Volkswagen has unveiled the ID.3 GTI, the most powerful GTI in its 50-year history. The electric hot hatch makes 240 kW (326 PS) and 545 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, with up to 601 km of range and DC fast charging to 80% in 29 minutes.
Volkswagen unveiled the ID.3 GTI on Sept. 16 in Wolfsburg, Germany, describing it as the most powerful GTI it has built in the nameplate’s 50-year history.
The electric motor, mounted on the rear axle, delivers 240 kW (326 PS) and 545 Nm of torque, taking the ID.3 GTI from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h.
Energy comes from a 79 kWh (net) lithium-ion battery, which Volkswagen says supports a range of up to 601 km. On a DC rapid charger, the battery can go from 10% to 80% state of charge in about 29 minutes at up to 183 kW.
Standard chassis technology includes an adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) sports suspension, direct progressive steering and Launch Control. A dedicated GTI drive mode, activated by a button on the steering wheel, sets the motor’s power delivery, steering and suspension to their sportiest settings and enables Launch Control. It also switches ambient lighting to red, changes the digital instrument display and adds a synthesized combustion-engine sound.
The ID.3 GTI also introduces a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, allowing owners to power or charge external devices, such as e-bikes, through an optional adapter fitted to the charging port, called the PowerSocket.
Standard driver-assistance equipment includes the latest generation of Travel Assist, which Volkswagen says can now detect red traffic lights and automatically bring the car to a stop. Park Assist Pro with a memory function is available as an option.
Exterior design changes from the previous ID.3 GTX include a body-colored roof, roof spoiler and tailgate, replacing the black finish used on the earlier model, along with new 20-inch alloy wheels and vertical LED elements in the front bumper. Five exterior colors are offered: Tornado red, Moonstone grey, Scale silver, Grenadilla black and Glacier white.
Interior options carried over from the related ID.3 Neo include a panoramic sunroof, massage and memory functions for the front seats, a 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system and an augmented-reality head-up display.
Volkswagen said pre-sales of the ID.3 GTI will begin in Germany at the start of 2027. Pricing has not been announced.
