Volkswagen’s future electric range to drop ‘ID numeric’ monikers and return to conventional nomenclature, with ID Polo and ID Cross leading the charge

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Volkswagen has confirmed its new generation electric cars will inherit more well known namesakes from current combustion models, in what it says is a shift in naming strategy.

According to Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schafer, Volkswagen’s existing names are “firmly anchored in people’s minds”, and shifting EV naming conventions will “[retain an existing reputation] of quality, timeless design and technology… into the future.”

This means models like the ID1, ID3, and ID4 could be re-named to the ID Up!, ID Golf, and ID Tiguan, if they are to follow in the footsteps of the ID2 – now officially known as the ID Polo. 

Volkswagen has additionally confirmed it will soon announce an ‘ID Cross’ compact EV SUV as an electric alternative to its T Cross. More details on that car to come soon. 

Details at large for the ID1, also known as the ID Every 1, as well as the ID Cross are still in contention, with the former slated to release in 2027, and the latter expected to reveal next week at the IAA (International Motor Show Germany).

While the ID Polo and ID Polo GTI (formerly known as ID2 All and ID GTI concepts) will soon make an uncamouflaged debut, neither is expected to release to global markets until 2026. 

If the ID Polo were to launch into the Australian market, it would chiefly rival the $37,990 drive-away MG4 — China’s refined, affordable rear driven hatch also slated to make a debut into front-wheel drive next year. 

Other rivals include the $59,990 Cupra Born and $39,000 Hyundai Inster. Both prices are before on-road costs. 

Both ID Polo models are expected to measure 4104mm long, 1840mm wide, 1499mm tall, and run a wheelbase of 2600mm – these figures were previously detailed in a 2023 Volkswagen press release. 

Features of the ‘standard’ ID Polo also revealed in 2023 by Volkswagen include front-wheel drive, peak output of 166kW, WLTP range of 450 kilometres, and a price tag under 25,000 euros (< ~$AUD 44,600).

Meanwhile, the ID Polo GTI gains an electronically controlled front differential lock, unique front and rear bumpers, a boot spoiler, GTI seats, 20-inch wheels, and unique brightwork which includes a rear light bar, illuminated badging and ‘IQ Light’ matrix LED front headlights.

Also unique to the ID Polo GTI is a ‘Vehicle Dynamics Manager’ which can adjust powertrain characteristics, steering weight, fake exhaust sounds (volume and exhaust note), and ‘simulated shift points’ (fake gear shifts).

As for what the prefix ‘ID’ means, Volkswagen claims it’s short for ‘Intelligent Design’, and is synonymous with ‘advanced technologies and electric mobility’. Diehards will note the ‘I’ in ‘GTI’ stands for ‘injected’ – VW says that ‘I’ will now denote ‘intelligence’.