Volkswagen ID GTI: Prioritizing Handling and Fun over Power
The Volkswagen ID GTI concept is set to go into production in 2026, becoming the first electric Volkswagen to bear the iconic GTI badge. According to Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s technical boss, the production version of the ID GTI will prioritize “go-kart” handling and fun over outright power. Grünitz explained that while adding power to an electric car is easy, the focus for the GTI badge is on drivability.
Speaking at the recent GTI Fan Fest event in Wolfsburg, Grünitz stated, “With a GTI, what’s more important than power is drivability. It will be a real go-kart. I’ve driven a prototype, and it’s really amazing.” This approach aligns with Volkswagen’s commitment to keeping the GTI badge alive in the future by capturing the essence of passion and excitement that it represents.
The ID GTI will be built on the entry-level variant of the MEB platform, which will also be used by other brands under the Volkswagen Group, such as Cupra and Skoda. The concept showcases several traditional GTI design cues, giving enthusiasts a glimpse of what to expect from the production version. Furthermore, the ID GTI will serve as a precursor to the next-generation fully electric Golf, which is scheduled for release around 2027 and will be based on the advanced SSP platform developed by the Volkswagen Group.
Design chief Andreas Mindt also revealed that the next-generation Golf will stay true to its authentic heritage. He stated, “We started with the design, and we promise that when you see the first sketches, you’ll see that this is a real Golf. It will be the authentic face of a Golf.” This assurance will likely delight Golf enthusiasts who appreciate the iconic design language of the model.
The upcoming ID GTI represents Volkswagen’s commitment to embracing electric mobility while preserving the spirit of the GTI badge. By prioritizing handling and driving experience over raw power, Volkswagen aims to create an electric GTI that captures the essence of what makes a GTI special. With the production version set to hit the market in 2026, car enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling and electrifying driving experience from the electric GTI.
