Meet The All-Electric Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept

Volkswagen explore the possibility of an all-electric performance hatch with the ID. GTI Concept.

The ‘GTI’ name has been a synonymous with compact performance for decades ever since Volkswagen showed the first Golf GTI in 1974. Since then, they’ve added the Scirocco GTI, Polo GTI, up! GTI and more to the family. Today, they’re showing us what could be the next chapter with the ID. GTI Concept car, which is based on the budget-oriented ID. 2all concept from March of this year. The Volkswagen ID. GTI is being shown at the IAA Mobility in Munich event exactly 48 years after the debut of the first Golf GTI in Frankfurt. The car has already been confirmed for production but it doesn’t look like they managed to complete the interior of this concept car.

According to Volkswagen’s Head of Design, the idea for a sportier version of the ID. 2all was in the works from the beginning. Just like the Golf GTI, the ID. GTI will also be a front-wheel driven compact hatch. It will come with a front-axle differential lock, which is electronically controlled by a Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which on this electric model integrates the powertrain into the control system to a larger degree than ever.

The new system allows for a range of ‘GTI’ profiles on the new GTI Experience Control on the centre console. The drive character, including the sound, steering feel, simulated shift points and more can be configured to mimic historic GTI models, including the original 1976 Golf GTI, the 16-valve GTI Mark 2 from 1986 and more.

In terms of looks, the ID. GTI starts with very powerful proportions from the ID. 2all then adds 20″ aluminium alloy wheels wrapped in 245/35 tyres.

The narrow front grille goes around the entire width of the IQ.LIGHT bar and features the signature red surround. The ‘GTI’ logo in red sits on the lower right side while the Volkswagen badge is illuminated in white.

The front bumper is motorsport-inspired with a black front splitter in the middle, an air intake above it and the signature honeycomb structure from the 5th generation Golf GTI onwards. There are two red motorsport-style towing eyes on the other parts of the bumper grille. On the outermost flanks are vertical LED daytime running light strips in the air curtains.

Around the side, the C-pillar and the straight window shoulder. The side skirts are covered at the bottom with matte-black plastic elements. The wheel design is inspired by the Pirelli rim from the first Golf GTI and the Denver rim from the 5th Golf GTI. There are eightblack double spokes with circles of openings in high-gloss finish on the outer rim. The wheelarches are flared and finished in matte black.

There’s a black roof spoiler around back with a strip of LEDs across the width of the vehicle serving as a third brake light. The red LED taillight cluster is tinted here while the frames of the taillight clusters and the Volkswagen badge are illuminated in bright red.

Inside, there’s a three-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated centre marker, an augmented reality HUD, a configurable 10.9″ digital instrument cluster and a 12.9″ infotainment system. The golfball shifter has been moved to the GTI Experience Control in the centre console as the transmission controls are column mounted. There are two large wireless charging pads with magnets, 45W USB-C interfaces and a full-on 230V power socket. There’s seating for 5, 490L of boot space (expandable to 1331L with rear seats folded), a stowage box under the boot floor, additional storage space under the rear seats.

Specifications that were shared for this concept are as follows: