Volkswagen ID. Polo (2026 - ) Electric review

There are two battery sizes available in the Volkswagen ID. Polo, starting with a 37kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack. Indulge us getting technical for a moment but his composition is both affordable and durable, being capable of taking full charging to 100 per cent regularly without noticeable degradation. This is good news for those who plug in at home, as they can maximise the car’s range every charge by using cheaper domestic power. All versions of the ID. Polo get 11kW AC charging as standard, while the LFP battery is capable of DC charging at up to 90kW. The larger capacity 52kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery has more range and a higher DC charge rate of 105kW. Volkswagen offers a heat pump as an option in the ID. Polo, which can help to improve efficiency, but this is an expensive option to add.

Volkswagen has already built up a high level of expertise with electric vehicle technology, and while the ID. Polo is the first of several models across the wider family to use an LFP battery this chemistry is widely used and known for its stability and durability. All new Volkswagens are covered by a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty, while the high-voltage battery is separately covered by an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty guaranteeing 70 per cent capacity retention. Volkswagen ID. models are required to be serviced every two years.

There is a high level of standard safety equipment in the Volkswagen ID. Polo. In addition to front airbags, there is a central airbag to prevent front occupants from colliding in the event of a side impact, and both side and curtain airbags for those in the rear. In keeping with the latest mandated safety standards, the Volkswagen features numerous driver assistance systems such as road sign recognition and audible speed limit alerts for when you exceed the posted speed limit. This system doesn’t always get it right, which can become annoying at times, though it can be muted at the start of a journey. Volkswagen’s Connected Travel Assist combines multiple assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and speed limit recognition to serve as a useful aid when driving, particularly on motorways. It can maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front and can even use navigation data to detect upcoming bends and automatically adjust its speed to make it safer and more comfortable. Drivers must still pay attention, of course, and keep in contact with the steering wheel.

Smaller cars can often struggle to provide a plush and comfortable ride on account of their shorter wheelbases and low weight. Volkswagen has done a reasonably good job of making the ID. Polo feel settled and surefooted on the road, and it’s the first of a new generation of its EV family to use a front-wheel-drive layout. There is little weight difference between the two battery sizes, so ride comfort should be consistent across the lineup. Striking expansion joints at motorway speeds can result in a noticeable thump into the cabin’s rear, though. It’s not terrible, but it’s one of the few negatives in what is an otherwise positive driving experience. Tyre and road noise at speed are also higher than we would have expected, but not to the point of it being a deal-breaker. Rear passenger space is decent for a car of this size, but better still is the amount of boot space available. Indeed, by the numbers it’s larger than what you currently get in the bigger Volkswagen Golf, and the underfloor storage compartment can easily swallow a travel suitcase.

The ID. Polo has two displays as standard, but we’re pleased to see VW has reinstated physical switchgear throughout. To those ends the two-spoke steering wheel features buttons with raised edges that are easy to use without looking once you’ve become familiar with the car. Ahead of the wheel is a 10-inch digital instrument display that relays the relevant information clearly. One added bonus is a retro mode graphically simulating the analogue dials from the Mk1 Golf – a nice touch! A 12.9-inch touch-screen is well-positioned in the centre of the dashboard, and the latest native infotainment menu is easy to use, with sections grouped together much like apps on a phone. Smartphone mirroring is available for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Below the touch-screen is a bank of physical switches for adjusting the temperature and fan speed. A wireless charging pad, two cupholders and a storage bin underneath the armrest make up the centre console. Underneath, there is more stowage space for a small bag and here is where the USB-C charge ports can be found. A useful slot in the top of the centre console allows for these cables to be fed through while maintaining a neat appearance.

The ID. Polo offers a choice of three power levels for the ID. Polo, starting with a 37kWh LFP battery with either a 116- or 135-horsepower electric motor. A larger 52kWh NMC battery comes with a 211-horsepower motor, making it feel brisk but not quite as rapid as that number might suggest. This battery provides the longest driving range at 282 miles. Delivery of the power is linear, and it never feels as if it's scrabbling for grip. The ID. Polo also utilises a new one-box brake pedal setup for a near-seamless blend between braking with the all-round disc brakes and energy recuperation, the latter contributing further to the car’s overall efficiency and helping prolong the range.