Volkswagen has today revealed the highly anticipated ID.3 GTX, a hot hatch performance version of the existing ID.3 hatchback. The idea of a performance version of the ID.3 came about around three years ago, when the CEO of the company at the time Ralf Brandstatter shared a preview of what he called the ID.X. That car was a four wheel drive, 329bhp rapid hatch with drift mode and capable of 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds.

Performance

With the new ID.3 GTX, a few of those original concepts have changed a bit. We have slightly less power, at 321bhp and we also don’t get four wheel drive. The decision to not have four wheel drive with this much power might actually make it feel more like a hot hatch and could be more playful too. Like the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is offering two power outputs here, the ID.3 GTX with 286PS (282bhp) and the ID.3 GTX Performance which makes 326PS (321bhp). We also get 545Nm of torque on both GTX models, which VW says is more than the V6 turbocharged engines it has produced.

With the new ID.3 GTX models, Volkswagen has also debuted a new larger battery pack, now at 84kWh (usable 79kWh, slightly bigger than the 77kWh option that is currently available on the Pro S models. Charging speed is up to 175kWh DC.

“With its spontaneous and superior power delivery, the new ID.3 GTX Performance is for me the electric counterpart to our sporty compact icon, the Golf GTI Clubsport. Of course, an electric drive and a turbocharged petrol engine each have their own unique character. Yet the powerful ID.3 GTX Performance and the pure Golf GTI Clubsport share the same fascinating lightness when they accelerate.”

Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development

The top spec GTX Performance model also comes with a modified version of DCC adaptive chassis control, with more customisation and should offer better handling and comfort as a result.

Design

Looking at the car, it is clear Volkswagen has channeled some of the GTI DNA into the GTX models, there is a redesigned front end with black accenting in the bumper, diamond pattern in the vents and new triangle shaped LED daytime lights. Volkswagen says this look will be seen on all new GTX models. Around the side the black gloss sill stands out as does the gloss rear diffuser. The ID.3 GTX comes with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard in two tone, but they will be available in full black, should you wish to choose that.

IQ.LIGHT matrix headlights also come to all GTX models as standard.

Interior

Inside, Volkswagen is debuting its new generation infotainment screen for the ID.3, which is now much larger at 12.9-inches and has been seen in the ID.7 already for example. This screen will come to the GTX models as well as the standard ID.3 models.

Also the gear selector has been moved to a separate switch, as seen in the ID.7. Elsewhere inside are new sports seats which are available in fabric or leatherette and have red stitching, GTX lettering and also red accents on the steering wheel.

Availability

No prices for the new ID.3 GTX and GTX Performance are available yet, but Volkswagen says it’ll go to market in 2024. However, as the Pro S Match is priced from £40,050 in the UK, expect prices to be over that when it does go on sale. It will be available in red, grey, black, white and silver.