Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept previews EV hot hatch

Volkswagen has revealed its ID. GTI Concept show car at the IAA Mobility 2023 motor show in Munich, previewing a forthcoming electric hot hatch.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It’s based on the ID. 2all electric supermini concept revealed earlier this year, which is due to arrive in 2025, and will join the line-up some two years later to head up the range.

The new performance-focused arrival of the budget-priced EV will show how the brand’s how the GTI label will transform for the age of electric mobility. Technical details for the ID. GTI are yet to be revealed but the ID. 2all is based on a shortened version of the brand’s MEB platform used for models such as the ID.3 and features a 226hp front-mounted motor with a top speed of 160km/h (99mph) and a 0-62mph time of less than seven seconds.

The concept also gains bespoke design features such as a honeycomb mesh grille, bodykit and bold GTI logos.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “The perfect combination of driving pleasure and everyday usability – that is what the three letters GTI have meant for decades.

“With the ID. GTI Concept, we are taking the GTI DNA into the electric age. It remains sporty, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible, but now with a new interpretation for tomorrow’s world: electric, fully connected and extremely emotive. Here, driving pleasure and sustainability are a perfect match. This means GTI has a future – for our brand and for the fans. A Volkswagen sports car for the electric age that is suitable for everyday driving: 100% electric – 100% emotion.”

Volkswagen is working to offer the widest electric vehicle range of all manufacturers by 2027 and will have 11 new electric models; from the ID. 2all compact car with its planned sub- €25,000 price tag through to its ID.7 electric saloon, which has started pre-sales. Selected models will also come with sporty GTI versions.

At Munich, VW will also show its latest combustion engine vehicles such as the new generations of the Passat and the Tiguan. While the brand will produce only electric vehicles in Europe by 2033 latest, it says efficient combustion engine vehicles will continue to play an important part in the product range until then.

Schäfer added: “We have realigned Volkswagen over the course of recent months. Our actions are always focused on the question of what customers expect from us. The complete range of our new orientation will be visible for the first time at the IAA Mobility. Volkswagen is delivering what customers want: whether electric, combustion engine or hybrid vehicles – all our new models impress with enjoyable efficiency, intuitive operation and high quality that is evident in all areas. In this way, we are meeting our promise of once more focusing completely on customer needs.”

For more of the latest industry news, click here.

Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.