World Premiere of the All-New Electric ID.3 GTI: Most Powerful Model in 5 Decades of GTI History

Volkswagen has unveiled its new electric ID.3 GTI, the most powerful GTI model the company has ever built. It puts out 240 kW (326 PS) and 545 Nm of torque, enough to hit 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed capped at 200 km/h. Its 79 kWh battery gives a range of up to 601 km, and it can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes on a fast charger rated at up to 183 kW.

This is a performance version of VW's compact electric hatchback, not a mainstream family car, so it is mostly relevant if you are cross-shopping EVs for driving feel rather than home energy upgrades. It carries classic GTI styling cues like a red front stripe, tartan-pattern seats, and a dedicated "GTI" driving mode, along with newer features such as vehicle-to-load capability, which lets the car power or charge other devices, useful for things like camping gear or e-bikes.

Buyers will not be able to order one right away. Volkswagen says pre-sales start in early 2027, and no pricing has been announced yet. For homeowners thinking about EV charging at home, the relevant numbers to note are the 79 kWh battery size and the fast-charging speed, since those affect how much a home charger or utility rate plan might need to handle if this car eventually lands in your driveway.