Volkswagen reveals the new electric ID. Polo GTI

The wait is over - Volkswagen finally revealed its first-ever electric GTI at the Nürburgring 24 Hours event. The German automaker wants to prove that electric cars can still carry a classic hot hatch character. The new model is named the Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI, and it brings a legendary 50-year-old performance badge into the modern era of EVs. Unfortunately, drivers in North America will not get to experience this vehicle, as the company decided to keep the electric Polo out of that market entirely.

Even though the car bears the Polo name, its actual size tells a different story. The vehicle uses a dedicated electric platform that creates a 102.3 inches wheelbase - that's only 1.46 inches shorter than the larger, gasoline-powered Golf GTI. Because the electric architecture places heavy components under the floor, the car offers a surprisingly large 15.6 ft³ trunk - 60 liters more cargo space than the larger Golf.

On the outside, the production model looks almost identical to the concept version we first saw back in 2023. Volkswagen designers added a full-width red stripe across the front end, a 3D GTI badge, and a honeycomb lower air intake. The rear features a split spoiler, a chunky black diffuser, and illuminated graphics.

Buyers can choose from six exterior colors: Tornado Red, Candy White, Oyster Silver, Celestial Blue, Magnetic Grey, and Grenadilla Black. The production version does drop the black plastic wheel arch trims from the concept, though it keeps the wider side mirrors.

Inside the cabin, the brand balances modern digital technology with historical features. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind a unique two-spoke steering wheel, complemented by a 12.9-inch central touchscreen. Drivers who miss old-school vehicle layouts can activate a retro display mode that copies the look of the classic Golf MK1 gauges.

Thankfully, Volkswagen kept real, physical buttons on the steering wheel and dashboard for easy operation. The interior also features traditional GTI tartan cloth on the sports seats, red stitching, and steering-wheel paddles to control brake regeneration.

A single electric motor sits at the front, sending 223 horsepower (166 kW) and 214 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, and the top speed stops at a rather modest 109 mph.

This makes the GTI quicker than the standard electric Polo, which has 208 horsepower and tops out at 283 miles of range, but it lags behind the traditional gas Golf GTI. The gasoline Golf achieves the same sprint in 5.9 seconds and keeps pulling all the way to 155 mph.

To ensure the car handles properly, the ID. Polo GTI comes standard with an electronically controlled front differential lock, adaptive sports suspension, and progressive steering. Rolling on 19-inch alloy wheels, the 3,395 lb hatchback features a special GTI button on the steering wheel.

Pressing this button sharpens the motor response, stiffens the dampers, changes the ambient lighting to red, and plays a fake combustion engine sound through the speakers to remind you of the good old days. The GTI model drops the fake gearshifts seen on the concept car, but rumors suggest those will return in a future, more powerful version called the ID. Polo Clubsport.

The vehicle relies on a 52 kWh net lithium-ion battery package. According to the WLTP testing cycle, it delivers an official driving range of up to 263 miles. When the battery runs low, the car can accept up to 105 kW at a DC fast charger, and thanks to a consistent charging speed curve, going from 10 to 80 percent takes around 24 minutes. For home or office charging, the onboard AC system handles up to 11 kW.

This range capability gives Volkswagen a small advantage over its electric rivals in the hot hatch segment. Competitors like the 255-horsepower Mini John Cooper Works E and the 220-horsepower Alpine A290 GTS offer more power or faster acceleration times, but they cannot travel more than 230 miles on a single charge. The same goes for the new 276-horsepower Opel Corsa GSE and its Peugeot 208 GTI cousin. Those EVs reach 62 mph in just 5.5 seconds, but they fall short on driving distance compared to the Polo.

In terms of cost, Volkswagen plans to sell the base ID. Polo GTI for a smidgen under $45,700 in mainland Europe, and around £35,000 in the UK after local government incentives. This is a big step up from the standard electric Polo's $29,300 starting price, but it positions the car well against its rivals.

Interestingly, the electric GTI costs about $8,200 less than a traditional gasoline-powered Golf GTI in Europe. Optional equipment includes a 425-watt Harman Kardon audio system with 10 speakers, a panoramic glass roof, 12-way power seats with a built-in massage function, and high-performance Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires.

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