In a recent move marking the onset of the electric era for its performance models, German automaker Volkswagen has officially introduced its ID. GTI Concept. The new concept car, deeply rooted in the ID.2all design, pays homage to the first-generation Golf GTI from the ’70s.
Flashback to 47 years ago, Volkswagen unveiled the first iteration of the Golf GTI – the hot hatch version of the German compact. As many auto enthusiasts know, the Golf GTI went on to earn legendary status, being the first performance hatchback produced on a large scale. The Wolfsburg-based company’s iconic hot hatch continues to enjoy immense success and appreciation, evident from its ongoing production.
Now, almost half a century after the first GTI badge-adorned Volkswagen, it’s time for the German hot hatch to undergo a transformation. During the Munich Auto Show in Germany, Volkswagen revealed its electric ID. GTI Concept, signifying the electric future of models sporting the GTI badge. At first glance, the ID. GTI bears a striking resemblance to its foundational design, the ID.2all, projected as a €25,000 electric car. True to its hot hatch identity, the ID. GTI Concept receives necessary aesthetic and technical tweaks to elevate its performance.
Starting with its exterior, evident are numerous new aerodynamic elements, bestowing upon the ID. GTI Concept a distinct sporty and aggressive design. A covered grille, adorned with the signature red GTI stripe and the model’s logo under the right headlight, ensures the electric era retains the Golf GTI’s tradition. Advanced LED IQ. Light matrix technology is integrated into its uniquely designed headlights. Other distinctive features include an illuminated Volkswagen logo in white, a matte black spoiler, a large air intake, and vertically mounted LED daytime running lights, complemented by two specially sculpted red tow points.
Keeping true to its hot hatch DNA, its fenders are more pronounced compared to the ID.2all. Aerodynamically shaped mirrors, rear door handles that are notably absent, and exclusive 20-inch double-spoke wheels wrapped in performance tires further define its exterior.
The rear highlights include a black roof-mounted spoiler, an LED thin stripe as the third brake light, and main tail lights featuring innovative 3D effects. All these are connected by an illuminated strip, with a centrally placed Volkswagen logo painted in red.
Inside, the ID. GTI Concept showcases a highly digitized and minimalist design. A standout feature is its uniquely flattened steering wheel with red-lit markers on top, housing physical controls. Directly behind the steering wheel is the gear selector, freeing up central console space which features a golf ball-textured round switch to toggle between driving modes and cabin ambiance through the GTI Experience Control system. In a nostalgic twist, selecting the ‘Vintage’ mode mimics the dashboard of the second-generation Golf GTI.
Though Volkswagen initially remained silent about a production version of the ID. GTI Concept, shortly after its unveiling, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer confirmed the ID. GTI’s launch as a production model in 2026.
