started working on the next generation of the hot hatch. While it is still some time away, it has been confirmed that the new-gen Golf GTI will be fully-electric. This development has been confirmed by VW CEO Thomas Schäfer.
Speaking to Auto Express, Schäfer confirmed that it will be a “monster car”. The current Golf GTI will be stretched till the end of this decade which will receive its fair share of updates along the way. The report further states that the new battery-powered Golf will be based on all-new SSP architecture.
Volkswagen Golf GTI electric: What to expect?
Details regarding this project are scarce at this moment but it has come to light that the all-electric Golf GTI will be a front-wheel driven car despite its closest electric sibling — ID.3 GTX — being powered by a 322 bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels. That’s 80 horses more than the current Golf GTI powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit. However, the e-Golf GTI is expected to deliver a comparable boost in performance, thanks to the electric motor’s precise control over torque distribution to each front wheel.
That said, the more potent Golf R will come with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup that means more control and precision on tarmac. Schäfer revealed he’s already driven a few prototypes of the all-electric Golf GTI which is slated to make its debut in 2026. Like the current Golf GTI, the upcoming all-electric Golf will stick to trademark GTI suspension that offers a perfect blend of Grand touring comfort and sports car-like engagement.
But what about the sound? Will it be able to the same level of excitement? Schaefer indicated that the electric Golf will come with simulated gearshifts and soundtrack. He confirmed that it will also have a drift mode.
Volkswagen is currently fine-tuning the design of the Golf GTI although everybody involved in the process is aware of how the car is going to look like. However, Schaefer hinted that Golf GTI will kind of resemble the original Golf. For reference, the first Golf came out 54 years ago. It was powered by a 1.6-litre, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder petrol engine that pushed out 108 bhp.
