At the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Volkswagen Group unveiled the ID.GTI concept, a bold glimpse into what an electric version of the iconic Golf GTI might look like. The design language blends familiar GTI cues with modern electric styling. Distinct red accents highlight both the exterior and the cabin, signaling a performance-focused character. Inside, the concept carries a GTI-inspired sports steering wheel, a clear nod to VW’s performance heritage. The ID.GTI is positioned as a high-energy electric compact that aims to deliver the driving feel fans expect from the GTI line, while leveraging the efficiency and instant torque offered by an electric powertrain. The concept wagoned around a target price near 25,000 euros, reinforcing its intent to offer performance without a premium price tag. The vehicle’s dimensions place it at a length of 4104 millimeters and a wheelbase of 2600 millimeters, emphasizing its compact footprint with practical interior space. The earlier ID.2all1 prototype, introduced in March 2023, laid the groundwork for this design language and engineering philosophy, serving as a bridge between VW’s conventional hatchback DNA and a future that embraces electric propulsion with lively driving dynamics.
The producers expect the production version to arrive late in 2026, with sales beginning early in 2027, according to statements attributed to Volkswagen’s CEO Thomas Schäfer. While VW has kept many technical specifics under wraps, the GTI version of the upcoming compact electric car is anticipated to fuse the brand’s traditional performance emphasis with contemporary battery technology, rapid charging, and refined on-road manners. The approach appears to be a balanced blend of accessible price, spirited handling, and everyday practicality, aiming to broaden the appeal of electric performance across a broader audience. As with other VW compact offerings, the ID.GTI would likely emphasize a well-tuned chassis, responsive steering, and a cockpit designed for driving engagement, rather than just raw acceleration. These strategic choices reflect VW’s intent to connect its GTI heritage with the realities of a growing electric market, while maintaining an approachable price point and a credible daily-drivability profile for potential buyers in North America and Europe alike.
Earlier reports noted that Jetour’s X70 Plus was expected to appear in Russia toward the end of September, illustrating the broader regional interest in compact, value-focused crossovers and performance-oriented electrics. This competitive landscape helps position VW’s ID.GTI concept within a market that values a spirited driving feel in a compact, affordable package, while other brands pursue similar themes with their electric crossovers and hatchbacks. In essence, the ID.GTI embodies Volkswagen’s strategy to fuse GTI driving dynamics with zero-emission powertrains, offering a glimpse of how the legendary hatchback persona could translate into a modern, electrified future for mainstream buyers without sacrificing the practical, everyday usability that has long defined VW’s small-car lineup.