Volkswagen has opened pre-orders for the ID. Polo GTI, the first electric vehicle to wear the GTI badge. The model arrives as the GTI line celebrates its 50th anniversary, and VW describes it as a new chapter for the performance sub-brand. Like the original Golf GTI, the ID. Polo GTI is front-wheel drive, with a front-mounted electric motor rated at 222 hp and 213 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph time of 6.8 seconds.
Pricing starts at €39,995, or roughly $45,000, which is significantly higher than the standard ID. Polo's €24,995 base price. The GTI uses the same 52 kWh NMC battery as the standard model, delivering a WLTP range of up to 431 km (267 miles). DC fast charging peaks at 105 kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in about 24 minutes.
Volkswagen has added a dedicated GTI driving profile, a front-axle transverse differential lock, and sporty interior touches such as a GTI sports steering wheel and red accents. The car also includes a 'Retro Display' that mimics the first-generation Golf's instruments and even plays cassette-like audio. Pre-orders are open now, and a more powerful rear-wheel-drive ID.3 GTI is expected to follow in early 2027.