Volkswagen is adopting a new naming strategy which will see some of its famous model names transferred to the all-electric ID. family for the first time. 

The first model to be launched will be the ID. Polo from 2026, marking a change of direction from the strategy of using numbers for electric cars. The concept car version of the new Polo was known as the ID. 2all. 

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said: “Our model names are firmly anchored in people’s minds. They stand for a strong brand and embody characteristics such as quality, timeless design and technologies for all. That’s why we’re moving our well-known names into the future. The ID. Polo is just the beginning.” 

Volkswagen has said it will transfer more established names to the electric portfolio with each new model generation, so the new all-electric small SUV will be the ID.Cross as it is an EV version of the T-Cross. Then the ID.3 will become the ID.Golf and the ID.7 an ID.Passat. Volkswagen introduced the naming of the ID. family in 2018. 

At the same time, all vehicles with conventional combustion drivetrains will continue to run under their previous names, without the ID prefix. 

Martin Sander, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, said: “Our cars often accompany people for many years – they shape memories and stages of life. A model like the Polo shows just how powerful a name can be. That’s precisely why we are again giving our ID. models names that arouse emotions and are anchored in people’s everyday lives. Electric mobility should not only be progressive, but also accessible and personal.” 

Volkswagen has also revealed new pictures of the ID.Polo in production form, albeit with a disguise wrap. The new, cleaner front end and smaller wheels mark it as different to the ID.2All concept. The company also showed the GTI version, which is also launching in 2026. 

The ID.Polo will be the first all-electric GTI