Confirmed: ID Polo GTI world premiere on 15 May at 24h Nürburgring
First teased in September 2025 when Volkswagen released pictures of an ID Polo GTI prototype bedecked in camouflage, the reveal of the first electric car to wear the hallowed GTI badge has been confirmed for 15 May at the 2026 ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring race.
In the months since the ID Polo GTI’s arrival was announced, we’ve seen both the real-life car – at the Bicester Motion Scramble event on 18 April where it put in a surprise appearance – and even seen images of the final production model. The car at Bicester (pictured) was in the form of a near-final prototype, in camo, naturally, undergoing testing and final fettling on UK roads to make sure it can cope with this country’s unique road conditions.
223bhp and active differential
So, what do we know so far? Like higher-spec versions of the regular ID Polo unveiled a couple of weeks ago, the ID Polo GTI will get the largest 52kWh (net capacity) battery of the two available and will develop 223bhp from its front-mounted APP290 electric motor. Range will be around 260 miles from a single charge and to help make it a more engaging punt than the standard ID Polo, a trick active differential, that’s shared with the celebratory Golf GTI Edition 50.
Outside, a more extrovert rear spoiler and front and rear bumpers will help differentiate it from its less powerful siblings, along with 19in wheels that supposedly reference the steel rims – squint a bit and you can kind of see what VW is hinting at – seen on the original Golf GTI of 1976. Inside, we’re expecting a new take on the classic tartan seat trim, while the rest of the cabin should echo the ID Polo’s where it matters, possibly with upgraded trim, given the sportster’s higher price.
Having seen the car for real, even if it was in prototype form, at the recent Bicester event, we can confirm its stance is squat, it’s size still compact – but appearing larger than it looks – and its style understated, even in its very noticeable, almost lairy ‘GTI’-emblazoned camouflage. That all bodes well; so far so GTI.
Dynamic feel
The fact the newcomer has only 20bhp more than the recently departed combustion-engined Polo GTI can only mean that Volkswagen is aiming for a more dynamic feel than previous hot Polos have been endowed with. Indeed, UK magazine Autocar has tested the very car on show at Bicester, and all the signs are good. Describing it as ‘really absorbing and entertaining at its most forthcoming,’ the car appears to be a ‘proper’ GTI in both style and spirit.
We’ll know about the former in just under four days’ time; the other, we’ll have to wait bit longer for. But the ball is now well and truly rolling, and the countdown is on!
