Marking 50 years of GTI heritage, Volkswagen unveils the ID.3 GTI — a world‑premiere milestone and the most powerful series‑production GTI ever created.The electric drive motor of the ID.3 GTI delivers exactly 240 kW (326 PS) to the rear axle. Especially impressive is the maximum torque of 545 Nm. This means the electric GTI offers a superior punch in every life situation. This is complemented by the high efficiency of the drive system and ranges of up to 6012 km. Also characteristic of a true GTI are the flexible space and unrestricted suitability for everyday use of this compact athlete. Pre-sales of the ID.3 GTI in Germany will start at the beginning of 2027.
In future, the ID.3 GTI will complete the classic sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds2 typical of sports cars. Launch Control on board as standard ensures that this acceleration can be transferred to the road without leaving black marks on the Tarmac. The ID.3 GTI is electronically limited to a top speed of 200 km/h. However, the performance only reflects part of the GTI’s fascination. Rather, it is the permanently available maximum torque that changes everything. Together with the DCC sports chassis and the low centre of gravity, this creates a new, pure and dynamic GTI experience.
The electric drive motor integrated in the rear axle is supplied with energy by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 79 kWh (net energy content). Thanks to the DC rapid charging function, it can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent again with up to 183 kW in about 29 minutes2.
The sporty design DNA of the ID.3 GTI is unmistakable. It is the typical GTI insignia that identify this Volkswagen – based on the ID.3 Neo – as the sporty flagship model of the product line. In the upper third, the new standard3 IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights dominate the look. A transparent light strip with the illuminated VW logo stretches between them. Directly above the LED light strip between the headlights, the designers have integrated the most familiar of all GTI features: the red stripe – derived from the red radiator grille frame of the very first Golf GTI (1976). The LED elements integrated vertically in the outer areas of the bumper are a new distinguishing feature of the GTI. They identify the model as an electric GTI. Below this is the high-gloss black, honeycomb air intake grille –a signature GTI feature – designed for climate control of the interior and the battery system. Two vertical elements painted in red are integrated into each outer edge – just like the front spoiler designed as a splitter, they are a nod to motorsport style.
The side view of the ID.3 GTI is characterised by the new 20-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard. The name says it all: Wörthersee. This can be interpreted as a tribute to the legendary GTI meet in Austria. Other GTI features in the silhouette include the exterior mirror caps and side members painted in high-gloss black. In the side view, it is striking how much longer and sleeker the ID.3 GTI appears compared with the prior model, the ID.3 GTX4. The look here is changed by a new colour philosophy: while the predecessor always had a black roof, a black roof spoiler and a black boot lid, these areas are now finished in the vehicle colour on the GTI. As a result, the roof section has a longer and sportier appearance and the ID.3 GTI has significantly more presence on the road.
The classic colours of all GTIs include silver, black, red and white. This range will also be available for the ID.3 GTI. The colour scheme is supplemented by a grey shade. The five colours are Tornado red solid, Moonstone grey solid, Scale silver metallic, Grenadilla black metallic and Glacier white metallic. The colour Tornado red with the colour code LY3D has a fascinating history: it was already offered for the facelifted version of the first-generation Golf GTI and is considered to be ‘the’ quintessential GTI colour.
