VW ID Dropped in Favor of Traditional Names for EVs
Volkswagen is officially retiring the VW ID naming strategy, marking a pivotal change in its approach to electric vehicles. This shift signals the brand's intent to move away from sterile alphanumeric codes and embrace the emotional pull of traditional model names that resonate with drivers.
The VW ID lineup, launched in 2017 with the ID.3 concept, once symbolized the company's electric future. It quickly expanded to include models like the ID.4, ID.5, ID.6 (exclusive to China), ID.7, and the nostalgic ID. Buzz. But despite the initial momentum, VW is now reevaluating its strategy. According to Martin Sander, a Volkswagen Board Member overseeing Sales, Marketing, and After Sales, the company plans to drop the VW ID names in upcoming production vehicles—starting with the ID.2all and ID.Every1 concepts, which will adopt different monikers when they launch.
Sander confirmed, 'The cars will get proper names again,' hinting at a return to the kind of iconic labels that helped define Volkswagen's history—like Golf, Polo, and Beetle. This reversal mirrors moves by other automakers. Audi abandoned its plan to organize EVs by even numbers, BMW now reserves the 'i' for electric models only, and Toyota simplified its cumbersome bZ4X to simply 'bZ.' Across the industry, the trend is clear: consumers want clarity and familiarity, not abstract codes.
For VW, retiring the VW ID nameplate isn't just about branding—it's a strategic reset. Future electric vehicles, such as the ID.2 slated for 2026, may reintroduce names like Polo in honor of its 50th anniversary. The ID.1, expected in 2027, could see a revival of classic names like Lupo, Fox, or Up!. Meanwhile, development continues on an all-electric Golf and T-Roc SUV, both of which could carry their legacy names into the EV era.
VW is also using this transition to update its current lineup. A comprehensive facelift for the VW ID models is planned for 2026, coinciding with the naming overhaul. The challenge lies in clearly differentiating these next-gen EVs from their combustion counterparts, which will continue for several years.
Despite the naming shift, VW ID models are still driving strong sales. The ID.3 remains in high demand, while the ID.7 has already surpassed the Passat in European markets. In the U.S., the retro-styled ID. Buzz is gaining traction and cultural relevance. Looking ahead, the upcoming ID.2all and ID.Every1—priced around €25,000 and €20,000 respectively—aim to deliver affordable EV options as battery costs decline and new production efficiencies take hold.
China poses another key battleground for the VW ID strategy. Models like the ID.7 face intense competition from low-cost local brands. However, VW remains focused on sustainable growth rather than quick wins, planning to launch a new wave of China-specific EVs in 2026 while gradually hybridizing its combustion lineup.
By phasing out the VW ID name and embracing classic badges, Volkswagen is leaning into its heritage while refining its EV identity. It's a calculated move to strengthen emotional ties with consumers and simplify its electric transition in an increasingly crowded market.
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