It’s been nearly a year since Volkswagen signaled its intention to do an electric GTI. The ID. GTI Concept will evolve into a production model in 2026 for the European market.
VW wants the hot hatch in the United States at a $25,000 price point but it's only wishful thinking at this point. Meanwhile, our colleagues at Motor1 Italy had a chat with the big boss in Wolfsburg about the first GTI without a combustion engine. Thomas Schäfer didn't miss the occasion to hype up the electric GTI, saying its suspension and chassis "will be at an even higher level" compared to the gas model on sale today.
The goal is "to produce a car that isn't just about performance" but one that's "even more exciting to experience and drive." The high-ranked official from VW also mentioned the car will have a "GTI e-sound," so expect artificial engine noise to be pumped through the speakers. It's worth noting the ID.
GTI Concept did not preview an electric Golf GTI but rather a smaller car. The performance-oriented showcar from last year's IAA Mobility in Munich was based on the ID. 2all , a Polo-sized electric hatchback.
The supermini is still sold in Europe as a GTI with a combustion engine, a 2.0-liter turbo four-pot making 204 horsepower. Before its demise in 2023, the even smaller up! GTI was still offered with a turbo three-cylinder 1.
0-liter engine rated at 115 hp. Another all-electric Golf after the Mk7-based model isn't due until closer to the end of the decade when the Mk9 is scheduled .