Volkswagen introduced the ID.3 GTI — the most powerful production car with the GTI index in the brand's history. The electric hatchback received a rear-axle mounted motor with a power of 240 kW (326 hp) and a torque of 545 Nm. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.

However, the petrol Golf GTI Edition 50 with 325 hp is faster: acceleration to 100 km/h takes 5.3 seconds. Its top speed reaches 270 km/h, while the ID.3 GTI is electronically limited to 200 km/h.

The electric GTI has its own GTI Mode: it changes the accelerator response and chassis settings with adaptive DCC dampers. Launch Control is also provided. Volkswagen also added synthetic engine sound to retain some of the familiar GTI sensations.

Pre-sales of the ID.3 GTI will begin in 2027. Thus, Volkswagen is gradually transferring the legendary sports designation to an electric platform — but the numbers show that the transition does not yet mean automatic superiority over the petrol Golf.