Volkswagen is preparing to usher in a new era for its iconic performance hatchbacks, confirming that fully electric versions of the celebrated Golf GTI and Golf R are in development. These upcoming models are expected to redefine the brand’s sporty DNA with zero-emission powertrains and cutting-edge technology, while retaining the character that made their predecessors legendary.
The German automaker first hinted at its electric ambitions for the GTI line-up with the unveiling of the ID.GTI concept in 2023. That prototype offered a glimpse into how Volkswagen might reinterpret its performance legacy for the electric age. Now, the carmaker has confirmed that a production version of the electric GTI, based on the forthcoming ID.2 platform, will be introduced exclusively in the European market.
In a recent discussion with AutoExpress, Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, revealed that a fully electric Golf GTI is slated for launch before the end of the decade. He expressed strong enthusiasm for the model, describing it as an exceptionally potent vehicle that will stay true to the GTI name. According to Schäfer, the electric GTI will maintain the spirit and excitement that fans of the nameplate expect, highlighting that it will be thrilling, authentic, and unmistakably a GTI despite its electric heart.
