Electric VW Polo GTI keeps compact hot hatch alive

Volkswagen is showing off its electric Polo GTI at the Munich Motor Show.

First seen as the ID. GTI concept in 2023, the production model will be known as ID. Polo GTI. 

The hot-shot disrobed alongside the ID. Polo. They’re coming out for real next year. And the sportier one will be the first electric GTI to actually go on sale. Also coming at some point is the ID. Golf GTI, and there may even be a city car version, dubbed ID.1 GTI.

Volkswagen board member Martin Sander said: “We are bringing one of our strongest brands, the GTI, into the electric world. It will offer outstanding dynamics and plenty of driving pleasure.” 

The electric GTI is expected to sell for similar money to the current petrol-powered Polo GTI. 

With little camouflage left on the preproduction model, it is clearly similar to the original concept. There’s a conventional five-door hatchback profile, and it will be roughly 4.1m long, much the same as the existing Polo. However, its wheelbase of 2600mm is closer to that of the current Golf. Short overhangs and 20-inch wheels give it some GTI spunk.

Compared with the ID. Polo it will come with a revised front bumper, different LED headlights, side skirts, a larger rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. Expect also a honeycomb-effect mesh grille and plenty of ‘GTI’ badging. 

No interior shots are available but it will likely ape that of the ID. 2all with a 12.9-inch IFT screen, some physical switches for the electric windows, HVAC system and heated seats. Expect also a conventional audio volume knob. It will doubtless have sports bucket seats up front. VW says an LED ‘heartbeat’ confirms it is locked. 

Golf ball dimples in the cabin will reference those of the original Golf GTI gearknob. And a head-up display will project information for both driver and front passenger.

While few tech data are to hand, the standard Polo will likely come with 38 and 56kWh battery packs. The latter will supply power for the ID. Polo GTI’s front-mounted electric motor. It should offer around 164kW and manage a sprint time in under seven seconds.

Read our review of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Volkswagen added that the GTI will likely feature a modified version of the current Golf GTI’s electronic front differential. VW reckons it can integrate this system’s processes and software into the motor ECU “to an even greater extent than on the petrol models”.