Versus Engine
BMW i3 (Neue Klasse) vs Volkswagen ID. Polo
Specs, price and the one trade-off that actually decides it — BMW i3 (Neue Klasse) against Volkswagen ID. Polo, side by side.
Cheaper to start
Tie
Both start at a similar price.
Best ecosystem
Tie
Neither lists native integrations.
Standout
BMW i3 (Neue Klasse)
800V Neue Klasse platform
BMW i3 (Neue Klasse)
BMW''s first Neue Klasse sedan — a mid-size electric saloon on the same 800V platform as the new iX3, with the i3 name revived for it. Not related to the 2013–2022 i3 city car.
Where it wins, where it doesn't
Pros
- New dedicated 800V platform with 400 kW charging
- BMW-quoted WLTP range near 900 km on the efficiency variant
- Shares engineering with the well-regarded new iX3
Cons
- Shares a name with the unrelated 2013 i3, which will confuse searches
- North American deliveries not until 2027
- All range and driving figures are manufacturer claims so far
Specifications
- key_features800V Neue Klasse platform, sixth-generation cylindrical cells, ~108.7 kWh battery on the top variant, BMW quotes up to ~900 km WLTP for the range-focused model, 400 kW DC charging, dual-motor i3 50 xDrive ~469 hp. Production at Munich from August 2026; European deliveries from autumn 2026, North America in 2027.
- AC charging—
- Assistance level—
- Battery cells46 millimetres diameter and 95 millimetres height cylindrical cells with 20 percent increase in volumetric energy density
- Battery designCell-to-pack design enabling high energy density at pack level
- Battery housingPack-to-open body concept functioning as a structural component
- Battery type—
- Braking system—
- Central Display17.9-inch with a resolution of 3,340 x 1,440 pixels
- Charging time (10–80%)—
- Chemistry—
- Curb weight—
- DC charging—
- Design—
- Design language—
- Drag coefficient (cd)—
- Drive—
- Drive type—
- Driver assistance systems—
- Electric motor—
- Electric motorsTwo highly efficient electric motors with EESM and ASM technology providing a system output of 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque
- Electronics in four zonesFour-zone electrical architecture with Smart eFuses
- Energy MasterPositioned on top of the high-voltage battery, provides electricity to the electric motors and vehicle electrical system
- Front suspension—
- Height—
- Infotainment—
- Length—
- Luggage compartment—
- Materials—
- Motor position—
- Number of motors—
- Platform—
- Projected rangeUp to 440 miles
- Steering WheelNew multifunction steering wheel with Shy Tech operating elements
- Superbrain high-performance computersFour superbrain high-performance computers with up to 20 times higher computing power compared to previous BMW models
- System outputs—
- Towing capacity—
- Transmission—
- UX elements—
- Vehicle-to-Load—
- Wheelbase—
- WLTP range—
Volkswagen ID. Polo
Volkswagen''s smallest EV — an electric supermini positioned as the affordable entry to the ID. range, with UK order books now open.
Where it wins, where it doesn't
Pros
- Offers two battery options to cater to different range and price requirements.
- Features advanced driver assistance systems for enhanced safety and convenience.
- Supports both AC and DC charging, with fast DC charging up to 105 kW for the larger battery.
Cons
- The smaller 37 kWh battery limits range and charging speed, making it less suitable for long-distance travel.
Specifications
- key_featuresTwo battery options (a smaller ~38 kWh entry pack and a 52 kWh pack); the 52 kWh / 211 PS version is quoted at up to 281 miles WLTP. UK launch grades opened for order 30 July 2026, with wider trim availability from 10 September 2026. UK pricing reported in the low-to-mid £20,000s but not settled across sources; a GTI hot version is also planned.
- AC charging11 kW
- Assistance levelSAE Level 2
- Battery cells—
- Battery design—
- Battery housing—
- Battery typeGroup unified cell (PowerCo)
- Braking systemOne-box braking system
- Central Display—
- Charging time (10–80%)37 kWh: approx. 23 minutes, 52 kWh: approx. 24 minutes
- Chemistry37 kWh net: LFP, 52 kWh net: NMC
- Curb weightfrom 1,568 kg
- DC charging37 kWh: up to 90 kW, 52 kWh: up to 105 kW
- DesignCell-to-Pack
- Design languagePure Positive
- Drag coefficient (cd)0.264
- DriveFront-wheel drive (FWD)
- Drive typeBattery electric
- Driver assistance systemsConnected Travel Assist (optional), Automatic traffic light recognition, One-pedal driving (standard)
- Electric motorVolkswagen APP290
- Electric motors—
- Electronics in four zones—
- Energy Master—
- Front suspensionMacPherson
- Height1,530 mm
- Infotainment13-inch touchscreen, 10-inch digital cockpit, App-Connect, Voice control
- Length4,053 mm
- Luggage compartmentStandard volume: 441 litres, Maximum volume: 1,243 litres
- Materials100% rPET textiles, SEAQUAL® yarn in top versions
- Motor positionFront axle
- Number of motors1
- PlatformMEB+
- Projected range—
- Steering Wheel—
- Superbrain high-performance computers—
- System outputs85 kW (116 hp), 99 kW (135 hp), 155 kW (211 hp), ID. Polo GTI: 166 kW (226 hp)
- Towing capacityup to 1,200 kg (8% gradient)
- TransmissionSingle-speed gearbox
- UX elementsPhysical hard keys, Rotary audio controller, ID. Light integrated into doors, Retro display (Golf I design)
- Vehicle-to-Loadstandard up to 3.6 kW
- Wheelbase2,600 mm
- WLTP range37 kWh: up to 329 km, 52 kWh: up to 454 km