Volkswagen: An overview of the new models for 2026
At the IAA Mobility show in early September 2025, Volkswagen looked optimistically to the future. The company presented the results of three years of development work and a strategic realignment under the guiding principle of "True Volkswagen." The brand is refocusing on clear design, high quality, intuitive operation, and a balanced price-performance ratio.
The new model range comprises four electric small and compact cars, which will be introduced gradually starting in 2026. Key models include the ID. Polo and its sporty sibling, theID. Polo GTI , as well as the final version of the near-production SUV concept, the ID. Cross Concept Premiere, presented in Munich. A new naming strategy transfers familiar VW model designations to electric vehicles.
Volkswagen is also continuing its product offensive with combustion engine models, with the new T-Roc replacing one of the brand's best-selling models. CEO Thomas Schäfer emphasizes: "The goal for the next five years is clear: By 2030, we want to establish ourselves as the technologically leading volume manufacturer." But first, let's take a closer look at the VW novelties for 2026.
Arguably one of the most anticipated cars of 2026: The new Volkswagen T-Roc remains true to the compact SUV concept, but has grown significantly. The new generation has increased in length by 12 centimeters and now measures 4.37 meters. The design has also been revised – the changes are particularly noticeable at the front.
Image courtesy of: Volkswagen
The changes are even more pronounced inside. The interior has been completely redesigned, with a large 12.9-inch central screen at its heart. The overall quality of materials and workmanship has also noticeably improved compared to its predecessor. Space remains ample, and the trunk capacity is now 465 liters – 20 liters more than before.
The 1.5-liter engine remains available, now as a mild hybrid. From autumn 2026, the range will be expanded with two new full hybrid versions producing 136 and 170 hp of system output. A diesel engine will no longer be offered.
| Model | Volkswagen T-Roc (2026) |
| body | Compact SUV |
| Engines | Petrol mild hybrid Full hybrid |
| Market launch | January 2026 |
| Price | from 30,845 euros |
Volkswagen had already announced it: Instead of the somewhat cryptic ID designations, future electric cars from the brand will receive familiar model names. The new ID. Polo is the first of these. Despite the camouflage, the design cues from the ID.2all concept and the familiar Polo silhouette are clearly recognizable. Striking details such as a narrow light strip along the front and an illuminated brand logo underscore its distinctive appearance.
Image courtesy of: Volkswagen
The ID. Polo measures around four meters in length and offers a trunk capacity of 400 liters. This is made possible by the MEB+ platform, which, unlike the other ID models, uses front-wheel drive, thus creating additional storage space in the rear. Details on the powertrains are not yet available; the estimated range is around 420 kilometers. Volkswagen is aiming for a price of under €25,000 for the entry-level version. The powerful ID. Polo GTI, however, will be significantly more expensive.
| Model | Volkswagen ID. Polo |
| body | Small cars |
| Motor | Electric |
| premiere | Spring 2026 |
| Price | from 25,000 euros |
While the ID. Polo is the electric counterpart to the combustion engine Polo, the ID. Cross will be the electric cousin of the T-Cross . The concept car shown at the 2025 IAA in Munich suggests that the design will change very little. The dimensions will remain at 4.16 meters in length, and the interior will also retain its basic structure. Here, VW is again relying on classic buttons.
Volkswagen ID. Cross concept
Image courtesy of: Volkswagen
Technically, the ID. Cross is identical to the ID. Polo: It uses the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive and various drive options. Its range is approximately 400 kilometers.
| Model | Volkswagen ID. Cross |
| body | Small SUV |
| Motor | Electric |
| Market launch | Autumn 2026 |
| Price | not yet known |
The Volkswagen ID.4 will receive a comprehensive facelift in 2026. Both the exterior and interior design will be thoroughly revised. Visually, the ID.4 will adopt design features from the ID. Polo and ID. Cross, including an illuminated logo and a revised interior in terms of features and material quality. The facelift therefore goes beyond a mere refresh.
The ID.4 also undergoes technical changes. It benefits from the new MEB+ platform but retains the rear- or all-wheel-drive configuration, while the smaller models remain front-wheel drive. The update brings new technologies for powertrains, infotainment, and driver assistance systems.
| Model | Volkswagen ID.4 (2026) |
| body | Compact SUV |
| Motor | Electric |
| premiere | Autumn 2026 |
| Price | not yet known |
The ID.3 , Volkswagen's first all-electric car, is also receiving a comprehensive facelift. The exterior remains largely unchanged, while the focus is on the interior and technology. This ensures the ID.3 remains competitive and offers new technological features.
Like the ID.4, the compact electric car from Wolfsburg also uses the innovations of the MEB+ platform and receives updates to drives, batteries and driver assistance systems (ADAS).
| Model | Volkswagen ID.3 (2026) |
| body | Compact five-door |
| Motor | Electric |
| premiere | Mid-2026 |
| Price |
not yet known |
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