Volkswagen's ID. Polo Prototype Signals a Return to Form for the EV Brand

Daily Car

22/12/2025

Volkswagen is generating significant buzz with a prototype drive of its upcoming ID. Polo, a compact electric vehicle poised to enter the European market next spring. Early impressions suggest the ID. Polo marks a departure from the unconventional designs of previous ID models, aiming to recapture the brand's traditional appeal with a focus on fun, practicality, and affordability.

Key Takeaways

The ID. Polo aims to compete directly with the successful Renault 5 E-Tech.
It features a more conventional design, both inside and out, reminiscent of traditional VW models.
Priced around €25,000 (approximately $29,000), it targets the affordable compact EV segment.
The prototype has impressed reviewers with its engaging driving dynamics and surprisingly spacious interior.

A Familiar Face in the Electric Era

Volkswagen appears to be course-correcting with its latest electric offering. The ID. Polo prototype eschews the polarizing aesthetics of earlier ID vehicles, instead adopting a design that closely mirrors the familiar Polo hatchback. This return to a more traditional look extends to the interior and driving experience, which reviewers note feel more akin to a conventional combustion-engine Volkswagen. This strategy aims to appeal to a broader audience, potentially attracting buyers who were hesitant about the more avant-garde designs of previous electric models.

Performance and Practicality on a Budget

Set to launch next spring with a starting price of €25,000, the ID. Polo is positioned as a direct competitor to the popular Renault 5 E-Tech. It utilizes a more affordable, front-wheel-drive version of the MEB platform. While this means it lacks the independent rear suspension found in the Renault 5, early drives suggest it doesn't compromise the engaging and fun driving experience expected from a subcompact car.

Reviewers have highlighted the ID. Polo's surprisingly comfortable ride, even on rough surfaces like gravel roads. The car reportedly handles corners with confidence, boding well for future performance variants, such as a planned 2027 GTI version that is expected to rival the Alpine A290.

Interior Comfort and Premium Touches

Despite its compact exterior, the ID. Polo prototype has impressed with its interior spaciousness. Journalists have noted that even taller passengers can comfortably fit in the rear seats. The interior also features a blend of modern technology and practical physical controls, a welcome addition for many drivers. A standout feature mentioned is the panoramic roof with an electrically retracting shade, a premium touch not always found in vehicles at this price point, or even in more expensive models.

Volkswagen's approach with the ID. Polo suggests a learned evolution from its initial foray into the EV market. By blending the practicality and familiar design of its successful combustion-engine heritage with electric powertrain technology, the brand aims to reclaim its position as a leader in accessible and enjoyable electric mobility.

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