The first electric GTI is finally here. Volkswagen unveiled the ID. Polo GTI, a sporty 222-horsepower EV hot hatch that will start at around $45,000.

Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI debuts as first electric hot hatch

50 years after launching the first Golf GTI in 1976, Volkswagen is taking the iconic badge into a new era with the ID. Polo GTI.

The ID. Polo is “100% electric and 100% GTI,” Volkswagen declared after introducing it for the first time on Friday at the 24h race at the Nürburgring.

Volkswagen said the first electric GTI “feels like a quintessential GTI,” equipped with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 222 hp (166 kW) and 290 Nm of max torque, enabling it to sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.8 seconds.