Volkswagen Brings Iconic Models Into EV Era; ID. Polo First to Debut in 2026

German auto major Volkswagen is preparing to reshape its electric lineup with a fresh naming strategy that draws directly from its rich heritage. The company announced that its ID. electric family will now adopt the familiar model names of its bestsellers, starting with the ID. Polo, set to launch in 2026 on the Polo’s 50th anniversary.

The move, Volkswagen says, will help customers connect with its EVs more easily, while also bridging the gap between conventional and electric drivetrains. “Our model names are firmly anchored in people’s minds. They stand for quality, timeless design and technologies for all. That’s why we’re moving our well-known names into the future. The ID. Polo is just the beginning,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.  

The new strategy will see Volkswagen gradually assigning its traditional names to electric successors as model generations evolve. Crucially, conventional vehicles will retain their original names, ensuring both portfolios run in parallel.

Adding a performance twist, Volkswagen also confirmed the ID. Polo GTI, derived from the ID. GTI Concept. This model will enter production in 2026 alongside its standard sibling. “A model like the Polo shows just how powerful a name can be: it stands for reliability, personality and history. That’s precisely why we are giving our ID. models names that arouse emotions and are anchored in people’s everyday lives,” said Martin Sander, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales.  

The camouflaged ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI will both make their debuts at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich this week. On September 7, Volkswagen will also unveil the ID. CROSS Concept, previewing an all-electric counterpart to the T-Cross SUV, scheduled for launch in late 2026.  

Volkswagen says this marks the beginning of a new era of compact, high-quality electric cars that combine intuitive controls, affordability, and the heritage of its most iconic badges.