Next-gen Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R will be electric: Confirmed

The iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI, a legend in the hot hatch world, is officially going electric, and it’s shaping up to be a “monster.” Reports from Autoexpress reveal that VW CEO Thomas Schäfer confirmed that the next-generation Golf GTI and Golf R will ditch combustion engines for pure electric power, while staying true to the thrilling driving dynamics that made them famous.

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The end of an era…… and the start of a new one

For nearly 50 years, the Golf GTI has been the gold standard for hot hatches. However, as the auto industry shifts toward electrification, VW ensures the GTI doesn’t get left behind.

While the current petrol-powered Golf will continue into the late 2020s, the next-gen model will be all-electric, built on the VW group’s cutting-edge SSP (Scalable Systems Platform). This 800-volt architecture will underpin everything from affordable Volkswagens to high-end Bentleys and Lamborghinis, promising faster charging, better performance, and advanced software.

Continuation of the Front-Wheel Drive 

One of the biggest surprises? The electric Golf GTI will keep its front-wheel-drive layout, unlike the rear-driven ID.3 GTX. Schäfer says engineers are leveraging instant electric torque to make the FWD setup more engaging than the original. Power is expected to match or exceed today’s 195kW GTI, with the Golf R retaining its AWD prowess with a dual-motor setup for even more brutal acceleration.

Before the electric Golf arrives, VW will debut the ID.2 GTI in 2026—a smaller, more affordable electric hot hatch that Schäfer calls “mind-blowing.” It’ll serve as a preview of what’s to come for the all-electric Golf GTI.

Will it still feel like a GTI?

The big question for enthusiasts: Can an electric GTI deliver the same excitement? Schäfer has already driven prototypes and says the sound, handling, and feedback are on point. While details are still under wraps, we could see:

• Synthetic engine sounds (for that classic GTI growl)
• Simulated gearshifts (like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N)
• Drift modes (for the Golf R)
• Sharp, responsive steering (to keep the “hot hatch” feel)

Expected specifications: Electric Golf GTI & Golf R

While Volkswagen hasn’t released official specs yet, early reports and platform details give us a pretty good idea of what to expect from the next-gen electric Golf GTI and Golf R. Here’s a quick look: 

Figures above are based on early platform insights and comments from VW executives, as reported by Auto Express!

The future of the hot hatch

The move to electric doesn’t mean the Volkswagen Golf GTI is losing its soul—it’s evolving. With instant torque, lower centre of gravity, and advanced tech, the next-gen model could be the fastest, most agile GTI yet.

But will purists accept an EV GTI? Or is the thrill tied to turbocharged engines, raspy exhausts and real transmissions that create pops and bangs when you shift? One thing’s for sure: Volkswagen isn’t looking to forego its performance icons in the electric future.