VW Brings Back Polo Name for Electric Era and Hints at First Electric GTI | Carscoops

      The ID Polo is set to debut in 2026 as an electric hatchback featuring a GTI variant, marking VW's transition to using classic names for upcoming EVs.

      Volkswagen will replace the ID 2all name with ID. Polo for the production model. The sporty version will bear the GTI badge and is expected to be released in 2026, boasting 223 horsepower and built on the MEB Entry platform.

      VW has been reevaluating its electric vehicle naming approach for some time, and the details were previously unclear. The automaker has now announced that the production version of the ID.2 all concept will be known as the ID. Polo, with the sporty GTI version being a first for an electric VW.

      “Our model names are well-established in people's minds,” stated Thomas Schafer, CEO of the VW brand. “They represent a strong brand and reflect qualities like quality, timeless design, and accessible technology. That’s why we’re bringing our familiar names into the future. The ID. Polo is just the beginning.”

      This strategy allows Volkswagen to integrate its traditional model names with the ID prefix for future electric vehicles, potentially leading to models like an ID. Tiguan in the future. To emphasize this update, the company is displaying camouflaged versions of both the standard ID. Polo and the ID. Polo GTI at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich, providing an early glimpse of what’s to come next year.

      From Concept to Production

      From our observations, the production models closely resemble the ID.2 all and ID.2 GTI concepts, which is not surprising since both were already showcased as nearly production-ready rather than distant prototypes.

      The design reflects Volkswagen's characteristic understated style, while the GTI variant features sharper lines, larger decorative wheels, slightly flared wheel arches, distinctive bumpers, a front diffuser, and a split spoiler on the hatch. The GTI sits lower than standard models, as expected.

      “We are introducing one of our strongest brands, the GTI, into the electric realm,” remarked Martin Sander, VW board member for sales and marketing. "Launching in 2026, the ID. GTI Concept will move into production as the ID. Polo GTI, promising exceptional dynamics and a lot of driving enjoyment."

      Platform and Performance

      The ID. Polo is underpinned by the electric-only MEB Entry platform. It measures 4,053 mm in length, 1,816 mm in width, and 1,530 mm in height, making it slightly larger than the Alpine A290. All models will likely feature a single motor driving the front wheels. For the GTI variant, power is anticipated to be around 223 horsepower, with speculation about the introduction of a more performance-oriented Clubsport version soon.

      Production of the ID. Polo is expected to start in time for a European launch in early 2026. VW has indicated that the subcompact hatchback will not be available in North America. At the same Munich event, the company plans to unveil the ID. Cross Concept, a compact electric SUV that previews the forthcoming ID. Cross, slated for release at the end of 2026 as the electric alternative to the T-Cross.