£46k for an electric VW Golf GTI? Meet the new 326bhp ID.3 GTX Performance

This is the new range-topping ID.3 ‘GTX Performance’, and it’s an important car for Volkswagen since it’s the first real attempt at an all-electric Golf GTI. Prices will start from £46,225 when it launches at the end of this month, before appearing at ‘GTI Owners Club’ meets soon after to almost certainly not divide opinion.

The output has been upped to send 326bhp and 402lb ft to the rear wheels, while the promise of a 5.7s run to 62mph does seem enticing. Other improvements over the regular ID.3 include sportier suspension, adaptive chassis control and a more progressive steering setup, so it should be snappy on a Sunday morning hoon along the coast too.

The 84kWh battery also delivers a claimed 369-mile range, with a 10-80 per cent recharge complete in around 26 minutes using a 185kW rapid charger. Or you can charge it at home using a standard 11kW socket, though that’ll require more than a few crumpets and a cup of tea.

Design-wise, much of the familiar ID.3 elements remain, including the half-rugby ball headlights, the sloping rear wing and the low stance. But the GTX Performance does gain a fresh front bumper and diamond-style air intakes, redesigned side sills and a new rear diffuser. Attractive 20in Skagen alloys also sit along the flanks while refreshed light signatures are spotted. Certainly looks like an electric GTI should.

The cabin benefits from some GTI-fication too, with fancy ergoActive leather sports seats and the typical red stitching followed by dandier surfacing and a multi-function steering wheel. These build on the ID.3’s standard features, such as the 10in multimedia and 5.3in driver’s display screens, the Harmon Kardon audio system and… not much else.

After almost a half-century of piston-powered GTI models, we've got an electric version. Whaddya reckon?