Volkswagen Plans To Revamp Its Electric ID Models Starting In 2026

Starting in 2026, Volkswagen plans to introduce notably enhanced versions of its electric ID models, as part of a major upgrade to the MEB architecture that underpins them.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen’s R&D chief Kai Grunic confirmed to Autocar that a new ID 2 SUV concept car will debut at the 2025 Munich show, along with a facelift for the Polo in 2025. Grunic noted that the ID models will undergo significant enhancements in 2026, featuring a fresh design that “returns to our roots,” as well as advances in battery costs, overall performance, and new functionalities.

The appearance of the new ID models will be inspired by the ID 2all concept car, which represents design chief Andreas Mindt’s vision for the future of VW design that is completely friendly and inspired by the models of the past.

Grunitz said the look will be more akin to “what Volkswagen stands for” from a design perspective. Along with the production version of the ID 2, it will be a visual leap for VW, as part of company boss Thomas Schaefer’s desire to make VW a “beloved brand” again.

He confirmed that the production version of the VW ID 2all concept car is planned for launch in late 2025/early 2026. He also said that it would be the “starting point” for this new era for VW, “because customers will see that there has been a change and a much bigger change than expected.”

The ID 2 SUV variant will be announced at the Munich Motor Show in September 2025, as the second VW model to be based on the MEB Entry architecture.

A GTI version of the ID 2 is also planned. However, Grunic said the company has “ideas that will surprise you” when the first electric GTI launches in 2026.

Grunic did not confirm which models will disappear from the lineup but said the Polo will not be one of them as it is due for a major update.

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