Volkswagen's most powerful GTI ever... but it's electric: VW ID.3 GTI is a 322bhp hot hatch

There are few badges more iconic in the automotive world than the GTI logo.It has been stamped on some of the greatest hot hatches in history, including every generation of the Golf over the past 50 years.On Wednesday, VW announced its latest GTI variant, and it claims to be the most potent ever.But it doesn't have a petrol engine.The new VW ID.3 GTI is not only the most powerful GTI yet, it is also the first rear-wheel-drive model to carry the three fabled letters.The rear-mounted electric motor produces a maximum of 322bhp. That's 1bhp more than the Golf GTI Edition 50, released last year to mark the half-century anniversary of Volkswagen's evergreen performance hatchback.The ID.3 GTI will also be one of the quickest. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds slower than the special-edition Golf GTI but three tenths quicker than the standard petrol model.It is only the second time Volkswagen has adorned an electric vehicle with its legendary performance badge, following confirmation earlier this year that there will be a GTI version of its new ID.Polo.Volkswagen's most powerful GTI ever... but it's electric: The new ID.3 GTI has been unveiled as the electric alternative to the iconic Golf hot hatch There are few badges more iconic in the automotive world than the GTI logo. It has been stamped on some of the greatest hot hatches in history, including every Golf for 50 yearsThe ID.3 GTI showcases VW's plans to transition its best-known nameplates and badges to a new generation of electric cars.Having initially been hesitant to share these names with its battery-powered 'ID' vehicles, which debuted in 2019, the looming ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars has forced its hand in retaining some of its most established badges.The new ID.3 GTI will replace the GTX, which has served as the performance flagship of Volkswagen's electric hatchback range.Join the discussionIs putting legendary GTI badge on an EV an inspired evolution or a betrayal of its hot hatch heritage?What's your view?Energy is supplied to the electric motor by the largest battery available in the ID.3 line-up, a 79kWh unit.With the extra power placing greater demands on the battery pack, the maximum official range is expected to be 376 miles, though owners are unlikely to achieve anything close to that figure when driving it as a hot hatch is intended to be driven.It will be capable of charging at speeds of up to 183kW, meaning owners can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just under half an hour. The new VW ID.3 GTI is not only the most powerful GTI yet, it is also the first rear-wheel-drive model to carry the three fabled letters The ID.3 GTI's rear-mounted electric motor produces a maximum of 322bhp. That's 1bhp more than the Golf GTI Edition 50 - the most potent combustion-engined GTI model VW sells The ID.3 GTI will also be one of the quickest. It can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 5.6 seconds - three tenths of a second quicker than the Golf GTIDespite its electrification, Volkswagen bosses are adamant the ID.3 GTI will have all the 'characteristics of a true GTI', as well as the 'flexible space and unrestricted suitability for everyday use' that customers have come to expect from the brand's hot hatches.One feature unique to the ID.3 GTI is a new GTI driving mode.Activated via a button on the steering wheel, Volkswagen says it unleashes the dynamic 'secret sauce' of this electric hot hatch.Not only does it deliver the full punch of power, it also provides access to the car's launch control function.The suspension stiffens, the steering becomes heavier and the cabin is bathed in a red glow.The GTI also generates a synthetic combustion-engine soundtrack, allowing enthusiasts and petrolheads to recreate some of the sensory experience of driving a traditional hot hatch. Despite its electrification, bosses are adamant the ID.3 GTI will have all the 'characteristics of a true GTI', as well as the 'flexible space and unrestricted suitability for everyday use' Inside, there is a subtle twist on the Golf GTI's traditional tartan upholstery The digital instrument display features a retro setting that recreates the iconic dials of the original Mk1 Golf GTI. Pictured: the display in the standard view, not the retro mode The ID.3 GTI will go on sale in Germany first, with UK customer deliveries likely to begin in early 2027. Prices are unconfirmed but likely to start from around £45kExternally, a pair of new bulging bumpers, 20-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels, and traditional GTI paint options – including silver, black, red and white, plus an exclusive grey shade for the ID.3 - will help it stand apart from the standard EV.Inside, there is a subtle twist on the Golf GTI's traditional tartan upholstery, while the digital instrument display features a retro setting that recreates the iconic dials of the original Mk1 Golf GTI. The new ID.Polo – which we very recently reviewed – offers the same feature.The ID.3 GTI will go on sale in Germany first, with UK customer deliveries likely to begin in early 2027.There is no clarification of the car's price. However, given the sister Cupra Born VZ starts at £45,995, the ID.3 GTI is likely to be pitched at a similar price point.