Volkswagen is now betting big on electric, and it sees the future of its performance lineup in its iconic GTI badge. It hasn’t been long since the German automaker revealed the ID.Polo GTI, and now the most powerful iteration in this lineup breaks cover in the form of ID.3 GTI. It’s also worth noting that the ID.3 GTI is now the top-tier electric performance hatchback in VW’s lineup, replacing the earlier ID.3 GTX badge.
The Golf GTI Edition 50 Is Still The Fastest GTI
Volkswagen
The ID.3 GTI uses a 322 hp electric motor that powers the rear axle and pushes out 402 lb-ft of torque. While these figures make it the most powerful GTI ever, interestingly, it only has one more horsepower than the Golf GTI Edition 50, which makes 321 hp and 310 lb-ft. Despite that, the ID.3 GTI sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds, while the Golf GTI Edition 50 does the same in 5.3 seconds. The difference is almost negligible in the real world. The top speed of the ID.3 GTI is electronically limited to 124 mph, while the Golf GTI Edition 50 can reach a top speed of 168 mph. Note that the Golf GTI Edition 50 is a front-wheel drive hatchback.
New ID.3 GTI Gets A Dedicated Mode
GTI button on the steering wheel to activate the GTI mode.
Beyond numbers, GTIs have always been known for their handling and road manners. Now in its all-electric form, the ID.3 GTI gets a special GTI mode that can be activated with just a tap on the steering wheel. It basically optimizes the driving and chassis parameters for a sportier driving experience. In simple words, the throttle response is enhanced, and it will feel more stable around corners thanks to the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control). There’s even launch control for those moments when you want to make the most of its performance. Visually, the instrument cluster also switches to a red theme and displays a dedicated GTI interface. But perhaps the most interesting part of GTI mode is that it can mimic the sound of a combustion engine.
GTI Styling Cues Inside And Out
The new electric GTI stays close to its predecessor ID.3 GTX in terms of overall styling, but several details help set it apart. These include a connected LED strip on the front and tweaked bumper design; however, the taillights retain a familiar look. In place of the GTX badge on the earlier ID.3, it now incorporates GTI insignia at the front, on the doors, tailgate, and even on the center caps of the new 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the ID.3 GTI gets an all-black interior accented by red details, complementing the car’s overall GTI theme. The steering wheel has been borrowed from the ID.Polo GTI, bringing it in line with Volkswagen’s latest design language. The cabin looks sportier with metallic pedal covers, red stitching on the steering wheel and sport seats. In terms of equipment, it gets a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with a 10.25-inch digital cluster.
Launch Timeline
Volkswagen has confirmed that the pre-sales for the ID.3 GTI will start from 2027. It will be interesting to see how the ID.3 GTI carries the GTI legacy forward as an all-electric counterpart to the Golf GTI. It will also take on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The prices are yet to be announced.
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