All‑Electric VW Polo to Hit the Road in 2025 – All the Essentials
Volkswagen has finally dropped the curtain on its all‑electric version of the popular compact hatch‑back. Set to launch in 2025, the new Polo will be available in a range of power outputs, including a sporty GTI version, and will start at a surprisingly competitive price of €25,000 (about R490 k).
The Big Reveal
In September 2025, VW rolled out the all‑electric Polo at IAA Mobility in Munich – a striking, camouflaged body that hinted at the brand’s electric future. According to Thomas Schäfer, CEO of VW Passenger Cars, the move is part of a plan to cement the Polo name across the brand’s electric portfolio and will also include the ID. Cross, an electric version of the T‑Cross crossover.
Size & Space
The new Polo sits on VW’s upgraded MEB+ (Modular Electric Drive Matrix) platform:
| Dimension | ID. Polo | ICE Polo |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4 053 mm | 4 074 mm (21 mm longer) |
| Width | 1 816 mm | 1 751 mm (65 mm wider) |
| Height | 1 530 mm | 1 451 mm (79 mm taller) |
| Wheelbase | 2 600 mm | 2 552 mm |
Even though it’s about the same overall size as the combustion‑engine version, the electric Polo’s cabin is 19 mm longer at the rear and offers better headroom. The boot swells to 435 litres—an 84‑litre bump—and expands to 1 243 litres when the rear seats are folded.
Power & Range
The Polo will be offered in three power tiers:
| Power | Battery | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 85 kW | 37 kWh LFP | – |
| 99 kW | 37 kWh LFP | – |
| 155 kW | 52 kWh NMC | Up to 450 km |
The top‑end 155 kW model will give drivers up to 450 kilometres on a single charge, a solid reach for city and short‑distance road trips. Exact ranges for the 85 kW and 99 kW models have not been released yet.
The GTI in the Pipeline
In addition to the three standard versions, VW is also developing a sporty electric GTI model. The GTI will draw on a 52 kWh NMC battery and produce 166 kW—more power than the ICE Polo GTI, which delivers 147 kW. The electric GTI will also be built at VW’s Kariega plant in South Africa, just like the ICE version.
Pricing
VW has said the base ID. Polo will start at €25 000, roughly R490 741 with today’s exchange rate. For reference, the 85 kW ICE Polo begins at R445 400. It’s still unclear whether the new electric Polo will be available in South Africa, but the price point suggests it could be a serious contender in the local market.
Bottom Line
Volkswagen’s new electric Polo looks set to combine the beloved styling and practicality of the classic model with the efficiency and performance of a fully electric platform. With a range top‑score of 450 km, a spacious cabin, and a starting price that invites comparison with other electric city cars, the 2025 Polo may well be the most accessible electric hatch‑back yet.
Stay tuned for more updates on launch dates, detailed specs, and local availability.
