Original GTI shapes the ID. GTI Concept. The first GTI already generated excitement in 1976 with its specific interior design. Back then, sports seats with a chequer pattern, a three-spoke steering wheel with a low impact absorber (which fans lovingly called a ‘spittoon’) and a gear knob in the design of a golf ball were the things that turned a Golf into a GTI. This also works in a similar form in 2023 – but in a completely different and fascinating way.
GTI steering wheel with 12 o’clock marker and GTI Experience Control in golf ball design. The three-spoke steering wheel of the ID. GTI Concept is equipped with an airbag that is located slightly lower down to create a visual bridge to the impact absorber in the Golf GTI I. The illuminated 12 o’clock marker always shows the driver the way. The two horizontal spokes of the multifunction steering wheel each accommodate an easy-grip thumbwheel and two buttons. Among other things, the driver uses these to control the individually configurable digital instruments, the augmented reality head-up display and functions such as audio volume. Since the automatic gearbox is operated by means of a steering column switch, as in the ID.7, the interior designers have transferred the golf ball design of the first GTI gear knob to the multifunction GTI Experience Control in the centre console. The latter is used to control the different driving profiles and the individual looks.
GTI cockpit. Digital displays inside the concept vehicle allow new designs and functions, making it possible to experience the GTI idea in more varied ways than before. Fundamentally different cockpit looks are available for the instruments of the ID. GTI Concept: the basic configuration is a reflection of the current digital age – with all conceivable information and functions and a sporty GTI graphic design. In the Vintage mode, the GTI Digital Cockpit (27.7 cm / 10.9 inches) in front of the driver is transformed into the instruments of a Golf GTI I from the second series, for example, just like the instruments that were also used in the legendary Pirelli GTI – and a perfect match for the Golf GTI I mode that can be activated with the GTI Experience Control.
GTI head-up display and GTI mode. The designers and engineers have also taken a new approach with the augmented reality head-up display. It projects a new data spectrum on to the windscreen – and now not just for the driver but also for the front passenger. This means the virtual and real worlds are merged for the ‘co-driver’ as well on board the concept vehicle. In standard driving mode, information such as the speed or current range is projected in front of the driver and front passenger. In this basic configuration, the white colour GTI Silver Drive is used for the background lighting and displays. As soon as the driver activates the new GTI mode with a special GTI button on the multifunction steering wheel, the background lighting and all displays switch to the colour GTI Red Turbo. The background: as a powerful, compact sports car with a low centre of gravity (battery in the vehicle floor) and a low weight for an electric vehicle, the ID. GTI Concept is perfect for driving on race tracks. If the driver goes on to the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in GTI mode, for example, they can display the course of the track and the position of the ID. GTI Concept on the far left of the windscreen. When driving in a race, the driver can additionally see their current position in the field and their progress (‘GTI Achievements’). Among other things, the front passenger can see the current lap times of laps that have already been completed. The concept vehicle thus becomes a projection of tomorrow’s world and shows by way of example what could and will be possible.
GTI infotainment and interfaces. The touch display (diagonal: 32.7 cm / 12.9 inches) of the infotainment system is already a near-production version with its intuitive graphics and menu structure. The same applies to the air-conditioning block located under the display. The main air-conditioning functions are controlled here using illuminated buttons. In the middle of the air conditioning block – easily accessible for both driver and front passenger – there is a practical small thumbwheel to adjust the volume of the infotainment system. Located a level further down are two large inductive charging interfaces for smartphones, which are magnetically locked in position. As described above, other vehicle functions are controlled using the GTI Experience Control integrated in the centre console.Numerous USB-C interfaces (45 W) distributed throughout the vehicle interior supply power to smartphones. All conceivable larger devices can be powered by a fully usable 230 V socket.
GTI seat with GTI heartbeat. Sports seats were a characteristic feature of the first Golf GTI and the ergonomically designed seats also catch the eye in the new ID. GTI Concept. Their inner surfaces naturally have a reinterpreted GTI chequer pattern. The fabric is called Jack-e (instead of Jacky, the name used for the fabric in the Golf GTI VI). The driver seat backrest is additionally equipped with a pulse sensor (GTI Heartbeat) – a red-pulsating LED element. When the concept vehicle is locked using the remote control, this activates the anti-theft alarm and the GTI Heartbeat visible from outside and signals to the driver that the vehicle is secure.
GTI everyday usability. The interior of the ID. GTI Concept is characterised by clear design, high quality and intuitive operation. The four-door vehicle can accommodate five passengers. The luggage compartment is also generous with a capacity of 490 litres. What’s more, since the ID. GTI Concept shares the MEB entry package with the ID. 2all, it also has the same practical details. These include features such as an additional stowage box under that double luggage compartment floor, which can accommodate several bags of shopping, for example. There is a further 50-litre stowage area under the rear bench seat, which can be folded up in one easy movement. This stowage area was specially designed for the charging cable and items such as the first-aid kit, high-visibility waistcoats and breakdown set. In addition, there is enough space in this lockable (safe) compartment for devices such as laptops and tablets, which can also be charged there. When the rear bench seat with 60:40 split is folded down, the luggage compartment capacity increases to 1,330 litres. The ID. GTI Concept is not just at home when driving short distances and on the race track, but is also equally suitable for long journeys. This is ensured by its efficient drive system, the low weight, good aerodynamics, comfortable running gear in spite of the vehicle’s sportiness, and a large battery.