobility. Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, emphasised the model’s role in making electric driving more accessible while maintaining the brand’s hallmark quality and design. The ID. Polo is currently available to order in Germany, though there is no confirmation yet on its release in other markets such as Australia.