Volkswagen is presenting the ID. GTI Concept show car at the IAA Mobility in Munich to provide insight into how Volkswagen will transport the iconic GTI label into the electric future. The production version of the vehicle based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform is scheduled to hit the roads in 2027.

The ID. GTI Concept is based on the ID. 2all concept that was presented in March (earlier post)—a future electric compact car that costs around €25,000.

ID.2all platform

The way the first electric GTI unleashes its capabilities is new. 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’.