Volkswagen’s ID. Polo EV: Ditching Number Nonsense for GTI Glory

Volkswagen’s ID. Polo EV: Ditching Numbers for a Classic Name Comeback

Man, I’ll never forget the first time I saw a VW Polo rip through a rally stage—nimble, scrappy, and full of heart. So when I heard Volkswagen’s scrapping the clunky “ID.2all” name for the ID. Polo EV, announced on September 4, 2025, I was stoked. This isn’t just a new car; it’s VW fixing its messy naming strategy, bringing back the iconic Polo badge for an electric hatchback set to hit the road in 2026. And there’s more—an ID. Polo GTI and a sleek ID. Cross SUV are joining the party. We’re diving into why VW’s tossing out the numbers, what these new EVs bring, and why this move’s got me grinning like I just nailed a heel-toe downshift. Let’s roll!

Goodbye ID.2all, Hello ID. Polo: A Smarter Naming Move

Volkswagen’s ID. naming scheme—think ID.3, ID.4, ID.7—has been a head-scratcher, like trying to decode a VIN number at a car show. The ID.2all concept, revealed in 2023, was a cool affordable EV, but that name? Total snooze. Now, VW’s going back to its roots, renaming it the ID. Polo EV for its 2026 production run. My buddy Mike, who’s got a classic Polo in his garage, says it’s about time VW leaned on names that spark joy. The Polo badge, celebrating its 50th anniversary (kinda, since it launched in 1974), carries serious weight—13 million sold, a rally legend, and a symbol of fun, practical rides. This move’s part of a broader strategy to slap familiar names on EVs, making them feel like old friends, not random digits.

Why the Naming Overhaul? Clarity and Heritage

VW’s numeric ID names were supposed to scream “electric future,” but they just left folks confused. Is an ID.4 bigger than an ID.3? Who knows? I was at a VW dealer last month, and even the salesperson fumbled explaining the lineup. The new strategy, rolled out for 2025, brings back classic names like Polo to bridge the gap between gas and electric eras. Gas and hybrid models keep their old names, so you’ll still see Polos and Golfs with engines alongside their EV cousins. VW’s not touching current models like the ID.3 or ID.4 yet, and the ID. Buzz? That name’s quirky enough to stay. This shift’s about making EVs feel familiar, not futuristic puzzles. Smart move, VW—my dad’s already hyped for an ID. Polo test drive.

ID. Polo and GTI: Affordable Electric Fun

The ID. Polo EV, hitting production in early 2026, is VW’s shot at an affordable electric hatchback, priced around £22,000 (~$30,000). Built on the MEB+ platform, it’s got a 166 kW (226 hp) motor option, a range of up to 450 km (280 miles), and DC fast charging. I’m picturing it zipping through city streets like a modern Golf, but silent. The real kicker? The ID. Polo GTI, based on the ID. GTI Concept, is coming too, promising hot-hatch vibes with electric torque. I saw the concept at a show, and its retro-inspired grille had me sold. VW’s keeping the GTI badge alive, ditching the weaker GTX name, and I’m all for it—give me that punchy, corner-carving fun in EV form.

ID. Cross: The Compact SUV Surprise

VW’s also teasing the ID. Cross, a compact electric SUV debuting as a concept at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. It’s set to replace the T-Cross in Europe by late 2026, with a price around £26,000 (~$35,000). Sketches show a sharp fascia and cool C-pillar lines, like a beefed-up ID. Polo. I’m a bit bummed it’s not called ID. T-Cross to match the naming vibe, but it’s still a win for budget-conscious EV fans. My cousin in London’s already eyeing it for his city commutes. Sadly, both the ID. Polo and ID. Cross are likely Europe-only, thanks to U.S. tariffs on imported EVs. Fingers crossed for an ID.4 GTI or ID. Buzz GTI to spice things up stateside.

VW’s Electric Future: More Classics to Come?

This naming shift is just the start. VW’s hinting at more legacy names—think ID. Golf or ID. Tiguan—while keeping gas models separate. It’s a genius way to make EVs feel less alien, especially for loyalists who grew up with Polos and Golfs. The ID. Polo’s £22,000 price tag makes it a rival to the Renault 5 E-Tech, and the ID. Cross takes on compact EV SUVs like the Hyundai Inster. I’m hyped for VW’s push to make electric driving affordable and fun, but I’m crossing my fingers for that rumored five-cylinder Golf R to keep the gas dreams alive. What’s your take—ID. Polo GTI or stick with a classic? Drop it in the comments!

Specifications (ID. Polo EV):

Vehicle Type: Five-door hatchback
Powertrain: 166 kW (226 hp) electric motor, MEB+ platform
Range: Up to 450 km (280 miles, WLTP)
Price: ~~£22,000 (~~$30,000)
Production: Starts early 2026

Specifications (ID. Cross Concept):

Vehicle Type: Compact electric SUV
Price: ~~£26,000 (~~$35,000)
Production: Late 2026

So, you grabbing an ID. Polo EV or holding out for a gas-powered classic? Hit the comments and let’s talk VW!

Source- volkswagen-newsroom.com