Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. GTI Concept, an electric vehicle that carries forward the GTI legacy. This announcement comes 48 years after the debut of the first Golf GTI. The ID. GTI Concept will be showcased at this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich from September 5 to 9, 2023.
The concept is built upon the ID. 2all, an electric compact car priced around 25,000 euros. The ID. GTI Concept, like its predecessor, is front-wheel drive and is set to go into production. It employs an electronically controlled front-axle differential lock, similar to the current GTI generation. This is the first time an electric Volkswagen will feature this system.
The “I” in GTI, which previously stood for injection, now also represents intelligence. The ID. GTI Concept introduces an advanced stage of electronically networked driving dynamics systems. A new GTI Experience Control on the center console allows drivers to customize the car’s performance characteristics, even emulating the styles of historic GTI models.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen, stated that the ID. GTI Concept combines the sportiness and iconic nature of GTI with the advancements of electric mobility. Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s Head of Design, mentioned that the ID. 2all was the ideal foundation for an electric GTI.
The exterior design of the ID. GTI Concept includes features reminiscent of previous GTI models, such as the red radiator grille surround. The vehicle measures 161.6 inches in length, with a 102.4-inch wheelbase, and is equipped with 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Inside, the ID. GTI Concept features a three-spoke steering wheel, a 12.9-inch infotainment touch display, and ergonomically designed sport seats with a modernized GTI plaid pattern. The vehicle can accommodate five passengers and offers a luggage compartment capacity of 17.3 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 47 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats.
The ID. GTI Concept is designed for both short commutes and long journeys, thanks to its efficient drive system, lightweight design, aerodynamics, comfortable suspension, and sizable battery.