Volkswagen’s electric hot hatch drops its camo, revealing a new design

Volkswagen is gearing up to launch its first electric GTI hot hatch later this year. Ahead of its big debut, the EV hot hatch was spotted testing in icy conditions with barely any camo.

Volkswagen is launching its first electric GTI in 2026

It’s been over two years since Volkswagen first unveiled the ID. GTI at the IAA Mobility Show in 2023, 48 years after the original Golf GTI debuted.

To celebrate the GTI’s 50th anniversary, Volkswagen is set to launch its first electric GTI later this year. We caught a sneak peek of it in September after VW revealed the ID. Polo GTI prototype at last year’s Munich Motor Show.

At the event, Volkswagen’s sales boss, Martin Sanders, confirmed that the ID. Polo, the first of a series of more affordable entry-level EVs, will evolve into an electric hot hatch.

The ID. GTI Concept will go into production in 2026 as the ID. Polo GTI, delivering “outstanding dynamics and plenty of driving pleasure,” according to Sanders.

With its world premiere just around the corner, Volkswagen’s electric hot hatch was caught with minimal camo, offering us our closest look yet.

Volkswagen ID.Polo with little to no camo.
by u/Saurta17 in Volkswagen

The new spy shots from SH Proshots (via Carscoops) reveal what appears to be two near-production-ready ID. GTI models, one white and the other black.

With unique wheels, more aggressive side skirts, a front lip, and other sportier design elements, the black model is expected to be the R-Line variant.

The ID. Polo debuts Volkswagen’s updated interior and infotainment system, featuring a 12″ central touchscreen and an 11″ driver display. The setup also includes plenty of physical buttons for climate control and other functions.

Based on Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform, all ID. Polo trims will be equipped with a front-mounted electric motor, delivering three power outputs: 85 kW (114 hp), 99 kW (133 hp), and 155 kW (208 hp). The electric ID. Polo hot hatch gets a slight bump in power with 166 kW (223 hp).

The 85 kW and 99 kW ID. Polo models will be powered by a 37 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery to reduce costs.

Meanwhile, the 155 kW and 166 kW models will be equipped with a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, delivering up to 450 km (280 miles) of WLTP driving range.