• Volkswagen has debuted a concept version of its iconic GTI, but with the key difference of being all-electric.
• There is no current launch date or window for the concept car, but it could be the souped up version of the ID. 2all slated for 2024.
• The concept features a GTI button on the main console which changes the interior lighting to Red.

The IAA motor show is currently underway in Munich, with the overriding theme as far as new vehicles that have been unveiled being electrification.

We have already seen one German carmaker in Mini (owned by BMW) debut all-electric versions of the Cooper and Countryman, but now it’s the turn of Volkswagen, which has teased the potential future of the iconic GTI thanks to an all-electric concept.

The ID. GTI Concept as it has been christened exists only as an idea for now, although you can see a physical version in the video embedded at the end of this story. As such, we have the rather broad timeframe the next few years for an official launch, with it still to be determined what kind of electric engine will power the souped up EV.

Regardless though, it gives us a hint at where the desing of future Volkswagen hot hatches could be heading.

“With the ID. GTI Concept show car at the IAA Mobility, Volkswagen is demonstrating for the first time how the GTI label will be transported into the age of electric mobility. The production version of the vehicle based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform is scheduled to hit the roads in 2027,” noted VW in a press release.

“With the ID. GTI Concept, we are taking the GTI DNA into the electric age. It remains sporty, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible, but now with 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. A Volkswagen sports car for the electric age that is suitable for everyday driving: 100 per cent electric – 100 per cent emotion,” added Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

With VW expecting eleven new EVs between now and 2027, including this latest GTI concept, it will be interesting to see whether the German carmaker has earmarked South Africa for its electrified fleet. To date, no EV from VW has officially landed in SA, and its more “affordable” ID. 2all is slated for Europe only at the moment.

Given the affection that South Africans have for the brand, and the GTI badge in particular, hopefully we won’t be left behind while the rest of the world gets more EVs from Volkswagen.