Volkswagen’s new electric hot hatch delivers more power than the Golf GTI [Images] — SkimNews
![Volkswagen’s new electric hot hatch delivers more power than the Golf GTI [Images]](https://electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/Volkswagen-ID.3-GTI-EV-side.jpeg?quality=82&strip=all&w=1400)
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- Volkswagen revealed the ID.3 GTI electric hot hatch with 322 hp (240 kW) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque sent to the rear axle, billing it as the most powerful series-production GTI ever for the badge's 50th anniversary.
- The ID.3 GTI is Volkswagen's first rear-wheel-drive GTI and the second EV to receive the GTI treatment, following the ID. Polo.
- Volkswagen's electric hot hatch sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds — slower than the combustion Golf GTI Edition 50's 5.3 seconds, despite carrying 1 more horsepower (322 vs 321).
- The ID.3 GTI adds a "GTI mode" VW calls the "secret sauce," which sets drive, chassis, rear motor, and steering to maximum sportiness, plus Launch Control that switches interior ambient lighting to red.
- Built on the ID.3 Neo, the ID.3 GTI uses a 79 kWh battery for up to 373 miles (601 km) of WLTP range and supports 183 kW DC fast charging, taking the pack from 10% to 80% in roughly 29 minutes.
- Like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the ID.3 GTI replicates a traditional combustion-engine sports car sound and features GTI design touches including a red front stripe honoring the original 1976 Golf GTI and new 20" Wörthersee wheels.
- Volkswagen will open pre-sales for the ID.3 GTI in early 2027, with pricing not yet confirmed but expected to land above the ID. Polo GTI's €39,000 (~$45,000) German starting price.
Why it matters: The ID.3 GTI marks a structural shift for Volkswagen — the first rear-wheel-drive GTI in the badge's 50-year history — while the "more powerful than Golf GTI" framing buries that the gasoline Golf GTI Edition 50 still hits 62 mph faster (5.3s vs 5.6s). Buyers get up to 373 miles of WLTP range but won't see pre-sales until early 2027, likely priced above €39,000.
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