Volkswagen unveils the 326 hp ID.3 GTI electric hatchback By Carolina Costa
2 min read
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Volkswagen unveiled the ID.3 GTI electric hatchback ahead of its commercial release scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The vehicle represents the second battery-powered model from the manufacturer to carry the performance badge, following the ID. Polo GTI.
Power goes to rear wheels.
Mechanical specifications and battery capacity
The rear-mounted electric motor delivers 240 kW, which translates to 326 hp and 545 Nm of torque. That output enables the car to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds. This rating gives the new model one horsepower more than the combustion Golf GTI Edition 50.
- Electric motor output: 240 kW (326 hp)
- Total peak torque: 545 Nm (403 lb-ft)
- Acceleration time from zero to 62 mph: 5.6 seconds
- Driving range on a single charge: 373 miles
- Peak direct-current charging rate: 183 kW
Volkswagen engineers configured the proprietary vehicle software to prevent the rear tires from losing traction when the full electric motor torque activates, ensuring operational stability even when the driver chooses to deactivate the electronic traction control system on asphalt. Energy flows from an onboard battery pack that provides an operating range of up to 373 miles, supported by a maximum charging rate capped at 183 kW.
Cabin styling and driving sound generation
The exterior features Tornado Red paint and bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels designed specifically for this trim. Inside the passenger compartment, Volkswagen installed tartan upholstery alongside an integrated GTI control button directly on the steering wheel. Instead of mechanical or simulated gear transitions seen in rival vehicles, internal speakers project artificial combustion noises into the cabin.
The German manufacturer omitted virtual gear shifting systems.
Weight increase compared to combustion predecessors
The vehicle registers a total curb weight of roughly two tons on industrial scales. That figure exceeds the weight of gasoline-powered Golf GTI variants by approximately 500 kg.
Production timeline for electric performance models
The GTI badge originated on European roadways in 1975 with the initial front-wheel-drive Golf model. Volkswagen replaced its intermediate GTX nomenclature on the ID.3 and ID. Buzz product lines to consolidate branding around historic badges. Factory assembly lines will begin producing the ID.3 GTI during the first quarter of 2027 following the rollout of the smaller ID. Polo GTI.
Public vehicle deliveries commence in early 2027.
