by New Name for Volkswagen’s Electric Hatchback
Volkswagen has officially confirmed that the production version of the ID.2all concept will be named ID. Polo, and the sportiest modification will be called ID. Polo GTI. This is the first VW electric car to bear the legendary GTI badge.
Brand Strategy and Future Plans
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the VW brand, stated:
Our model names are firmly anchored in people’s minds. They symbolize a strong brand and embody characteristics such as quality, timeless design, and technology for everyone. That is why we are transferring our well-known names into the future. ID. Polo is just the beginning.
This approach means Volkswagen is combining classic model names with the ID prefix for future electric vehicles. This opens up possibilities for creating models such as, for example, the ID. Tiguan. To highlight the changes, the company is showcasing camouflaged versions of both the standard ID. Polo and the ID. Polo GTI at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich.
Design and Features of the GTI Version
The production models retain the key features of the ID.2all and ID.2 GTI concepts. The overall design reflects Volkswagen’s characteristic restraint, while the GTI version stands out with larger and more complex wheels, a slight widening of the wheel arches, unique bumpers, a front diffuser, and a split spoiler on the tailgate. Furthermore, the ground clearance is reduced, which is typical for GTI models.
Martin Sander, Member of the VW Board of Management for Sales and Marketing, added:
We are transferring one of our strongest brands, GTI, into the electric world. The ID. GTI Concept will go into production as the ID. Polo GTI in 2026. It will offer outstanding dynamics and plenty of driving pleasure.
Technical Specifications and Production
The ID. Polo is built on the exclusively electric MEB Entry platform. Its dimensions are 4053 mm in length, 1816 mm in width, and 1530 mm in height, making it slightly larger than the Alpine A290. All versions are likely to feature a single motor driving the front wheels. For the GTI, power is predicted to be 223 hp, and there are also rumors of an even more focused Clubsport version appearing in the near future.
Production of the ID. Polo will begin in time for its launch on the European market in early 2026. VW does not plan to supply this compact hatchback to North America. At the same Munich motor show, the company will also present the ID. Cross concept – a compact electric off-roader that previews the production ID. Cross model. Its release is scheduled for the end of 2026, and it will become the electric equivalent of the T-Cross.
Volkswagen’s shift to using traditional names for its electric models could contribute to better consumer acceptance of new products among those who already trust the brand’s classic badges. It also underscores the company’s intention to combine heritage with innovation, which is particularly important in the face of growing competition in the electric vehicle market. The emergence of a GTI version of an electric hatchback could be a key step in popularizing sporty electric cars among mass-market buyers.
