Wolkswagen reveals the new ID.3 GTI with 601 km of autonomy, availability and price for Romania
Fifty years of legend redefined in the electric age. This year, the German brand celebrates half a century since the debut of the iconic GTI name. On this anniversary occasion, the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer is bringing the most powerful series model in the history of this range to the fore. The transition to a new era is emission-free, with the new Volkswagen ID.3 GTI, a compact hot hatch developed on a fully electric architecture.
The new model combines traditional sporting spirit with the efficiency of electric propulsion, being designed to offer high dynamics, prompt reactions and generous autonomy for daily use or long journeys.
Athletic exterior design and unmistakable details
Visually, the new ID.3 GTI takes on the established aesthetic elements of the sporty line. At the front, attention is drawn to the distinctive red line, framed by the Matrix IQ.Light LED headlights connected by a continuous light strip. The lower part of the bumper integrates the honeycomb grille, another traditional accent redefined.
The side profile is marked by the 20-inch alloy wheels, called Wörthersee, offered as standard. The aggressive look is completed by the exterior mirror housings painted in glossy black and the rear spoiler finished in the same shade. For the body, the color palette includes options such as Tornado Red, Moonstone Grey, Scale Silver, Grenadilla Black and Glacier White.
Sporty cabin and state-of-the-art technology
Inside, the atmosphere is defined by the same chromatic combination of red and black. The dashboard is crossed by a red accent line, and the sports steering wheel integrates a red marking at 12 o'clock, along with contrasting red stitching. The contoured seats are dressed in black upholstery decorated with red elements.
In addition to the usual driving modes, the driver can activate the dedicated GTI mode, which configures the suspension, steering and power delivery for the sportiest possible response. For quick starts from a standstill, Launch Control is standard.
The interior concept is derived from the ID.3 Neo architecture, offering a 12.9-inch central screen for the infotainment system. The list of optional features includes a panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable seats with memory and massage function, a Head-up Display with augmented reality and a 480 W Harman Kardon premium audio system.
326 HP engine, 79 kWh battery and 601 km range
Under the body, the Volkswagen ID.3 GTI hides a single electric motor located on the rear axle. The unit develops 326 horsepower and a maximum torque of 545 Nm. Thanks to this resource, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 5.6 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h.
Power is provided by a 79 kWh net battery, which provides a maximum range of up to 601 kilometers. At a 183 kW DC fast charging station, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes.
Estimated price and availability on the Romanian market
The official opening of pre-order lists for the new ID.3 GTI is scheduled for early 2027, with first deliveries to customers to begin in the first half of the same year.
For the Romanian market, the starting price is estimated at around 50,000 – 55,000 euros (before applying any government subsidies through the Rabla Plus program). The model will be positioned at the top of the brand's compact electric range, addressing those looking for a sporty vehicle for daily use, with rich equipment and cutting-edge technology.