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Volkswagen is gearing up for something new, as in 2026, this German carmaker will celebrate 50 years of the legendary Golf GTI, which is a name that has become synonymous with fun, fast and affordable performance. To mark this milestone, Volkswagen has announced its very first all-electric GTI.
The GTI badge represents sporty driving, quick acceleration and a strong connection between the car and the driver. Since its debut in 1976, the Golf GTI has been one of the most popular performance hatchbacks in the world. Now, Volkswagen is ready to take this famous badge into the electric era.
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Volkswagen has confirmed that its first all-electric GTI will
be introduced in 2026 and the upcoming model is expected to be called the ID. Polo GTI. It will be the first time the iconic GTI badge is used on a fully electric vehicle. This electric performance hatchback is expected to produce around 222.9 bhp, which makes it quick, responsive and fun to drive.
By launching an electric GTI, Volkswagen is showing that electric cars don’t have to be boring or slow. Instead, they can carry forward the same sporty character that made the GTI name famous over the last five decades.
Alongside the electric GTI, Volkswagen will also introduce a special petrol-powered model called the Golf GTI EDITION 50 and this anniversary edition will be the most powerful production Golf GTI ever, producing an 320.5 bhp. It will be available in selected European markets, with deliveries starting in 2026.
Since 1976, the Golf GTI has sold more than 2.5 million units worldwide. Interestingly, the first-generation GTI was initially planned as a limited run of just 5,000 cars. However, demand exploded and Volkswagen ended up selling ten times that number in just the first year. Total production of the first-generation GTI reached 461,690 units.
Back then, the original GTI was priced at 13,850 Deutschmarks in Germany. It could reach a top speed of 182 kmph and sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 9 seconds, which are impressive numbers for its time.
Volkswagen will kick off the 50-year celebrations by showcasing the Golf GTI at major European classic car events such as Rétromobile in Paris and the Bremen Classic Motorshow in early 2026. These events will highlight the GTI’s legacy and its evolution over the years.
With the arrival of the all-electric GTI, Volkswagen is clearly signaling its future direction. While engines may change, the spirit of performance, excitement and everyday usability that defines the GTI will continue and now be powered by electricity.
