Volkswagen’s entry-level EV spotted as a hot hatch R-Line model [Video]

The ID. Polo will make its official debut in just a few weeks as the first of a new generation of Volkswagen EVs. New spy shots confirm a range-topping R-Line model will join the lineup shortly after.

Volkswagen will unveil the ID. Polo next month, the first of four smaller, entry-level electric cars. It will be the first ID member to feature an established Volkswagen brand name.

“With an entry-level price starting at 25,000 euros, we are making electric mobility accessible to many people in Europe,” Volkswagen brand boss Thomas Schäfer said in December.

The ID. Polo will initially launch with three power outputs: 85 kW (114 hp), 99 kW (133 hp), and 155 kW (208 hp). Later this year, a sporty GTI variant will join the lineup with 166 kW (223 hp).

According to reports, an R-Line model will also be added. The latest spy images from AutoEvolution show three distinct ID. Polo prototypes, including a base model, R-line, and GTI trims.

You can see the R-Line model features a few upgrades from the standard prototype, with a lower stance and a more aggressive front and rear-end design. Not as aggressive as the GTI, but clearly more than the base ID. Polo.

The ID. Polo will make its world premiere next month, with sales kicking off immediately after, including the range-topping R-Line. According to MotorES, the ID. Polo R-Line is expected to deliver 211 hp with prices starting around €35,000 ($40,500).

The 85 kW and 99 kW models will draw power from a 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Meanwhile, the 155 kW and 166 kW versions will be powered by a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, which Volkswagen said will deliver up to 450 km (280 miles) of WLTP driving range.

At 4,053 mm long, 1,816 mm wide, and 1,530 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm, the ID. Polo is about the same size as the current internal combustion engine (ICE) Polo.

Thanks to a flat battery pack design and compact drive modes, the EV is 19 mm longer on the inside, which opens up rear passenger space.

After the ID. Polo, Volkswagen will launch the ID. Cross, essentially the all-electric alternative to the T-Cross SUV. We also got our first look at the Golf EV last week (check it out here).

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Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising