Volkswagen Introduces ID.2 GTX as the First ID GTI

If you’ve been craving a hot electric hatch from Volkswagen, your wait is almost over. The first EV to wear the iconic GTI badge won’t be a Golf—but it’s unlikely to disappoint. Meet the Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI EV, inspired by last year’s ID GTI concept. Packing 223 horsepower, this supermini promises the spirited driving experience that GTI fans love—at least in theory.

Earlier today, Volkswagen confirmed that the ID.2all concept will launch as the ID. Polo, reflecting the brand’s smart choice to stick with familiar names and mostly conventional styling for its EVs. BMW led the way with this approach, and now other automakers are following suit.

Polo, Not Golf, to Be Volkswagen’s First Electric GTI

The ID. Polo will be smaller than the ID. Golf, just as their gasoline counterparts differ in size. But with a front-mounted electric motor producing 223 horsepower, this isn’t just a hot hatch—it packs 8 more horsepower than its closest European rival, the Alpine A290.

Alpine currently holds the edge, with its model already on sale, while Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI isn’t expected at dealerships until 2027. However, VW is reportedly planning a Clubsport version that will push its electric output to 282 hp—surpassing any gas-powered Golf GTI except the Edition 50, and topping the most powerful Polo GTI to date by 85 horsepower.

There are also reports that Volkswagen might target the Renault 5 Turbo 3E with a tri-motor ID.2 R, which could now become an ID. Polo R. Even so, that would be a significant leap for such a small car, even if VW caps output at around 400 horsepower.

HARJA spies have previously spotted this car testing, both wearing ID.2 bodywork and disguised as a van version of the Polo. The photos revealed a compact hatch with tall tires, larger-than-expected brakes, and minimal body roll. The drilled rotors were particularly surprising, as they’ve never been used on a GTI—or even a Golf R—until now.

GTX Badge to Be Retired

You might be wondering about Volkswagen GTX branding. So far, the GTX badge has appeared on several quick VW EVs, including the ID.4 and ID.5, originally meant to signify AWD performance—though the rear-drive ID.3 GTX was a notable exception. Early last year, Volkswagen announced that the GTX badge would be phased out, with GTI and R designations coming to its electric models instead. This new naming move clarifies that shift and ensures no one will be puzzled when they see an ID.2all without a GTX badge at their local dealer.

Why isn’t this one rear-wheel drive like the ID.3? Because GTIs from Wolfsburg have always been front-driven. It’s a proven formula, and persuading rear-drive enthusiasts to choose a VW over, say, a BMW, would be a tough sell—just look at the gas-powered Kia Stinger as an example.

What else can we expect from the ID. Polo GTI? We’ll find out soon—Volkswagen plans to reveal the new model at the IAA Mobility show in Munich on September 8, alongside the standard ID. Polo.