The world of electric cars is a bit like a nightclub: flashing lights, loud promises, and a bunch of models trying to stand out. But Volkswagen, that old hand in the car game, has just silenced the room. They’ve thrown down their latest ace: the ID. Polo and, hold onto your hats, the ID. Polo GTI. That’s right, the legendary Polo name has been dusted off, polished up, and is ready to lead the electric revolution. And I’ve got to say, this isn’t some half-hearted attempt – this is a car that looks like it’s got something to prove.
Let’s start with the big news: Volkswagen is ditching its cryptic naming strategy. No more ID.2all nonsense, no more cold numbers that sound like they came straight out of a lab. Instead, they’re slapping the familiar Polo badge on their newest electric creation. Why? Because names like Polo and Golf are etched into the collective memory of car lovers. It’s like pulling your favorite old leather jacket out of the closet – it just feels right. According to Volkswagen’s big boss, Thomas Schäfer, this is a deliberate move: “Our model names are firmly anchored in people’s minds.” And he’s spot on. Say “Polo,” and everyone instantly pictures a compact, reliable city cruiser. Now, that cruiser’s getting a plug and a hefty dose of attitude.
The ID. Polo, set to be unveiled next week at the IAA in Munich, doesn’t break entirely with the past. Its design leans heavily on its petrol-powered sibling, with a dash of that “pure positive” design language Volkswagen keeps banging on about. Think clean lines, a familiar silhouette, but with a modern, electric twist – like illuminated VW logos front and back. It’s a car that looks like it knows where it’s from but also where it’s headed. And that’s exactly what Volkswagen is aiming for: an electric car that doesn’t scream for attention but still demands your gaze.
Now, let’s talk about the real fireworks: the ID. Polo GTI. Because, yes, Volkswagen has the guts to slap the iconic GTI badge on an electric car. No more GTX nonsense, that sporty but slightly tame badge they stuck on earlier electric models. This is a proper GTI, with all the trimmings: a red trim around the (closed) grille, a limited-slip differential, and a power output of 226 hp – a smidge more than the current petrol Polo GTI. And the best part? It’s front-wheel drive, staying true to the GTI tradition. Volkswagen promises “outstanding dynamics and heaps of driving fun,” and if they deliver, this could give cars like the Alpine A290 or Mini Cooper Electric a serious run for their money.
The ID. Polo isn’t just a pretty face; it’s practical too. At about 4.05 meters long, it’s slightly shorter than the petrol Polo but wider and with a longer wheelbase, thanks to the electric MEB+ platform. That means more space inside – Volkswagen even claims “Golf-like space” in a Polo-sized package. The boot? A generous 440 liters, which is downright impressive for a compact car. And the price? The base version is expected to cost around €25,000, making it far more affordable than many other electric cars. With a range of about 450 kilometers and fast charging from 10 to 80% in roughly 20 minutes, this is a car that’ll get your pulse racing without draining your wallet.
And there’s more. Volkswagen is hinting at a whole lineup of new models with familiar names. After the ID. Polo comes the ID. Cross, an electric counterpart to the T-Cross, set to arrive by the end of 2026. And who knows what’s next – an ID. Golf? An ID. Passat? Maybe even an ID. Lupo or ID. Up? Whatever it is, Volkswagen seems determined to make electric driving not just accessible but emotional. Because, let’s be honest: a name like ID.2 sounds like a robot vacuum cleaner, but ID. Polo? That’s a car you could fall in love with.
So, what do we have here? An electric Polo that looks like a Polo, drives like a GTI, and is affordable enough to tempt the masses. It’s a clever move by Volkswagen, and if they play their cards right, this could be a game-changer. The ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI will be unveiled on September 8 in Munich, though they’re still camouflaged prototypes. But when the production version hits in 2026, I expect a car that’ll make the competition sweat. This isn’t a car for trendy tech nerds; it’s a car for anyone who loves driving without setting the planet on fire.
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