AutoElectric VehiclesVolkswagen reveals first electric GTI hot hatch conceptVW’s first electric GTI is based on the £25,000 ID.2allWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
AutoElectric VehiclesVolkswagen reveals first electric GTI hot hatch conceptVW’s first electric GTI is based on the £25,000 ID.2allWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
VW’s first electric GTI is based on the £25,000 ID.2all
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Volkswagen)
(Image credit: Volkswagen)
Volkswagen has revealed the firstelectric carto carry the famous GTI badge, in the form of a concept at the Munich motor show.
Although only a concept for now, the car will go some way towards answering the question of what a Volkswagen GTI product looks like in the fast-approaching, all-electric future.
Clearly defined wheel arches hugging 20-inch alloys, a low chin with motorsport-style tow hooks and the famous red GTI detailing on the front grille and steering wheel, along with a modern reinterpretation of the original Golf GTI’s fabric sports seats, all give the car a sporty aesthetic.
(Image credit: Volkswagen)
(Image credit: Volkswagen)
The ID. GTI Concept is slightly shorter than the current-generation VW Golf, while being a little wider and almost the same height. In a world where cars are forever growing, we’re big fans of the relatively compact dimensions VW is aiming for here. We’re also pleased to see VW describe the vehicle as “more than just a show car,” adding: “…it is the first glimpse of the exciting GTI future because its series development has already been decided.”
Our dictionary of German corporate PR speak suggests that last bit could mean: “Volkswagen will put a GTI-badged electric hatchback, with the general looks and dimensions of this concept, into production.” This is very good news indeed.
Volkwagen hasn’t yet revealed the technical specifications of the car. But it has previously said how the regular ID. 2all concept produces 166 kW (222 horsepower), sprints to 62 mph in under 7.0 seconds, has a top speed of 99 mph and a range of approximately 280 miles. It’s safe to assume the GTI version will be more powerful and quicker than that, albeit likely with a slightly shorter range. VW also said how the regular car would charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes.
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(Image credit: Volkswagen)
(Image credit: Volkswagen)
VW plans to reveal a production version of the regular ID.2 in 2025, and although it hasn’t set a due date for the GTI, it surely won’t be far behind. The price of the GTI is anyone’s guess for now, but if a base-level ID.2 can sneak in under €25,000 (about £21,000), then around £30,000 for the hot version seems reasonable.
Further nods to the original Golf GTI from 1976 include a red stripe at the 12 o’clock position of the steering wheel, and a driving mode selector designed to resemble the iconic ‘golf ball’ gear knob of the first GTI. The concept interior also features a 10.9in digital display in front of the driver and 12.9in infotainment touchscreen that VW describes as “already a near-production version with its intuitive graphics and menu structure.” Hopefully it’s easier to navigate than the berated system of theID.3.
On that note, VW appears to have listened to critical feedback of its recent infotainment systems. Even though it’s still a concept interior, the company notes how the climate controls are illuminated (unlikes those of the ID.3) and “easily accessible for both driver and front passenger” – again, a subtle nod at mistakes made with theID.3and how its frustrating touch controls are angled at the driver.
(Image credit: Volkswagen)
(Image credit: Volkswagen)
Another practical detail is how the rear bench seat can be folded up to reveal extra, lockable storage, along with chargers for laptops, phones and tablets.
This all suggests that, a) VW has listened to the criticism aimed at its first electric cars, and b) the first battery-powered GTI might be called a concept, but we reckon it’s very close to the real thing.
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