Following the launch of the revised ID.3 Neo earlier this year, Volkswagen has unveiled a performance GTI model.
The new ID. 3 GTI is a direct replacement for the pre-facelift ID.3 GTX. However, while the GTX had a respectable power output, it never felt like a true hot hatchback.
Newly reinvigorated following the debut of the ID.Polo GTI, Volkswagen has given the larger ID.3 similar styling and chassis tweaks – along with a GTI badge, of course.
It comes as the Volkswagen GTI lineage celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Indeed, the new ID. 3 GTI is the most powerful production model to wear the legendary badge.
The most powerful Volkswagen GTI to date
Volkswagen has not actually made the ID. 3 GTI more powerful than the previous GTX, with 326hp and 402lb ft of torque sent directly to the rear wheels.
The 0-62mph sprint has been shaved by 0.1 seconds, though – it now requires 5.6 seconds in the ID. 3 GTI. For comparison, that matches a petrol-powered Golf GTI Clubsport.
A 79kWh battery allows a competitive range of up to 373 miles, with charging from 10 to 80 percent taking 29 minutes using a suitable fast charger.Â
Bigger changes have been made for the ID.3 GTI’s Dynamic Chassis Control software, with a new dedicated ‘GTI’ option within the drive mode menu.Â
Engaging GTI Mode through a steering wheel-mounted button switches all suspension and drivetrain settings to maximum sportiness, and allows the use of a launch control function.
The interior ambient lighting also changes to red with GTI Mode selected, while the digital instrument panel makes the speedometer the main dial on show. The sound of a simulated GTI combustion engine can be heard, too.
The promise of a ‘proper’ EV hot hatch
Building on the styling changes applied to the ID.3 Neo, Volkswagen has given the new GTI a significant makeover compared to the old GTX.Â
Squint a little, and inspiration for the ID.Polo GTI’s exterior design becomes apparent, including the red elements set into the honeycomb lower grille.Â
Red trim between the headlights has become a Volkswagen trademark, with the ID.3 GTI no exception. This is a GTI badge for good measure, too.
New 20-inch alloy wheels look remarkably similar to the 19-inch rims found on the ID.Polo GTI, with additional GTI badges found beneath the side mirrors. At the rear, a body coloured roof spoiler replaces the black item used on the GTX.Â
Classic Volkswagen GTI colours will also be on offer, including Tornado Red, Moonstone Grey, Scale Silver, Grenadilla Black and Glacier White.
GTI design inside and out
On the inside, no Volkswagen GTI would be complete with tartan checked trim for the seats, and the latest ID.3 does not disappoint.
The ‘Superclark’ tartan upholstery on the sports seats is described as a modern interpretation of the pattern used in the original 1976 Golf GTI.Â
You’ll also find plenty of red stitching throughout the ID.3 GTI’s cabin, a red 12 ‘o’ clock marker on the multi-function steering wheel, and the extra physical switches introduced by the ID.3 Neo earlier this year.
Pre-orders will begin for German customers at the start of 2027. Volkswagen has yet to confirm UK prices or anticipated delivery dates for the ID.3 GTI.
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