Volkswagen says ID. GTI will be way more than just a powerful EV

Volkswagen is almost ready to electrify its iconic GTI badge with the upcoming ID. GTI, a hot hatch that promises to deliver driving thrills in a zero-emissions package. Set to debut in 2026, the ID. GTI is built on a new front-wheel-drive version of the MEB platform.

While the new hot hatch may not boast the raw power of its gasoline-powered siblings, the ID. GTI apparently will prioritize handling and agility. VW's technical chief, Kai Grunitz, confirmed that the electric GTI will have less than 300 horsepower, likely closer to 200. But he assures that the focus is on "drivability" and delivering a "real go-kart" experience. He's even driven a prototype and describes it as "really amazing."

The ID. GTI's front-wheel-drive configuration is a departure from the rear-wheel-drive setup found in most current VW ID models. This decision could prove to be a masterstroke, as front-wheel drive, combined with less stringent electronic nannies, could unlock a level of playfulness and driver engagement that has been missing from VW's recent electric offerings.

It's worth pointing out that this GTI isn't based on the iconic Golf platform. Instead, it's built on the smaller ID.2 platform, similar in size to the Volkswagen Polo. This has led to some uncertainty about whether the ID. GTI will make it to the US market, where larger vehicles are typically favored. However, there are indications that people within the Volkswagen Group are pushing hard to bring the electric hot hatch to American shores.

The ID. GTI's emphasis on driving dynamics over outright power is similar to that of the Mini Cooper SE, a small electric car that has won praise for its go-kart-like handling and fun factor. With less than 200 horsepower, the Cooper SE proves that you don't need a monstrous power output to deliver an entertaining driving experience.

Volkswagen seems to be taking a page from the Mini's playbook, focusing on a combination of stiff suspension and sharp steering to create a car that feels nimble and responsive. If the ID. GTI can live up to the hype and deliver on its promise of go-kart-like handling, it could become a benchmark for electric hot hatches.

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