The Transition of Volkswagen’s Grand Tourers: MkV Golf GTI and the ID.5 GTX

The Volkswagen GTI badge has always been more than just a moniker—it’s shorthand for a philosophy. Since the launch of the original Mk1 GTI in 1976, the name has represented a perfect blend of practicality and performance, affordability and aspiration. As the proud owner of a Mk5 GTI, I’ve long appreciated how this car marries the visceral joy of driving with everyday usability.

As the world pivots toward electrification, Volkswagen has had no choice but to adapt, evolving alongside shifting demands and environmental priorities. Enter the ID.5 GTX—a bold addition to the lineup and a contender that aims to carry the torch of Volkswagen’s storied performance heritage into an electric future. The GTX’s name is inspired by the GTI, the former supposedly a badge that carries the cult classic to the future.

Can this sleek electric SUV truly uphold the spirit of the GTI badge?

Redefining Performance for a New Era

When I first heard about the ID.5 GTX, my instinct was to dismiss it outright. How could a coupe-SUV, let alone an electric one, live up to the GTI’s legacy? But the more I thought about it, the more I realised that the GTI’s essence isn’t just about horsepower or cornering speeds. It’s about democratizing performance—offering something that’s fun, attainable, and deeply practical for the times.

In this sense, the ID.5 GTX is a spiritual successor. Where the GTI once stood for compact dynamism in a world of bulky sedans, the GTX now offers electric excitement in a landscape dominated by humdrum SUVs. It represents a shift in what performance means: not just speed, but sustainability; not just agility, but adaptability. This isn’t a car trying to emulate the past. It’s forging a new path, just as the GTI did decades ago.

Design: The DNA Evolves

The GTI’s design has always been about restraint—it’s sporty, yes, but it never shouts. The ID.5 GTX takes a similar approach, albeit interpreted through a modern lens. Its coupe-SUV profile, with its sloping roofline and sharp creases, exudes an understated confidence. The LED light bars that span the front and rear hint at its electric heart, while the GTX badging signals its sporty ambitions.

Inside, the transformation is even more striking. Where my Mk5 GTI embraces analog simplicity, the ID.5 GTX is a masterclass in minimalist futurism. The cabin feels open and airy, thanks to a panoramic glass roof that bathes everything in natural light. The Alcantara-and-leather seats, adorned with red stitching, serve as a subtle nod to the GTI’s heritage. Yet, it’s the sense of space—both physical and conceptual—that really sets the ID.5 GTX apart. This isn’t just a car you drive; it’s a car you live in.

Performance: A New Kind of Thrill

If the GTI’s party trick is its turbocharged immediacy, the ID.5 GTX offers a different flavor of excitement. With dual motors delivering 250 kW (335 hp) and 545 Nm of torque, the acceleration is smooth, silent, and instantaneous. It’s not the visceral, growling experience of a traditional hot hatch, but there’s a certain magic in the way an electric drivetrain delivers power seamlessly, like a well-oiled machine operating without friction.

That said, the ID.5 GTX doesn’t try to outdo the GTI in outright sportiness—and that’s okay. Where the GTI eggs you on to take every corner a little faster, the GTX encourages a different kind of driving: composed, confident, and quietly assured. Its floor-mounted battery gives it a low center of gravity, keeping it planted through curves, but its heft is undeniable. This isn’t a car for darting through tight bends; it’s for sweeping through them gracefully.

The Practical Pioneer

The GTI has always been as much about the “GT” (grand touring) as the “I” (injection). It’s a car you can take to the shops, the office, or the track without skipping a beat. The ID.5 GTX embraces this ethos and amplifies it. With 549 litres of cargo space—expanding to 1,561 litres with the rear seats folded—it’s a veritable Swiss Army knife of practicality. Whether it’s a family road trip up north or a solo adventure, the GTX has you covered.

Then there’s the range: up to 490 km (WLTP) on a single charge. In real-world use, this translates to enough juice for a week of urban commuting. Add in fast-charging capability—10% to 80% in just 30 minutes at a DC charger—and the ID.5 GTX proves that EV ownership doesn’t have to mean compromising on convenience.

What the ID.5 GTX Means for the GTI Legacy

Driving the ID.5 GTX made me realize something profound: the GTI’s legacy isn’t tied to any single format or powertrain. It’s about capturing the zeitgeist of its era, delivering an experience that feels relevant and exciting for the moment. In the 1970s, that meant a compact, fuel-efficient hatchback that punched above its weight. Today, it means an electric SUV that combines sustainability with a hint of sportiness.

Is the ID.5 GTX as visceral or engaging as my Mk5 GTI? No. But it’s not trying to be. Instead, it’s reinterpreting the GTI’s core values for a new generation of drivers who prioritise eco-consciousness and versatility. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t erase the past; it builds on it.

Final Reflections

The ID.5 GTX isn’t the car I expected it to be—and that’s precisely its strength. It’s not here to replace the GTI or mimic its moves. It’s here to show what performance and practicality look like in a world that’s moving forward. For GTI purists like myself, it may take some adjustment to appreciate this new direction. But for those willing to embrace change, the ID.5 GTX offers a glimpse of what’s possible when you blend tradition with innovation.

In a way, the ID.5 GTX doesn’t just honor the GTI legacy; it extends it into uncharted territory. And for a badge that’s always been about defying expectations, that feels like a fitting tribute.

Photos by Cheng Yuhung and Ng Chin Hui

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