VW's Aims to Sell Electric ID.2 GTI for $25,000 in US

Mar 17, 2024 11:54 PM EDT

CAR GTI VOLKSWAGEN VW AUTO — (Photo : PIXABAY/fbouddounit)

It appears that VW is considering bringing the electric ID.2 GTI to the US market. Volkswagen reportedly wants to release the electric ID. GTI up to $25,000. VW first hinted at the electric GTI with a concept based on the ID.2, which made its debut as the Polo's electric replacement rather than the Golf. Both concepts are built on VW's MEB Entry platform, while the upcoming all-electric Golf, set to debut in 2028, will utilize the SSP platform.

$25,000 Strategy for VW ID.2 GTI

According to motor1.com, VW Group of America CEO Pablo Di at a press conference in Berlin, expressed confidence that the model could resonate with American consumers if priced between $20,000 and $25,000. Di Si emphasized his satisfaction with a "$25,000 price point," as anything higher would potentially limit its appeal to a broader audience.

According to Automotive News, as cited in motor.com, the executive expressed concerns that positioning the hot hatch at $35,000 would categorize it as a high-end, flagship vehicle. VW provided a glimpse of the electric GTI through a concept based on the ID.2, which serves as the electric replacement for the Polo rather than the Golf.

The two concepts are built on VW's MEB Entry platform. The next all-electric Golf (expected to debut in 2028) will be built on the SSP platform. It is expected that the ID.2 will begin small-scale productoon in 2025 and reach maximum capacity in 2026.

However, VW has not disclosed when it intends to introduce the EV's base model in the US. Additionally, Di Si said that although no concrete preparations have been established as of yet, the company is still thinking about introducing the GTI to the US market.

Take a Look: VW ID.2 GTI

Volkswagen has kept technical details about the ID. GTI under wraps at this time. The ID. GTI draws inspiration from VW's budget-friendly ID.2 electric car, first showcased as a concept last March. Priced below $27,000 (25,000 euros), the ID.2 is built on a foundational iteration of the MEB platform, delivering an impressive range of up to 279 miles.

As reported by CarScoops, the GTI concept has been confirmed to incorporate a single electric motor at the front axle, along with a limited-slip differential. The standard ID.2 is set to enter the market with a commendable 228 horsepower, indicating that the GTI variant could potentially exceed 250 horsepower. The finalized production model is expected to closely resemble the concept version, boasting a myriad of nostalgic design elements.

The 'GTI Experience Control' feature, which aims to mimic the engine characteristics, steering feel, and sound of Volkswagen's most iconic hot hatchbacks, including the 1976 Mk1 GTI, was one of the concept's most intriguing features. It is unclear, though, if this cutting-edge technology will be included in the production model.

According to Electrek, VW's brand boss Thomas Shafer has reportedly confirmed the company's intentions to start producing the more reasonably priced ID.1 in 2027, with an expected beginning price of roughly $21,700 (20,000 euros).

The debut of the electric Volkswagen ID. GTI concept marks the inaugural instance of adapting the renowned GTI label to the era of electric mobility. A production iteration, built on the MEB platform, is anticipated to be released "by 2027 at the latest." This electric vehicle draws inspiration from the original 1976 GTI, incorporating a contemporary twist tailored for the modern age.