The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the standard bearer of the German manufacturer’s sporty lineup, and it certainly won’t disappear with the arrival of the Golf 9, the next generation of Wolfsburg’s compact car, which, unsurprisingly, will be 100% electric.
On Instagram, Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s head of design, has just published the first sketch of the next electric Golf GTI next to the original model, announcing that it will appear in 2026.
The Volkswagen GTI model range will continue
“The Golf GTI was first introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1975, with 5,000 units produced. To date, we have sold over 2.8 million. In 2026, we will release an electric version of this iconic model.”
This is the caption that accompanies the photo, and which also confirms the identity of the concept car. A few months ago at the Munich Motor Show, the GTI was presented, which Volkswagen does not intend to draw a line under its sports models with the appearance of an electric car.
The picture posted by Andreas Mindt is actually part of the Volkswagen ID sketches. The GTI, presented at the last Munich Motor Show, is a concept with more compact proportions, close to the upcoming ID.2.
The real news is the announced arrival of the electric Golf GTI in 2026, which is part of the ninth-generation lineup and which will likely be based on the all-new SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) electric platform, the successor to the current MEB ID. .3, ID.4 and ID.5.
Customers will have a choice
In anticipation of the new Golf 9, preparations are underway for the appearance of the Golf “8.5”, that is, the restyling of the Golf 8, scheduled for early 2024.
The next facelift of the Golf is expected to bring some updates to the optics, infotainment and power of the current heat engines, as well as new features for the Golf wagon, Golf GTI and Golf R.
At the same time, if the electric Golf GTI is announced for 2026, it should go on sale alongside the Golf “8.5” GTI, which may remain in the catalog for a little while longer.
Read also:
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Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept: an electric sedan with a capacity of 550 hp is being prepared.
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.