ID.2all Concept is a Polo-sized fresh start for VW's EVs

Quite obviously in the footprint of the Polo, the ID.2all Concept is a bold statement of intent from VW, to right any perceived wrongs with what we’ve got from the ID. range so far. This is handsome concept that while being two years out from production, looks more like a conventional production car in all the ways the ID.3 just doesn’t. Quirky is out and cool is in.

The very R-esque blue makes an impression from afar before you’ve seen the details. It says ‘sporty’, which the car backs up. Three guiding principles have dictated this desirable design direction: Stable, Likeable and Exciting. The goal was to give it stance, make it nice to look at and make it sporty. Those bold new light bars front and rear, are aggressive yet friendly. The foursquare stance with carefully-bulged arches, looks confident yet approachable. There are recognisable quintessential VW elements, including the traditional C pillar which in this instance, joins up with the belt line. In silhouette and in detail, it really picks up where the fifth-generation Polo left off (and where the sixth generation didn’t quite pick up) in 2017.

The more attractive look continues on the inside, with a look that makes good on VW’s insistence that quality is a forefront priority. This is a crisp, stylish, reserved yet interesting cabin. Yes, the usual screens are out in force – no sizes given – but you have the fun new steering wheel which has a thinner rim, a dish and a minimalistic look. Then there’s the centre console, with the prominent ‘VW’ rotary controller that looks part Tonka Toy, part Swiss watch.

In short, there’s not really a bad angle on it, inside and out. It's the most 'VW' – possessed of an all-round sense of class and confidence in its style – we've seen since the Golf Mk7, and fits right in with the trendy Polo line, even though it won’t be a Polo.

So what will it be? Volkswagen confirmed that a production model in this car’s image – likely called ID.2 – will launch in 2025. It didn’t go into specifics on the technology but key goals were made clear: 280 miles of range, under €25,000 (£21,909 as of March 2023) and 125kW charging speed. It’ll be the first front-wheel-drive car to use the MEB platform. In short, it’ll be an EV the size and price of a Polo but with the cabin space of a Golf.

The car was revealed following a recap of the marque’s lengthy history, from the original Bus and Beetle, through various Golfs and Passats, into the new millennium with the Golf R32, Lupo and new Beetle. Innovative recent models like the XL1 and Phaeton took the stage, before the current ID. range.

The ID.2all Concept is the first step into the future of the marque and hints were given as to what’s to follow beyond. A compact electric SUV will be next after the ID.2 launches in 2025, with a true ‘entry-level’ model to follow, an EV costing under €20,000. These models will be key to the marque achieving its goal of 80 per cent of its sales being all-electric by 2030.

Volkswagen Brand CEO Thomas Schafer said that in its Product Focus, VW intends to ‘win over the remaining sceptics’, with a better customer experience and electric cars that are better-looking, higher-quality, more fun and more appealing. This lineup of affordable EVs to come, starting with the ID.2, is tasked with doing just that.