Electric GTI? We have pictures of Volkswagen's hotter ID.3 testing

Updated: 04 January 2024

► New hotter ID.3 spotted testing
► Lower ride height, sporty front end
► Volkswagen deciding between GTI or GTX

The electric hot hatch war has begun, and our spy photographers have snapped one of its most important contenders. These new pictures seem to show a performance-orientated version of the Volkswagen ID.3 testing – possibly a forthcoming GTI or GTX model.  

ID.3 GTI

What’s new? 

The prototype shown looks sportier from the front, with a honeycomb effect visible behind the camouflage. So far, so GTI. The GTX or GTI shown also wears bigger wheels, which gives the car a lower, more dynamic look.

Anything else? 

Inside, the hotter ID.3 will get a power bump along with all-wheel drive. CAR understands the figure to be around 300-330bhp – more than the standard car but still around 100bhp down on the MG 4 XPower. 

ID.3 GTI side

GTI or GTX? 

Wolfsburg has previously given its hotter ID cars the GTX suffix, but CAR understands the brand may be returning to the GTI badge instead. After all, Volkswagen did show an ID.GTI concept at last year’s Munich motor show. 

What’s more, Volkswagen also confirmed the ID.Golf last year, demonstrating its desire to return to the ICE nameplates we know and love. 

By Curtis Moldrich

CAR's Digital Editor, F1 and sim-racing enthusiast. Partial to clever tech and sports bikes

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