Volkswagen Plans to Unveil Electric GTI Model Next Year
About a year ago, Volkswagen dipped into the electric performance hatchback market with the introduction of the ID.3 GTX. Now, the company is reportedly developing an even more dynamic variant that proudly carries the iconic GTI emblem. Similar to how Porsche’s electric Turbo models forgo traditional turbochargers, the ID.3 Grand Touring Injection will naturally exclude fuel injectors. Additionally, diverging from the standard front-wheel drive setup of classic GTIs, the ID.3 GTI is set to feature rear-wheel drive, marking a significant departure from established norms.
A recent report from the German publication Auto Motor und Sport indicates that the first electric GTI will receive a slight horsepower increase compared to the GTX. The zero-emission GTI is expected to generate 335 hp, which is just 13 hp more than the current top-tier model. There are rumors that Volkswagen’s engineers are planning substantial upgrades to the chassis, steering, and suspension systems to make the ID.3 GTI a more thrilling drive than the GTX.
Extending the Lifespan of the ID.3
According to AMS, the electric GTI was not originally part of Volkswagen's lineup. However, due to delays in launching the ninth-generation, all-electric Golf, VW is now reportedly giving the ID.3 a second facelift to prolong its lifecycle. The postponement of the Golf Mk9, expected by the end of the decade, means the aging ID.3 will remain in production longer than initially planned.
The ID.3 made its debut in 2019 and received an update in 2023. To keep the electric vehicle competitive, a more comprehensive facelift is allegedly scheduled for 2026, coinciding with the release of the enhanced GTI version. This update is expected to align the ID.3’s design and technology more closely with the smaller ID.2.
Volkswagen's Electric GTI Vision
The ID. GTI concept (pictured below) showcased Volkswagen’s first electric vehicle bearing the GTI badge. However, it seems that the larger ID.3 GTI will hit the market before the concept. While the standard ID.2 is set to launch next year in Germany with a base price around €25,000, the GTI variant will naturally come at a higher cost. Similarly, the ID.3 GTI is anticipated to be priced above the current GTX model, which starts at just over €47,000 in Germany.
Future of Performance EVs at Volkswagen
Several other models in Europe have already been equipped with the GTX designation, including the ID.7, ID.7 Tourer, and the ID. Buzz minivan. It remains to be seen whether Volkswagen will eventually replace the GTX branding with the GTI name for high-performance electric vehicles or continue to use GTX as a more budget-friendly performance option.
Another point of speculation is whether Volkswagen will introduce an 'R' badge for its electric cars in the future. If the company moves forward with an EV GTI, potentially featuring a redesigned GTI logo with a lightning bolt replacing the 'I', it likely won’t be long before an electric 'R' variant is also introduced.