Volkswagen ID.Polo and ID.Polo GTI : A New Electric Era for the Iconic Small Car
Ahead of the Munich Auto Show 2025, Volkswagen has officially unveiled pre-production versions of its long-awaited ID.Polo range. The highlight? The sporty ID.Polo GTI, a hot hatch designed to carry the legendary GTI badge into the electric age. Alongside the hatchback, VW also showcased the ID.Cross concept, a compact urban SUV that will join the lineup in 2026.
On Sunday, September 7, during Volkswagen’s exclusive “Summit” event—two days before the IAA Munich officially opened—the German carmaker gave the press and industry insiders a first look at the ID.Polo lineup. The entry-level ID.Polo is expected to start at around €25,000, making it one of the most affordable EVs in its segment. This strategic positioning sets it up against rivals like the Renault 5 E-Tech, Peugeot e-208, and Citroën ë-C3.
Keeping the Polo Legacy Alive
Volkswagen confirmed that its small EV will officially carry the name ID.Polo, a move explained by CEO Thomas Schäfer:
“The names of our models are firmly rooted in people’s minds. They stand for quality, timeless design, and accessible technology. By carrying these iconic names into the future, we ensure continuity and strengthen our brand identity. The ID.Polo is just the beginning.”
The current combustion-powered Polo continues to sell strongly in Europe, but VW’s decision ensures that the name will transition smoothly into its all-electric future.
ID.Polo GTI : The Electric Hot Hatch We’ve Been Waiting For
The spotlight in Munich was undeniably on the ID.Polo GTI. Still partially camouflaged, the prototype was close to production-ready and proudly displayed in traditional GTI colors: red, white, gray, and black.
Compared to the standard ID.Polo, the GTI version features:
- A more aggressive rear diffuser
- Wide fenders and a redesigned bumper
- A larger rear spoiler
- Exclusive alloy wheels
Under the skin, the ID.Polo GTI will pack around 226 horsepower (similar to its cousin, the Cupra Raval) and weigh roughly 1,500 kg. It will also feature a mechanical limited-slip differential, ensuring true hot-hatch driving dynamics. With this setup, the car is set to rival the Peugeot e-208 GTI, Alpine A290, and the Mini Cooper Electric. Launch is expected in 2027, making it one of the most anticipated small performance EVs.
The ID.Cross : A Small Electric SUV on the Horizon
Volkswagen also unveiled the ID.Cross concept, a compact crossover that expands the ID family into the urban SUV market. Expected to launch in late 2026, it will directly compete with small EV SUVs such as the Peugeot e-2008 and the Jeep Avenger EV.
Pricing, Availability, and Market Impact
The base Volkswagen ID.Polo will start at approximately €25,000, aiming to make electric mobility more accessible while preserving the Polo’s mass-market appeal. Meanwhile, the GTI will arrive at a higher price point, reflecting its performance focus and premium equipment.
With the ID.Polo, Volkswagen is not just electrifying one of its most iconic models—it’s also proving that heritage and innovation can coexist. The GTI badge, long associated with affordable performance, is now entering a new era of electric excitement.
