Golf and Polo are coming back – but electric!

ID.3, ID.4, ID.7 – although Volkswagen introduced these designations a few years ago, many drivers are still not entirely clear about what exactly is behind them. That is why the models are often described by comparison: ID.3 is like an electric Golf. ID.7 is like an electric Passat. Now Volkswagen has decided to gradually replace the numerical designations with old acquaintances.

The first step is a small electric car coming next year, so far known under the working name "ID.2 all". Now it has been confirmed: it will be called the ID.Polo. Volkswagen wants to make it easier for customers to navigate its model range.

"Our model names are deeply rooted in people's minds," says Volkswagen brand boss Thomas Schaefer. The ID.Polo is just the beginning. The ID.3 is expected to become the ID.Golf, the ID.7 – the ID.Passat, and the planned ID.1 for 2027 will probably be called the ID.up.

What is Volkswagen's advantage?

Perhaps Volkswagen is trying to put behind it the criticism that accompanied the first ID models. When the ID.2020 was launched in 3, the most criticized aspects were the design and software of the vehicle. There was also some skepticism about these number names, especially since Volkswagen has managed to mark entire generations with names like the Golf.

The strategy of the former CEO of Dis was to make the electric models visually and by name clearly distinguishable from the models with internal combustion engines. Dis, who came from BMW, preferred numerical designations.

Now comes a turning point - the old names should bring new success to electric models. And the design of Volkswagen's electric vehicles now resembles more of the classic models.

Automotive expert Helena Visbert believes the move is logical: "If you already have names that are well-received, you should continue to use them. That's an advantage over new competitors," adds the professor from the University of Ostfalia in Wolfsburg.

Where is the model for the "typical Volkswagen customer"?

Of course, it is clear that the retro design and new naming strategy are not enough to convince buyers. Experts believe that Volkswagen has also significantly improved the quality of its electric vehicles. The ID.7, produced in Emden, stands out in particular in the tests, which is popular among business users.

"There is something missing for the typical private Volkswagen customer," says Wiesbert. Namely, electric models that are affordable for the masses are needed. At the IAA motor show, which takes place next week in Munich, Volkswagen will focus on exactly such vehicles. It promises that more electric models will arrive next year, priced at around 25.000 euros.

The competition for German industry in this segment is very strong – especially since Chinese manufacturers are increasingly opening factories in Europe and want to conquer the market with affordable electric vehicles. At the Munich fair, visitors will be able to directly compare German and Asian manufacturers: China's BYD has a stand directly opposite Volkswagen.

It's hard to say at this point which retailer will ultimately be more popular. Will the "buy local" sentiment prevail among German buyers? One thing is certain: Volkswagen is currently the leader in the European electric vehicle market, and the new-old model names should help keep it that way.