Volkswagen heats up EV market with ID.3 GTX
Volkswagen has announced its first hot hatch of the EV era with the arrival of the ID.3 GTX.
The most powerful version of the family hatchback was revealed alongside a performance version of the flagship ID.7 Tourer, which will also bear the GTX badge.
GTX is Volkswagen’s performance identity for its EVs, following the GTI and GTD badges that marked out its most potent petrol and diesel models.
The ID.3 GTX brings a significant power boost along with chassis upgrades for a sportier drive and bespoke interior and exterior styling. It is available in two variants – a standard GTX and a GTX Performance.
The regular ID.3 GTX gets the 210kW (282bhp) motor that’s already in use in the larger ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7. That’s an 81bhp jump over the regular ID.3. The Performance pack increases that motor’s output further, to 322bhp, making it more powerful than even the most potent VW V6 engine. Both setups offer 402lb ft of torque and are rear-mounted.
Both versions have been set up to offer particularly sharp initial response as well as increased top speeds over the standard ID.3. GTX models can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6 seconds, while Performance models cut that to just 5.6 seconds. Top speed is up from 99mph to 111 mph and 124 mph respectively.
The ID.3 GTX also gets the larger 79kWh battery from the bigger VW models. Volkswagen says this should give a range of up to 373 miles, along with 175kW DC charging – a step up from regular model’s 125kW.
The GTX features a bespoke setting for the ID.3s progressive steering system for added precision and Volkswagen’s adaptive dynamic chassis control system has also been upgraded. New software and more sensors will, VW assures us, allow a broader spread of behaviour between comfort and dynamism depending on the drive mode.
Visually, the GTX is instantly identifiable thanks to a new front bumper and diamond-motif grille. It also gets ‘arrowhead’ LED running lights that will become a signature of all GTX models. The grille, air intakes, front spoiler, side skirts mirror caps and bespoke rear diffuser are all finished in gloss black. GTX-specific 20-inch Skagen diamond-cut alloys are standard, as are the top-spec IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and LED tail lights. Buyers will be able to choose from a GTX-specific King’s Red paint finish or the usual, black, grey and white options.
The interior has also been given a sporty going-over. Standard fit sports seats are finished in a mix of 100% recycled Lurus fabric and a sustainably produced leatherette and feature red stitching and GTX lettering. The red trim theme continues on the doors, dashboard and steering wheel.
The arrival of the ID.3 GTX marks the introduction of a new dashboard design and infotainment system. The touchscreen is now 12.9-inches and has been redesigned to make it easier to use. The drive selector has been moved to the steering column to accommodate this. At the same time, VW has updates its voice assistant and – depressingly – integrated ChatGPT into its services.
The ID.3 GTX will go on sale later this year. No price has been announced but, with regular models ranging from £35,000 to £40,000, we’d expect a starting price in the region of £45,000.
