VW ID.3 GTI: Electric GTI with 240 kW power and a range of 601 km
Volkswagen reveals the ID.3 GTI, which features 240 kW (326 horsepower), 545 Nm of torque, and a 79-kWh battery providing up to 601 km of range. The electric GTI can be charged at up to 183 kW, with pre-orders set to begin in early 2027.
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On the 50th anniversary of the GTI series, Volkswagen has released the first images and technical specifications for the ID.3 GTI. Based on the updated ID.3 Neo, it replaces the previous ID.3 GTX as the sportiest top version of the series. According to the manufacturer, it is the most powerful GTI model ever produced, with 240 kW (326 horsepower). Pre-orders are expected to start in early 2027, though Volkswagen has not yet announced prices.
Powertrain and Suspension
The ID.3 GTI is powered by an electric motor at the rear axle. It delivers 240 kW (326 horsepower) and provides a maximum torque of 545 Nm. Volkswagen claims a standard 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 5.6 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 200 km/h. Launch Control is part of the standard equipment.
The adaptive sports suspension DCC and progressive steering are also standard. New is a dedicated driving profile called “GTI,” which can be activated via a lit button at the 6 o’clock position on the steering wheel. It adds to the existing Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual modes. In GTI mode, performance output, steering, and suspension are tuned to the most sporty setting, and Launch Control becomes available only then. Meanwhile, the ambient lighting turns red, the digital cockpit displays a power meter with an integrated speed indicator, and artificial internal combustion engine sounds are played through the speakers.
Battery, Range, and Charging Capacity
The lithium-ion battery of the ID.3 GTI has a usable energy capacity of 79 kWh. Volkswagen claims a range of up to 601 km, with consumption figures not yet available.
At DC fast charging stations, the ID.3 GTI can charge at up to 183 kW. The charging process from 10% to 80% is said to take around 29 minutes. Additionally, there’s a new Vehicle-to-Load function: using the optional “PowerSocket” adapter at the charging port, external devices such as e-bikes can be powered or charged.
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Design and Colors
Exteriorly, the ID.3 GTI adopts several classic GTI features. A red strip runs above the illuminated light bar between the standard LED matrix headlights, echoing the red grille frame of the first Golf GTI from 1976. New additions are vertical LED elements in the outer areas of the bumper. Below that is a black mesh grille for air intake to the interior and battery, flanked by red-painted elements and a front splitter.
In side view, the standard 20-inch alloy wheels named “Wörthersee” stand out, along with black glossy mirror caps and side sills. Unlike the ID.3 GTX, the roof, roof edge spoiler, and rear hatch are no longer black but painted in the vehicle’s color. Five colors are available: Tornadorot Uni, Mondsteingrau Uni, Scale Silver Metallic, Grenadillschwarz Metallic, and Gletscherweiß Metallic. Tornadorot (color code LY3D) was already available for the revised first-generation Golf GTI.
Interior and Equipment
The cockpit comes from the ID.3 GTI, shared with the ID.3 Neo but featuring a redesigned interior. This includes a larger digital cockpit, a 12.9 inch (32.77 cm) touchscreen for the “Innovision” infotainment system, a keypad for climate control, and a volume knob on the center console. GTI-specific elements include a red trim strip running across the entire width of the dashboard, a sports steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker, red accent stitching, and top-tier sports seats in the “Superclark” checkered pattern that echoes those of the original Golf GTI.
All the optional extras of the ID.3 Neo are available, including a panoramic roof, massage and memory functions for the seats, a 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system, an augmented-reality head-up display, and a removable rack for bike carriers with a load capacity of 75 kg. In terms of assistance systems, Volkswagen offers a memory function for Park Assist Pro and a new version of Travel Assist, which now also recognizes red traffic lights and brakes the vehicle to a stop.
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