Volkswagen’s Electric GTI Has 322 HP And Rear-Wheel Drive

Volkswagen is turning the GTI badge electric and the new ID.3 GTI has a pretty interesting way of doing it. With 322 hp, 402 lb-ft of torque, and rear-wheel drive, it becomes the most powerful GTI ever on paper, while also replacing the ID.3 GTX as VW’s flagship electric performance hatchback.

Power comes from a single electric motor driving the rear axle. The ID.3 GTI reaches 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and tops out at 124 mph, which means the Golf GTI Edition 50 still has the edge off the line. The limited-edition Golf makes 321 hp and gets to 62 mph in 5.3 seconds, although its 168-mph top speed is far higher. Unlike the electric newcomer, the Golf remains front-wheel drive.

VW has also given the ID.3 GTI a dedicated GTI mode, activated by a button on the steering wheel. It sharpens throttle response and adjusts the chassis settings, while DCC adaptive suspension helps the car stay composed through corners. Launch control is included, and the digital instrument cluster switches to a red GTI-themed display.

There’s even a simulated engine sound designed to give the electric hatchback some of the character associated with its combustion-powered predecessors.

The design stays close to the previous ID.3 GTX, but GTI details make the new version easy to spot. It gets a connected LED strip across the front, revised bumpers, and GTI badges on the front, doors, and tailgate. New 20-inch wheels also feature GTI-branded center caps.

Inside, VW goes with an all-black cabin, red accents, sport seats, metallic pedals, and red stitching. The steering wheel comes from the ID.Polo GTI, while a 12.9-inch infotainment screen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster handle the displays.

Pre-sales for the ID.3 GTI are scheduled to begin in 2027, with pricing still under wraps. Volkswagen is clearly betting that the GTI name can work just as well with an electric powertrain, and giving this one rear-wheel drive makes the idea more interesting.