VW ID. GTI Concept: Golf hot hatch reimagined as EV

First-ever Volkswagen GTI EV previewed in concept form

Volkswagen may have just divided fans over the future of the GTI badge. With the German automaker set to launch more electric vehicles (EVs), it was only a matter of time before the company revealed a GTI-badged electric car.

At the ongoing IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Volkswagen unveiled the ID. GTI Concept, and it’s set to deliver hot hatch performance on pure electric power. Based on the ID. 2all concept revealed earlier this year, the concept features a more aggressive and sportier design that is reminiscent of the original ICE-powered GTIs.

Borrowing inspiration from GTIs of the past, the all-electric concept features a muscular stance and strong lines. It also gets a hexagonal pattern on its front bumper, which serves as another callback to the ICE-powered Golf GTI. And to remind everyone that this is indeed a GTI, the hatchback gets the signature three-letter badge on the grille, doors, side skirts, wheels, and tailgate.

The massive 20-inch alloy wheels serve as another throwback to the past wheel designs used by Volkswagen for both the classic Golf GTIs and Sciroccos. Last but not least, the blacked-out wheel arches, rear wing, side skirts, and bumpers provide another callback to the Mk1 and Mk2 Golf GTIs. Did we mention the front grille of the concept car features a red stripe much like the original Golf GTIs?

Inside, more throwbacks to the original Golf GTIs are present with the retro-inspired cabin. For starters, the seat fabric is called Jack-e which is a subtle reference to the Jacky plaid upholstery found in the Mk6 GTI. Then there’s the golf ball-shaped gear shifter or should we say “GTI Experience” control dial. This feature allows the driver to select their preferred drive modes and choose their desired digital displays. One can select “Vintage” which will display a Mk1-style gauge cluster.

Volkswagen did not reveal the ID. GTI Concept’s powertrain. However, since it’s based on the ID. 2all concept, it highly likely comes with a single electric motor driving the front wheels. It’s expected to produce around 231 PS and could theoretically go from 0 - 100 km/h in just under 7 seconds. Since it sits on the same architecture, it could come with a 56 kWh battery pack which can give it around 450 km of range.

“We have realigned Volkswagen over the course of recent months. Our actions are always focused on the question of what customers expect from us. The complete range of our new orientation will be visible for the first time at the IAA Mobility. Volkswagen is delivering what customers want: whether electric, combustion engine, or hybrid vehicles – all our new models impress with enjoyable efficiency, intuitive operation, and high quality that is evident in all areas. In this way, we are meeting our promise of once more focusing completely on customer needs,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

Will the ID.2 GTI be able to replicate the success of the original Golf GTIs of the past? And will it be able to carry the heritage of the ICE-powered predecessors?