Volkswagen ID. Polo: the upcoming city car already testing in winter

The next Volkswagen electric city car is beginning its winter testing, and may adopt the name ID. Polo at its launch in 2025.

The next generation of Volkswagen electric cars is arriving in 2025, but that’s almost tomorrow! The current focus is on prototypes for the upcoming city car, in the form of a “mule.” Photographers spotted one of these in Scandinavia during the traditional automaker winter tests.

The enemy of the Renault 5 Electric?

Thus, we observe the first test drives on a shortened Volkswagen ID.3. Confirmation that this car will be shorter by at least 15 cm. With a size closer to 4 meters, this model is more in the compact city car category. This Volkswagen will compete with the Peugeot e-208, as well as the upcoming Renault 5 Electric.

This prototype features a chassis based on the upcoming MEB+ (or MEB Plus) platform, which will be used by other brands within the group. The Cupra Rebel will notably use it to become the city car positioned below the Born in terms of price and features.

The name ID. Polo for Volkswagen’s upcoming electric city car?

For several weeks, rumors have been circulating about the naming of upcoming models. Initially, Volkswagen’s electric cars were to follow the ID nomenclature, followed by a number from 1 to 9. Logically, the compact is the ID.3, the SUVs are the ID.4 and ID.5, and the ID.7 sedan. However, the ID. Buzz has already challenged this, appealing to nostalgia in its design, but also through its name reminiscent of the old Combi, also called Bus or Microbus. 

Driven by the excitement surrounding this launch, Volkswagen appears to want to apply the same approach to its other electric models. Hence, the rumors about a potential return to Volkswagen ID. Golf for the next generation of the compact or as ID. Tiguan for the SUV variant (formerly known as ID.3 X). 

As for the city car, it might also be tempted by the name ID. Polo, instead of the less charismatic ID.2. But this remains speculation for now; the German brand still has time to confirm this before its scheduled launch in 2025.

Also read: Comparison test Renault Megane E-Tech vs. Volkswagen ID.3