VW marks 50 years of GTi

Volkswagen is preparing to celebrate 50 years of the Golf GTI this year with the launch of the first ever all-electric GTI.

But read the fine print because it won’t be Golf, rather the smaller Polo that will carry the GTI badge into the new electrified era.

This year will see the launch of the 166kW all-electric ID. Polo GTI which presumably paves the way for an electric Golf GTI.

VW says it will transfer the GTI philosophy into the electric drive era for the first time.

Golf GTI has become the face of the brand since its launch way back in 1976, with the first generation GTI.

More than 2.5 million units have been produced to date.

A series of national and international classic events are planned, including the release of an anniversary model Golf GTI Edition 50.

The unique interplay of agile engine, lightweight front-wheel drive, balanced chassis, perfectly fitting sports seats and crisp, no-frills design still characterises the Golf GTI today.

It is this synthesis that Volkswagen has continuously refined over 50 years, making the Golf GTI an authentic sports car and the original in its class.

The crowning glory of this world-famous product brand in the anniversary year 2026 is the Golf GTI Edition 50 – the most powerful production Golf GTI to date — with 239kW of power.

The anniversary model is already available to order in some European markets, with the first units to be delivered in 2026.

The celebrations kick off from January 28 to February 1 in Paris with Rétromobile.

The classic car show at the Port de Versailles celebrates its 50th birthday in 2026, just like the Golf GTI.