VW Wants Its First Electric GTI To Feel Old-School

VW’s first electric GTI leans hard on classic design hot hatch cues.

It gets GTI hardware, like an electronic limited-slip differential, but its 6.8-sec sprint isn’t class-leading.

Fake engine sound is standard; fake gears are coming in the hotter Clubsport.

Volkswagen wants you to know that it's new ID. Polo GTI is “a real GTI.” It’s the first time VW has used the GTI badge on an electric vehicle, but aside from the absence of a combustion engine under the hood, the traditional hot hatch formula remains unchanged.

The ID. Polo GTI certainly looks the part with an aggressive front fascia, a deep chin spoiler, and vertical daytime running lights that add aggression to its stance. It has unique GTI-badged side skirts and a chunky rear diffuser that actually makes it 2 inches (5 cm) longer than the standard car.