Volkswagen unveiled the ID. Polo GTI, the brand’s first electric model to wear the legendary GTI badge. Sized one segment smaller than the current Golf, the compact hatchback packs a 222 horsepower (166 kW) front‑wheel‑drive motor, more than double the output of the original 1.6 L engine that launched the GTI mythos in 1976. Priced for European buyers, it is slated to debut later this year.

A 52 kWh battery promises a WLTP‑rated 236‑mile (424 km) range, while 105 kW DC fast charging lifts the pack from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes. Acceleration to 62 mph (100 km/h) hits 6.8 seconds, quick enough to outpace the last gasoline GTI. At 3,395 lb (1,540 kg) the EV is roughly 200 lb heavier than the final‑generation gasoline GTI, underscoring the penalty of added batteries.

Volkswagen made clear the ID. Polo GTI is aimed at Europe’s dense, fuel‑conscious markets; the company has ruled out a U.S. launch, citing limited demand for small, performance‑oriented hatchbacks stateside. By electrifying the GTI formula, VW hopes to keep the badge relevant as regulators tighten emissions, while preserving the driving excitement that made the original a cult icon. The model fits into a broader push to replace legacy hot‑hatch platforms with zero‑emission alternatives.