VW's new electric GTI can simulate the driving feel of Golf GTIs of the past

Volkswagen will serve up go-faster GTI variants of select ID electric cars, starting off with the ID.2 GTI from 2027.

But how can the German brand apply the Grand Touring Injection badge to an EV that doesn't feature an internal-combustion engine?

Well, Volkswagen says the 'I' now stands for Intelligence thanks to its connectivity and cutting-edge technology.

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With the ID.2 targeting €25,000 ($A41,737) starting price for the ID.2, expect a GTI version to sit more upmarket – possibly even around the same price as the current MK8 Golf GTI (from $55,490 before on-road costs).

However, powertrain and battery details are yet to be revealed for the ID. GTI Concept, let alone the production version, but the show car at least looks the part of a go-fast hot hatch.

The German brand boasts a front differential lock and drive-mode selector for the electric GTI, as well as a GTI Experience Control system that can "adjust the drive system, running gear, steering, sound experience and even the simulated shift points in the style of one of the historical GTI models – such as the Golf GTI I from 1976, the first Golf GTI II 16V from 1986 or the legendary Golf GTI IV '25 years of GTI' from 2001".

And if the production version can emulate the feel of GTI cars of the past, colour us intrigued.

Volkswagen will serve up go-faster GTI variants of select ID electric cars, starting off with the ID.2 GTI from 2027.

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How can the German brand apply the Grand Touring Injection badge to an EV that doesn’t feature an internal-combustion engine?

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Volkswagen says the ‘I’ now stands for Intelligence thanks to its connectivity and cutting-edge technology.

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Of course, the ID. GTI Concept wouldn’t be a GTI unless it looked more aggressive.

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The concept delivers with a red-accented front grille, short overhangs and pumped-up fenders.

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Of course, the ID. GTI Concept wouldn't be a GTI unless it looked more aggressive, and the concept delivers with a red-accented front grille, short overhangs and pumped-up fenders.

A sporty bodykit is also added, with a subtle front splitter, chunky side skirts, a huge rear diffuser and an eye-catching spoiler, finished in a contrasting black plastic.

Filling the wheelarches are also 20-inch wheels, wrapped in 245/35 "performance tyres".

Inside, the GTI concept features a squared-off, three-spoke steering wheel with 12 o'clock marker, as well as a 10.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen, physical climate controls and sports seats finished in a 'Jack-e' chequer pattern.

Inside, the GTI concept features a squared-off, three-spoke steering wheel with 12 o’clock marker.

However, the most sci-fi feature might be the head-up display that can project information across the entire windscreen, which can show data like racing position, lap time and track layout much like a video game when in GTI mode.

Based on the ID.2, the concept car measures 4104mm long, 1840mm wide, 1499mm tall and with a 2600mm wheelbase and is built on VW's MEB electric car platform that also underpins the ID.3 and ID.4.

Boasting seating for five, the ID. GTI Concept features a 490-litre boot capacity that can expand to 1330L with the second-row seats folded.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schäfer said an electric hot hatch encapsulates the philosophy of GTI to a tee.

Filling the wheelarches are also 20-inch wheels, wrapped in 245/35 “performance tyres”.

"The perfect combination of driving pleasure and everyday usability – that is what the three letters GTI have meant for decades," he said.

"With the ID. GTI Concept, we are transporting the GTI DNA into the electric age. It remains sporty, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible, but now has 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. Production has already been decided as part of our electric offensive. A Volkswagen sports car for the electric age that is suitable for everyday driving: 100 per cent electric – 100 per cent emotion."