Volkswagen adds high-performance GTX models to ID.3 and ID.7 ranges
GTX version of ID. Buzz on the way as well
Volkswagen has unveiled new, high-performance GTX versions of its ID.3 hatchback and ID.7 executive saloon and estate models.
First seen on the ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs, the GTX badge is used in place of the GTI logo made famous by VW’s go-faster Golf. But where the GTI name is reserved for petrol-powered cars, the GTX badge is found on Volkswagen’s electric models.
The German firm has announced details of the ID.3 and ID.7 GTX, but it also confirmed a GTX version of the ID. Buzz electric MPV is on the way.
A peek at the future electric Golf GTI?
In the case of the ID.3 GTX, which is sure to be seen as a precursor to a future pure-electric Golf GTI replacement, two different versions will be offered, and the base model sends a healthy 282bhp to the rear wheels thanks to the same electric motor found in Pro and Pro S versions of the ID.7.
That will be joined by a top-of-the-range ID.3 GTX Performance option with 322bhp, providing even more straight-line speed.
Where the ID.3 GTX will accelerate from 0-62mph in six seconds flat, the GTX Performance is expected to achieve the same feat in 5.6sec. That compares with 7.4sec for the regular ID.3.
The top speed will be limited to 111mph in the GTX and 124mph in the GTX Performance.
Both cars are claimed to have enhanced response to accelerator inputs, as well as more power than the conventional ID.3 models. To deal with the power hike, VW has had to reinforce the single-speed gearbox components and adapt the cooling system for greater “thermal stability”.
Under the floor, there’s a new battery pack with 79kWh of usable capacity, which is expected to allow the standard GTX an official range of around 370 miles on a single charge (though as with all electric vehicles the range in the real world is likely to be less). Whether that will decrease in the GTX Performance model remains to be seen, but notably, that figure is higher than existing, less-powerful versions of the ID.3 manage.
The GTX cars also come with higher DC-charging capability. With the ability to charge at speeds of up to 175kW, Volkswagen is expecting the fastest chargers to top the car’s battery up from 10 to 80 per cent in 26 minutes.
A new propulsion system won’t be the only thing separating the ID.3 GTX models from the rest of the line-up. A sportier front bumper and high-gloss black trim set the car apart, along with a rear diffuser and 20in alloy wheels.
Inside, the ID.3 GTX will come with premium sports seats with red decorative stitching and GTX badging, as well as a sportier steering wheel and slightly different interior materials.
Chassis tweaks, too
The GTX models are set to offer improved handling, too, thanks to GTX-specific tuning for the suspension, including stronger stabilisers to improve body control and a sporty steering tune. To that, the GTX Performance will add an adaptive chassis control system that allows the car to be set up with comfort in mind, or with an emphasis on handling, depending on the driver’s preference.
Volkswagen has also used the opportunity to update the entire ID.3 range with a new infotainment system. Using a significantly larger screen and a new menu structure, it’s essentially the system found in the ID.7, including a new voice assistant and ChatGPT integration. With that tech, it is designed to be much easier to operate than the outgoing system, for which VW drew considerable unfriendly fire.
New ID.7 gets GTX badge right away
It has taken four years for the ID.3 to receive the GTX badge, but the new ID.7 will be available in GTX trim right away. Although launched in estate form, based on the ID.7 Tourer revealed just a few weeks ago, the GTX powertrain and styling tweaks will be applied to both estate and fastback versions of the ID.7.
Unlike the ID.3 GTX, though, the ID.7 GTX will only be offered with one powertrain – a two-motor, all-wheel-drive system producing 335bhp. Although that figure isn’t considerably greater than the 282bhp offered by the standard ID.7 Pro and Pro S models, it’s expected to be enough for a sensible increase in performance.
Volkswagen hasn’t published a 0-62mph acceleration figure for the ID.7 GTX, though we do know it will have a top speed of 111mph, while on-the-move acceleration is said to be enhanced by the same sharpened response as found in the ID.3 GTX.
The drive motors will be supplied with energy by the same 86kWh battery as the ID.7 Pro S models, although VW has not yet told us how the extra power will impact range. What the company has said, however, is the asynchronous front motor fitted to the GTX models will have minimal impact on efficiency because it produces so little friction.
Volkswagen has also confirmed the GTX will have the same 200kW charging capability as the ID.7 Pro S, allowing a charge from 10 to 80 per cent to take “significantly less than 30 minutes,” assuming ideal conditions.
Like the ID.3 GTX, the ID.7 GTX models will get their own suspension settings and a sporty steering set-up, while adaptive chassis control will be available as an option.
Bespoke GTX styling
The ID.7 GTX will also get bespoke styling, with a unique front bumper that includes a honeycomb air intake grille, as well as a model-specific rear bumper with a similar full-width grille. Black high-gloss design elements also feature, while 20in alloy wheels are fitted as standard. Inside, the ID.7 GTX will be set apart by sports seats, red trim and GTX logos.
Pricing has not yet been announced for either the ID.3 GTX or the ID.7 GTX, but both are expected to command a premium over existing range-topping models, which come in at £40,050 and £51,550 for the ID.3 and ID.7, respectively.
At present, Volkswagen has not announced any plans to produce any even more powerful versions of its ID. range, but use of the GTX name has left the company with some headroom if it wants to usurp the newcomers at any time – just as the company did with the petrol-powered Golf R, which is more powerful than the GTI.
Related articles
- If you were interested in the new Volkswagen GTX models, you might like to read about the Golf R going electric
- You might also be interested to read our review of the Volkswagen ID.5 GTX
- Or keep an eye on the best-selling cars in the UK this year
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