Volkswagen unveils most powerful GTI in 50-year history

Volkswagen has unveiled the electric ID.3 GTI, the most powerful production GTI in its 50-year history.

The electric car features a rear-mounted electric motor producing 240 kW (326 hp) and 545 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h.

Up to 601 kilometers of range

The electric GTI has a 79-kWh battery and a projected WLTP range of up to 601 kilometers. With DC fast charging up to 183 kW, the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes.

The ID.3 GTI also features adaptive DCC sports suspension, progressive steering and Launch Control. A dedicated GTI mode activates the sportiest settings for the powertrain, steering and suspension.

Distinctive exterior and interior

The Volkswagen ID.3 GTI’s exterior incorporates traditional GTI design elements, including a red stripe between the headlights, 20-inch Wörthersee wheels, black trim and the signature honeycomb grille. IQ.Light LED matrix headlights are also standard.

Inside, the ID.3 GTI features sports seats with a tartan check pattern inspired by the original Golf GTI, red stitching and a sports steering wheel with a red marker at the 12 o’clock position. In GTI mode, the digital instruments switch to a dedicated GTI display, while a specially developed synthetic engine sound enhances the sporty atmosphere.

Pre-sales of the Volkswagen ID.3 GTI are scheduled to begin in early 2027.