VW ID Polo GTI: The first electric GTI takes to the road
Exactly 50 years after the debut of the first GTI, Volkswagen has now presented the first purely electrically powered representative with the iconic abbreviation. Today's world premiere at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring set the perfect stage for this: motorsport atmosphere, brand myth and a clear reference to the fact that the GTI should also function as a sporty small car in the electric era. However, the ID Polo GTI is no longer a stand-alone model, as the Cupra Raval VZ Extreme, the technically identical sister model, is already available.
Like the GTI, the new Wolfsburg compact sports car produces 166 kW (226 hp) and delivers its maximum torque of 290 Newton meters from the first revolution. As with the original GTI, power is transmitted via the front axle, supported by an electronically controlled front axle differential lock. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h should be possible in 6.8 seconds. The technical basis is the MEB+ architecture with a 52-kWh battery in cell-to-pack design. Volkswagen specifies a WLTP range of up to 424 kilometers for the ID Polo GTI. The battery is said to charge with up to 105 kW at the DC fast-charging station, with the jump from 10 to 80 percent taking around 24 minutes. In terms of range and charging power, the electric GTI is therefore in a range that is suitable for everyday use, but not spectacular.
The sporty aspirations include the adaptive DCC sports suspension and a GTI driving profile, which is activated via a button on the steering wheel. The drive, damping and displays are then switched to more dynamic settings. Volkswagen is thus focusing on a clear translation of the classic GTI formula into the electric world, i.e. power that can be called up immediately, more direct response and a set-up that makes the car feel noticeably sharper.
Visually, the ID Polo GTI remains true to the familiar GTI language. The red stripe at the front, the GTI logo, the LED light signature and the honeycomb insert in the lower bumper unmistakably mark the sports version. With 19-inch alloy wheels and the new "Pure Positive" design language, the car appears compact and cleanly proportioned without screaming for too much attention. The rear end is also clearly defined. A split roof spoiler, striking rear lights and a black diffuser characterize the silhouette. Volkswagen dispenses with overloaded effects and instead focuses on recognizability. The ID Polo GTI is not intended as a futuristic special model, but as a logical evolution of the GTI in the electric age.
The interior is therefore dominated by the familiar GTI color scheme of red and black. Red stitching, a 12 o'clock mark on the steering wheel, sports seats with GTI badges and a red stripe across the dashboard are standard. There is also a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and a 12.9-inch infotainment display. Particularly striking is the so-called "retro display", which digitally reproduces classic Golf I instruments, including cassette graphics for music tracks. A deliberately nostalgic counterpoint in an otherwise heavily software-driven environment.
The ID Polo GTI also offers more in terms of functionality than its predecessors. The compact MEB+ architecture creates noticeably more space, more legroom, more width and more headroom. The trunk volume increases to 441 liters, or 1243 liters with the seats folded down. This brings the electric GTI closer to classic compact class levels.
The equipment also includes practical features that were previously untypical in this segment. A detachable trailer coupling, for example, which can tow loads of up to 1.2 tons, or the vehicle-to-load function. This means that the ID Polo GTI can also supply external devices or e-bikes with power. The generation change is also evident in the assistance systems. Connected Travel Assist uses online data and, for the first time, also reacts to traffic lights, including automatic stopping. One-Pedal Driving enables decelerated driving without a brake pedal. As an option, the ID. Polo GTI can also be equipped with a Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic glass roof and massage seats.
Pre-sales in Germany start in mid-October and the price is expected to be just under 39,000 euros. (aum)
More info for topic: VW ID Polo GTI , Premiere
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