Here it is - the first ever fully electric ‘GTI’ model from Volkswagen - the ID. GTI Concept.
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For the best part of 50 years, the ‘GTI’ badge has been slapped on some of the hottest models in the Volkswagen stable.
You can currently enjoy the VW Golf GTI, the Polo GTI, while order books for the Up! GTI were forced to close earlier this year due to the sheer weight of demand.
As of yet, those three letters haven’t adorned any of VW’s electric vehicles. The nearest we’ve had are the sporty ‘GTX’ variants of the ID.4 and the ID.5.
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But all that is about to change, as VW prepares to ready a new ‘people’s supercar’, as it describes its GTI stable.
Volkswagen chiefs say the ID. GTI will hit UK roads by 2027 and will offer the ‘perfect combination of driving pleasure and everyday usability’.
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Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, says: “We are taking the GTI DNA into the electric age. It remains sporty, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible, but now with a new interpretation for tomorrow’s world: electric, fully connected and extremely emotive. Here, driving pleasure and sustainability are a perfect match. This means GTI has a future – for our brand and for the fans. A Volkswagen sports car for the electric age that is suitable for everyday driving: 100 per cent electric – 100 per cent emotion.”
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The ID. GTI Concept shares the same platform as the recently-revealed ID. 2all, a compact electric hatchback that has been designed to pay homage to the VW Beetle, Golf and Polo.
And lots of the famous GTI touchstones are present and correct.
Just like the petrol Golf GTI, power is directed to the front wheels. And the ID. GTI Concept also gets a front-axle differential lock - electronically controlled by a Vehicle Dynamics Manager - for maximum traction.
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There’s a red surround on the front radiator grille, flared wheel arches, GTI chequer pattern seats, and even golf ball dimples on the centre console control knob - just like the golf ball-topped gearstick on the Golf GTI.
Want to relive the feeling of driving an old GTI model from the past? No problems - just head to the ‘GTI Experience Control’ toggle, which alters the characteristics of the car’s powertrain, running gear, steering, sound experience and even the simulated shift points to provide a huge dose of nostalgia.
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Using this ‘highly dynamic time machine’, as VW puts it, you can get behind the wheel of iconic models like the Golf GTI I from 1976 or the legendary Golf GTI IV ‘25 years of GTI’ from 2001.
Yet the ID. GTI Concept is also thoroughly modern, complete with a large 12.9-inch touchscreen, an augmented reality head-up display, and a cabin that’s full of USB ports.
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There’s no word yet on power, but you can expect it to go like the clappers, as you would any Volkswagen GTI.
And if you want to enjoy a VW GTI before the ID. GTI arrives properly, why not check out the affordable Volkswagen Polo GTI, which you can lease with Select Car Leasing from just £262 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 04/09/23.
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