Volkswagen opens pre-orders for its first electric GTI hot hatch, starting at about $45,000

Volkswagen opened pre-orders for the ID. Polo GTI, the first electric hot hatch to bear the iconic GTI badge.

Volkswagen launches ID. Polo GTI pre-orders

To celebrate the GTI’s 50th anniversary, Volkswagen is “starting a new chapter” with the first all-electric GTI model.

Volkswagen opened pre-orders for the ID. Polo GTI on Wednesday, starting at 39,995 euros, or about $45,000.

The first all-electric model to wear the GTI badge, “brings the legendary GTI driving pleasure into the electric future,” VW said.

Like the first Golf GTI from 1976, the ID. Polo GTI uses a front-wheel-drive powertrain. The front-mounted electric motor delivers 222 hp (166 kW) and 213 lb-ft (290 Nm) of instant torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 6.8 seconds.

The electric hot hatch looks and feels like “a quintessential GTI” with the typical honeycomb pattern, the red stripe up front, and standard 19″ alloy wheels.

It may not be the fastest, but Volkswagen promises the ID. Polo is a proper hot hatch that’s fun to drive.

A fun electric hot hatch

Volkswagen developed a new “GTI” driving profile that unlocks the vehicle’s full potential. At the push of a button on the steering wheel, the electric drive, steering, and suspension will automatically adjust to maximize performance and response.

An electronically controlled front axle transverse differential lock precisely distributes power to the front wheels, making it easier to corner and maneuver.

Inside, the interior is blacked out with sporty red elements. The electric hot hatch features a new GTI sports steering wheel and premium sports seats.

Based on VW’s new cabin design, the ID. Polo GTI features a 10.25″ Digital Cockpit and 12.9″ infotainment display.

Like the standard model, the ID. Polo GTI has a new “Retro Display” that transforms the instrument display and infotainment screen to resemble that of the first-generation Golf. Even the music sounds like it’s from the ’80s, as if it were a cassette.

The ID. Polo GTI uses the same 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery as the standard model, which provides a WLTP driving range of up to 431 km (267 miles).

With DC fast charging up to 105 kW, the vehicle’s battery can charge from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes.

Measuring 4,096 mm long, 1,816 mm wide, and 1,514 mm tall, with a 2,599 mm wheelbase, the ID. Polo GTI is about the size of the gas-powered VW Polo.

Thanks to its compact drive modules and flat battery design, the electric hot hatch has 19 mm more interior space than the gas-powered Polo GTI. With the rear seats folded, the load capacity increases to 1,240 liters, compared with the Gas Polo’s 1,125 liters.

The Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI is now available to pre-order, starting at 39,995 euros. The standard ID. Polo is priced from 24,995 euros.

In early 2027, Volkswagen will open pre-orders for the more powerful ID.3 GTI, the second EV to wear the badge, and VW’s first rear-wheel-drive (RWD) GTI.