Kia EV4 GT vs VW ID.3 GTX: Electric Hot Hatch Showdown

Kia EV4 GT vs VW ID.3 GTX: Electric Hot Hatch Showdown image

Kia has revealed the first teaser images of its upcoming EV4 GT, a high-performance all-wheel drive hatch that’s set to challenge the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and MG4 XPower when it arrives in 2026.

The South Korean automaker showed the EV4 GT wearing its distinctive ‘GT Wrap’ – a specialized foil design created specifically for the company’s electric GT prototypes during development.

This light and motion-capturing camouflage will appear on Kia’s next generation of performance-focused electric GT models throughout their testing phase.

Performance Focus

The teaser images reveal redesigned front and rear bumpers, 20-inch wheels, and brake calipers finished in neon green – the signature color for Kia’s GT range.

Kia hasn’t released powertrain specifications yet. Industry experts expect the EV4 GT will use a twin-motor, all-wheel drive setup to compete effectively in this segment.

With the ID.3 GTX producing 326 horsepower and the MG4 XPower delivering 429 horsepower, the EV4 GT will likely fall somewhere within this range.

The EV6 GT and EV9 GT both feature an eight-speed simulated gearbox with matching internal combustion engine sounds. It wouldn’t be surprising if the EV4 GT adopts a similar system to boost driver engagement.

Platform Sharing

Hyundai previewed its answer to the EV4 at this year’s Munich Motor Show – the Ioniq 3.

The Ioniq 3 is expected to share the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with the Kia EV4. This platform sharing suggests a performance-focused Ioniq 3 N could also be in development.

Current EV4 Lineup

For now, buyers interested in the EV4 can choose from the standard models currently available.

The entry-level Air trim starts at £34,695. Mid-tier GT-Line models begin at £39,395, while the flagship GT-Line S is priced from £43,895.

In its most efficient configuration, the EV4 with an 81.4kWh battery delivers up to 388 miles of range on a single charge.

The 400V architecture enables 10-80% charging in approximately 30 minutes at compatible fast-charging stations.

Nash Peterson avatar
Nash Peterson
2 weeks ago