Volkswagen and Peugeot launch electric GTI models

Volkswagen marks the GTI’s 50‑year anniversary by unveiling the ID. Polo GTI, the brand’s first fully electric GTI. The car delivers 226 hp, 0‑100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, front‑wheel drive and up to 424 km range (WLTP). It features a retro‑mode that changes cockpit graphics to a cassette‑tape display and incorporates sport‑tuned suspension, adaptive steering and a 52 kWh battery that can charge from 10‑80 % in about 24 minutes on a 105 kW DC fast charger.

Peugeot also introduces an electric GTI with its e‑208 model. Powered by a 280‑hp electric motor and a 54 kWh battery, the car produces 345 Nm of torque and uses a racing‑derived cooling system developed with Peugeot Sport to maintain performance under hard driving. The e‑208 GTI offers three drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport), a mechanically limited‑slip differential, and a chassis tuned for a 175 hp‑per‑tonne power‑to‑weight ratio.

Both manufacturers aim to translate the historic hot‑hatch character of the GTI badge into the era of electrification, combining high‑performance specs with modern electric‑vehicle technology.