Volkswagen GTI EV “more exciting” than current hot hatches

Future all-electric high-performance Volkswagen GTI models, such as the production version of the VW ID. GTI Concept, will be better to drive than the hot hatches they replace.

That’s the word according to Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer, who told Motor 1 Italy, that battery electric VW GTI models will be "even more exciting to experience and drive", thanks in part to a greater degree of chassis refinement and suspension tuning compared to petrol rivals.

So far, the only Volkswagen EV to carry the legendary 'GTI' nameplate was the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept that was shown at the 2023 Munich motor show.

Said to have been "93 per cent production ready", the ID. GTI Concept was closely based on the production ID.2 that will launch next year.

Based on the MEB-Small front-drive EV platform, the hot VW GTI was thought to have shared components with the Cupra UrbanRebel concept and the ID. GTI Concept is expected to be powered by the same 250kW electric motor that on over-boost can deliver as much as 320kW.

With that kind of firepower, the Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept should be capable of a 0-100km/h dash of 3.2 seconds. Should the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N be worried? Time will tell.

The battery size for the ID.2 GTI has yet to be confirmed but it’s expected to be capable of covering up to 400km between charges on the WLTP test cycle.

Under consideration for the Australian market, the base ID.2 is expected to sell here for around $40,000, with the production ID.2 GTI set to cost around $60,000 when it arrives in either 2026 or 2027.

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