In 1976, the first-ever GTI appeared and would go on to set the standard for fun, affordable motoring. 50 years later, the first all-electric GTI aims to do the same. Volkswagen has revealed the ID. Polo GTI at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, where its wildest Golf yet will compete next year, and it looks like a lot of fun.
On the front axle, a single electric motor produces 223 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, enough to get from 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 109 mph. Yes, that’s not particularly fast, but it’s certainly exploitable, and that’s what electric hot hatches need to be. For comparison, the bigger, combustion-powered Golf GTI gets to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and tops out at 155 mph.
ID. Polo GTI Fun Means Less Range
The regular ID. Polo EV was recently launched with 208 hp and 283 miles of WLTP range, and this GTI version’s increased output means its 52 kWh net battery can only do 263 miles. But 20 miles is not a huge amount to sacrifice for the extra grunt in the GTI, and with the ability to use a DC fast charger at 105 kW, recharging from 10 to 80 percent takes roughly 24 minutes. AC charging is also possible at 11 kW for overnight battery replenishment. Of course, if you’re driving the ID. Polo GTI as intended, making the charge last will be a challenge, but at least you should have fun. The electric hot hatch gets adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control dampers and an electronically controlled front differential lock as standard, and a GTI button on the steering wheel puts the power delivery, steering, and chassis systems in their sportiest settings with a single click. This also gives the interior screens unique colors and graphics specific to the GTI.
ID. Polo GTI Looks Sporty From Every Angle
While an electric GTI is something entirely new, the ID. Polo GTI is easily recognizable as both a Polo and a GTI. The so-called Pure Positive design language is made more aggressive through standard 19-inch wheels, a GTI-typical red stripe running between the standard IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and across the illuminated VW badge, and a pair of red vertical elements in the lower fascia that mimic a racecar’s towing eyes. These are set in a mesh intake featuring the traditional GTI honeycomb design, while the black side skirts get a GTI badge, as do the wheel center caps. Red brake calipers are obligatory on a GTI, as is a roof spoiler, which here has a recess in the middle. The full-width taillights feature a red VW badge in the middle, below which another GTI badge appears. Lower down, the faux diffuser panel follows the spoiler’s design, with two pronounced segments. Overall, the ID. Polo GTI looks clean, sporty, and staunch, and we look forward to seeing it in other colors beyond Tornado Red; VW will offer Candy White, Oyster Silver, Celestial Blue, Magnetic Grey, and Grenadilla Black.
ID. Polo GTI Gets a Funky Cabin and a Nice Price
As usual, red and black appear inside. The GTI sports steering wheel gets a red noon marker and red stitching, the latter of which appears on the doors and seats, too. Like the front fascia, the dash gets a red stripe and a red glow of ambient lighting running across it, and another callback to heritgious GTIs is found in the fabric that has been inspired by the tartan upholstery of prior VW hot hatches. GTI emblems appear on the front headrests and on an illuminated element on the steering wheel, which has physical buttons for ease of use. Behind the wheel, the Digital Cockpit is a 10.25-inch display that can be configured to show a retro display inspired by the first-generation Golf’s cluster.
Related: Volkswagen CEO Says Electric Golf Is Unnecessary – For Now
In the middle of the dash, a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display also gets old-school graphics when the View button on the steering wheel is pressed. Beneath this, more physical buttons appear above a space for smartphones, with a physical volume knob in the center console ahead of a pair of cupholders. Optionally, buyers can add a Harman Kardon sound system with 10 speakers and a 425-watt amplifier, or they can make the cabin feel more spacious with a panoramic sunroof. Also available are massage functions for the 12-way front seats or specially developed Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires.
What does all of this cost? In Germany, the ID. Polo GTI will retail for “just under €39,000,” or roughly $45,340. That’s roughly €7,000 ($8,150) cheaper than a gas Golf GTI sells for in Europe, but sadly, this electric hot hatch won’t be offered in America. This isn’t where the electric Polo GTI’s story ends, though. For those who think the ID. Polo GTI should be quicker, don’t worry – a more exciting version is reportedly in the works with up to or even more than 280 hp and simulated gear shifts. The question is, if the electric Polo GTI were to be sold in North America, would you be interested?
