Volkswagen is gearing up to expand its iconic GTI performance brand into the electric era, promising a lineup of hot new models that will be a thrill to drive. CEO Thomas Schäfer has shared that the upcoming electric GTI models will be “mind-blowing” in terms of performance and driving experience.
The German automaker is set to introduce the ID GTI concept in 2026, which will be the high-performance variant of the ID 2 supermini. This will be followed by a powerful version of the electric ninth-generation Golf later in the decade. These models will kick off a series of GTI electric vehicles that Volkswagen plans to roll out in the coming years.
Schäfer emphasized that the electric GTI models will stay true to the essence of the GTI brand, offering an exhilarating driving experience that sets them apart from their standard counterparts. He highlighted elements such as sound, handling, and overall feel as key areas of focus in creating a unique driving experience for the electric GTI models.
While the production-ready electric Golf GTI is still a few years away, Volkswagen is taking its time to ensure that the transition to electric power does not compromise the performance and excitement that enthusiasts associate with the GTI badge. Schäfer expressed confidence in the progress of the prototypes, hinting that the next GTI will be a formidable machine that delivers on both excitement and authenticity.
As for the ID 2 GTI, there is no definite timeline for its reveal, but with the standard ID 2 set to launch in early 2026, a debut at Volkswagen’s GTI festival in Wolfsburg next summer could be a possibility. In the meantime, Volkswagen is gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Mk1 Golf GTI with a special edition of the current Golf GTI at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in June.
As Volkswagen sets its sights on electrifying the GTI brand, enthusiasts can look forward to a new era of high-performance electric vehicles that promise to deliver the same level of excitement and driving pleasure that has defined the GTI legacy for decades. Stay tuned for more updates on Volkswagen’s electrifying GTI lineup.
