2026 Volkswagen ID. Polo to spearhead new EV naming strategy

The Volkswagen ID.2all concept will switch to a more familiar nameplate, set to launch early next year as the 2026 Volkswagen ID. Polo. The German brand has also confirmed more familiar names will be employed for its growing electric car line-up in a bid to reduce consumer confusion.

Volkswagen's EV line-up is about to get a lot less confusing following the implementation of an all-new naming strategy set to be revealed at the Munich motor show next week, and the first in line to be rebranded will be the brand’s new entry EV.

Once introduced, the second model to come with a more recognisable name will be the production version of the ID. GTI Concept, which will arrive later in 2026 wearing ID. Polo GTI badging.

Before the end of 2026, Volkswagen will then launch the production version of the ID. Cross Concept it will unveil at the Munich motor show that will switch to the VW ID. Cross name.

The German auto-maker claims that all its new EVs will come with features requested by its customers, including higher levels of quality, the adoption of soft high-grade materials, the return of physical controls that will include buttons and knobs, and a steering wheel with proper buttons, plus a more intuitive infotainment system.

The new ID. Polo, meanwhile, will be the first Volkswagen Group vehicle based on its modified MEB Entry platform, which means it will be front-drive.

Developed alongside the Skoda Epiq and the Cupra Raval, as well as possibly a premium Audi version that will be offered in the future, the all-new ID. Polo will be heavily based on the ID.2all concept that was unwrapped back in early 2023.

Created to offer the space of a Golf for the price (and footprint) of a Polo, the ID. Polo will cover more than 400km on a charge, seat up to five adults and boast a large 490-litre boot.

"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", said VW CEO Thomas Schäfer.

For mass-adoption of EVs it makes perfect sense for a legacy car-maker like Volkswagen to end confusion about what model is what by leveraging existing awareness for model names, some of which date back 50 years.

It will also be music to the ears of current owners of the ID.3 and ID.4 that the German brand has taken onboard feedback and will finally respond with measures that will improve day-to-day living usability.

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