Volkswagen ID. GTI concept heralds exciting electric hot hatch ambitions, artificial shifts and engine noises to boot

Overall, Volkswagen has been rather late to the EV party, but it seems to be tackling the new frontier head-on, recently releasing the retro-inspired ID. Buzz in both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions. Despite a hiccup earlier this year caused by a drop in EV interest, VW appears to be soldiering ahead, most recently unveiling the electric ID. GTI hot hatch as the future of the brand's compact EVs.

“The perfect combination of driving pleasure and everyday usability – that is what the three letters GTI have meant for decades,” - Thomas Schäfer, CEO, Volkswagen Brand

While Volkswagen has been rather mum on drive train specifications and performance, the brand claims to have captured the acclaimed sportiness, precision, and fun driving nature that makes the regular Golf GTI special. Since the ID. GTI is based on the existing ID. 2all that was launched earlier this year.

For now, Volkswagen has confirmed that the new ID. GTI will have a wheelbase of 2,600 mm, with an overall length of 4,104 mm. For reference, the current Golf GTI comes in at 4,287 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,631 mm. At that rate, the ID. GTI should handle about the same as, if not better than, a Mk8 Golf GTI, given the somewhat more compact dimensions and the low centre of gravity typical of an EV.

The Mk8 Golf GTI also delivers a claimed 241 hp, and it wouldn't be inconceivable for VW to do a slight upgrade to the ID. 2all motors to eke out an extra 15 hp over its stock 226 hp. VW has also added features like artificial gear shifts and engine noises to the ID. GTI, likely in an attempt to further play into the Golf GTI's legacy.

Volkswagen's CEO had previously stated that the brand is hesitant to use legacy nameplates, specifically referring to the Beetle, since the time for those iconic vehicles had passed, and it was unnecessary to chase the same glory with a new vehicle. Releasing an electric GTI is almost certainly banking on the brand recognition and the fondness many have for the legendary compact sports car.

While it's good to see Volkswagen jumping into the compact, high-performance EV world in a meaningful way, by the time the electric GTI launches, brands like Fiat, Mini, Renault, and likely even Tesla will already have strong footholds in the hot hatch EV space. Vehicles like the newly-refreshed Mini Cooper SE, established Fiat 500e, upcoming Renault 5 EV, and rumoured Tesla Model 2, are all either already out or expected to launch long before 2026.

Though there is no specific launch date, VW has indicated that the ID. GTI would likely launch in Europe in 2026. VW also has not confirmed whether the new ID. GTI will make it to US shores. Pricing is also up in the air, although it will certainly cost more than the expected ~US$27k (€25,000) of the standard ID. 2all.

Overall, the design language of the new ID. GTI blends the classic Golf GTI proportions and graphics with the stereotypical futuristic EV looks rather well, but the design of a concept vehicle is always subject to change before launch. That said, a set of new 20-inch wheels, red accents, and aggressive trim pieces add visual flair that hint at its underlying performance, while the stealthy grille and tall front bumper make the ID. GTI look quite clean.

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