A reinterpretation with classic GTI DNA:
The concept follows original 1976 GTI

(September 5, 2023) WOLFSBURG, Germany — For decades, the GTI name has stood for Volkswagen compact sports cars. The Golf GTI, Scirocco GTI, Polo GTI, and up! GTI are all icons. Volkswagen is now catapulting the DNA of the GTI into the age of electric mobility with the new ID. GTI Concept. The world premiere of this electrifying concept vehicle will take place during this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich today.

The ID. GTI Concept is based on the ID. 2all concept that was presented in March — a future electric compact car that costs around 25,000 euros that has generated worldwide attention. Its front-wheel-drive layout, clear design and powerful proportions make it the perfect starting point for a new GTI.

Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt already had the sporty derivative in mind when he produced the first sketches for the ID. 2all. Just like the ID. 2all, the ID. GTI Concept is more than just a show car — it is the first glimpse of the exciting GTI future because the decision has been taken that it will go into production.

The way the first electric GTI unleashes its dynamic capabilities is new and exciting. The worlds of the electric ID. GTI Concept and turbocharged Golf GTI meet up when it comes to transmitting the power to the front wheels. A front-axle differential lock — electronically controlled by a Vehicle Dynamics Manager — is used, just like the current generation of the GTI. The Golf GTI and Golf GTI Clubsport were the first Volkswagen models with this traction-control system. With the ID. GTI Concept, an electric Volkswagen now has this intelligent system on board for the first time.

The letter “I” for injection in the GTI name now also stands for intelligence — in the form of the high-performance drivetrain and chassis. With the ID. GTI Concept, Volkswagen is presenting a new evolutionary stage of these electronically networked driving dynamics systems. Here, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager of the ID. GTI Concept integrates the powertrain into the control system to an even greater degree than on the gasoline models.

This is possible because the set-up of the electric drive motor and its system can be varied almost infinitely. This permits realization of a wide range of different GTI profiles. Using a newly developed GTI Experience Control on the center console, the driver can choose which characteristics the ID. GTI Concept’s powertrain should have. For the first time, it is possible to adjust the drive system, running gear, steering, sound, and even the simulated shift points in the style of one of the historic GTI models — such as the original 1976 Golf GTI, the first 16-valve Golf GTI Mark 2 from 1986 or the 2001 Golf GTI Mark 4 "25 years of GTI." This makes the ID. GTI Concept a highly dynamic time machine.



Like the original GTI, the concept uses the design and technology of an affordable large-series model as its basis. And like every previous GTI, this base has the typical dynamic and unique features of the GTI. This transformation succeeds above all if the basic product line already has GTI potential, including clear and powerful proportions and a foursquare stance. The ID. 2all has this, which is why the ID.

GTI Concept has characteristics that are otherwise found in more premium segments. In figures, this means a compact 161.6-inch overall length and a long 102.4-in wheelbase wheelbase framed by large 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 245/35 performance tires. The short overhangs, 59-in height and 72.4-in width complete the picture.

The interior of the ID. GTI Concept is characterized by clear design, high quality and intuitive operation. The four-door vehicle can accommodate five passengers. The luggage compartment is also generous with a capacity of 17.3 cubic feet. What’s more, since the ID. GTI Concept shares the MEB entry package with the ID. 2all, it also has the same practical details. These include features such as an additional stowage box under the double luggage compartment floor, which can accommodate several bags of shopping, for example.

There is a further 1.8-cubic foot stowage area under the rear bench seat, which can be folded in one easy movement. This stowage area was specially designed for the charging cable and items such as the first-aid kit, high-visibility vests and breakdown set. In addition, there is enough space in this lockable compartment for devices such as laptops and tablets, which can also be charged there.