Volkswagen Debuts 2027 ID.3 GTI as 322-HP Rear-Wheel-Drive Electric Hot Hatch

Volkswagen has officially introduced the ID.3 GTI, rebranding its performance electric hatchback to replace the short-lived ID.3 GTX following the subcompact model's mid-cycle refresh. The new model marks the brand's second electric GTI, slotting above the smaller ID. Polo GTI, and arrives with two notable distinctions: it is both the most powerful production GTI ever developed by Volkswagen and the first rear-wheel-drive vehicle to carry the GTI moniker.

Built on the MEB+ platform, the ID.3 GTI retains its rear-mounted electric motor delivering 322 hp and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque. While the output matches the outgoing ID.3 GTX, it exceeds the Golf GTI Edition 50 by one horsepower. Performance figures remain identical to the GTX, with a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).

Energy is supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack with a net capacity of 79 kWh. Volkswagen estimates the driving range at 373 miles (601 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle, which is an improvement of six miles (10 km) over the GTX. Supported by 183 kW DC fast charging, the battery can replenish from 10 to 80 percent in 29 minutes.

Visually, the ID.3 GTI adopts the styling revisions from the updated lineup (known as the ID.3 Neo), adding aggressive front-end styling with signature red trim, gloss black elements, and unique vertical LED daytime running lights. Exterior updates include GTI badges on the front doors and tailgate, fresh 20-inch wheels with 225-width tires (optionally upgradable to 235), and a body-colored roof and tailgate.

Inside, the cabin introduces tactile improvements, notably bringing back physical steering-wheel buttons, a rotary volume knob, dedicated rear-window switches, and conventional center console controls that eliminate the previous touch slider. Tech updates include a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Sport bucket seats with red accents complement a newly added GTI driving mode, which engages maximum performance settings, launch control, and synthesized engine sounds mimicking a Golf GTI. European sales are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2027.