Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is a 322bhp electric Golf GTI

Roll over, VW Golf GTI: the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX has just been unveiled as an electric hot hatchback, with almost 100bhp more than its petrol-powered counterpart.

Due to go on sale later this year, the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is essentially the brand’s electric alternative to the long-running Golf GTI and will be available in two versions, with both utilising a single, rear-mounted electric motor. 

Even the standard ID.3 GTX has enough grunt to make the Golf sweat, with 282bhp getting the car from 0 to 62mph in bang-on six seconds. Step up to the ID.3 GTX Performance, however, and power surpasses that of even the four-wheel drive Golf R; Volkswagen says the GTX Performance outputs as much as 322bhp and will get from 0-62mph in just 5.6 seconds.

Both powertrains are mated to a 79kWh battery, which is slightly larger than the 77kWh unit fitted to regular versions of the ID.3. The GTX is yet to undergo the WLTP tests, although it does say that it projects a range of “about 600km (373 miles)” and that, thanks to 175kW DC rapid charging, a 10-80% top-up is possible in 29 minutes.

Yet, despite the significant technical upgrades, only the keener-eyed among us will be able to differentiate the GTX from other Volkswagen ID.3 models. VW has taken care to resculpt the electric hatchback’s front end slightly, with angular LED fog lamps and a lower mesh grille, much like the one found in the larger ID.4 GTX. There’s also a new set of GTX-specific 20-inch alloy wheels available as an option.

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On the inside, the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX debuts VW’s latest 12.9-inch touchscreen which has, until now, been unavailable on the rest of the ID.3 model range and comes equipped with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We’ve been vocal regarding our complaints about the ID.3’s infotainment – even in the facelifted model – however, the latest system also features in the larger Volkswagen ID.7 GTX and is, from our experience, a vast improvement.

Elsewhere, the ID.3 GTX gets only a small handful of upgrades, including a GTX-badged steering wheel, plus a pair of front sports seats trimmed in ‘ArtVelours Eco microfleece’ (essentially a posh way of saying leatherette and suede) and featuring contrasting red stitching and piping.

As mentioned, the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and GTX Performance will go on sale later on in 2024. The ID.3 has recently received a price cut, starting from £35,700 for the entry-level Pro Essential model. A rival to the newly announced Cupra Born VZ, as well as the MG4 XPower, we expect the ID.3 GTX to be quite a bit more expensive, possibly starting from well over £45,000.