Advert
The all-new Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI has been revealed at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring – the first all-electric model in the 50-year history of the GTI badge.
The ID. Polo GTI uses VW’s APP290 drive system, producing 166kW (226PS) and 290Nm of torque sent through the front wheels, with an electronically controlled front differential lock fitted as standard. VW quotes 0–62mph (0–100km/h) in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 109mph (175km/h). Like the first Golf GTI in 1976, drive goes to the front axle – a deliberate hereditary call.
Power comes from a 52kWh net NMC battery, giving a provisional WLTP range of up to 263 miles (424km) and DC charging at up to 105kW. VW says a “particularly constant” charging curve enables 10–80% in around 24 minutes at a rapid charger.
The standard chassis specification reflects the GTI brief: adaptive DCC sports suspension, progressive steering specifically developed for the car, 19-inch alloy wheels, premium sports seats, IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and a new “GTI driving profile” button on the steering wheel that switches every drive and chassis system into its sportiest setting.
Inside, red and black dominate, with red topstitching on a new GTI sports steering wheel, the legendary tartan-check fabric reinterpreted for the seats, and a red 12 o’clock marker on the wheel. There’s also a “retro display” mode that turns the 10.25-inch digital instruments and the 12.9-inch infotainment screen into a style inspired by the original Mk1 Golf – including a cassette-tape track display.
The ID. Polo GTI is based on the new MEB+ platform and is noticeably more spacious than the outgoing combustion Polo GTI: 19mm more interior space, plus boot capacity up from 351 to 441 litres (1,240 litres seats-down – a 115-litre improvement). A detachable tow bar is offered, with a 1.2-tonne braked towing capacity.
Connected Travel Assist with online data is available, and adds traffic-light recognition that can bring the car to a stop at a red light within system limits. One-pedal driving is now offered through accelerator-only deceleration.
Pre-sales open in Germany this autumn at just under €39,000. UK pricing and specification will be confirmed by Volkswagen UK closer to launch – the price converts to roughly £33,000 at current exchange rates, but UK list pricing is typically set independently.
