New Volkswagen ID 3 GTX hot hatch and ID7 GTX Tourer revealed
Volkswagen has unveiled a brace of new GTX models in a bid to broaden its line-up of hot electric models, with the ID 3 and ID 7 Tourer becoming the latest EVs to gain a new performance variant.
The hotly-anticipated ID 3 GTX is particularly significant, as it serves as an electric equivalent to the seminal Golf GTI.
Volkswagen ID 3 GTX
Two versions of the ID 3 GTX will be available. The standard car is fitted with Volkswagen’s latest APP550 electric motor mounted on the rear-axle, making it the German brand’s first rear-driven hot hatchback
The electric motor develops 282bhp, up from 201bhp in the standard ID 3, and a fearsome 402lb ft of torque - that’s more than the current Volkswagen Golf R.
The ID 3 GTX Performance, meanwhile, gets even more power, and develops 322bhp for a brisk 0-62mph time of 5.6sec.
Alongside the powertrain upgrades, the new electric hot hatch has also received a number of chassis and suspension modifications in order to give the ID 3 GTX more athleticism on the road.
The steering has also been revised for the GTX model to offer greater precision, while the more potent Performance version comes as standard with a new Dynamic Chassis Control system, which uses more sensors to detect wheel movement in order to improve ride and handling.
Drivers can also use a slide control to adjust the sports DCC to a more comfortable or sportier setting by choosing between a number of pre-set modes, which include Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual.
The GTX model also gets a bigger battery compared to the standard car, increasing from 77kWh to 79kWh. Volkswagen claims a range of up to 373 miles for the ID 3 GTX - the Performance model will likely have a slightly shorter range due to its more powerful electric motor.
DC charging us up to 175kW, which means the new ID 3 can be topped up from 10-80% in 26 minutes.
Volkswagen ID 7 GTX Tourer
The hot new electric estate is fitted with a dual-motor powertrains that develops 335bhp - such an output makes it more powerful than the current-generation Volkswagen Golf R estate, which produces 316bhp.
The ID 7 GTX Tourer uses the same 86kWh battery as the ID 7 Tourer Pro S, and while the car's range is yet to be confirmed, it is likely that the sportier version will be able to travel up to 380 miles on a charge.
In addition to its new powertrain, the GTX Tourer has also been revised to deal with the car's hike in power. It has gained an upgraded steering setup which is claimed by Volkswagen to offer more precise handling. The sports DCC can be added as an optional extra.
Both models have been given a slightly sportier look compared to the cars they are based on.
Up front, the ID 3 GTX and the ID 7 GTX Tourer are fitted with a new GTX-specific front bumper design, new LED 'arrowhead' daytime running lights, a rear diffuser and gloss black trim.
The ID 3 GTX and ID 7 GTX Tourer come as standard with 20in alloy wheels, with 21in alloys available as an option on the ID 7.
Move inside and it is evident that the GTX models take inspiration from the Golf GTI, with both models getting sports seats that are decorated with red stitching and GTX lettering.
The ID 3 is fitted with a 12.3in infotainment screen, but runs on Volkswagen's latest software.
The ID 7 uses the same system but has a larger 15in screen. Artificial Intelligence application ChatGPT and Volkswagen's IDA voice assistant come as standard in both cars.
Volkswagen has not disclosed any pricing information for its new GTX models, but as these will arrive as the new range-topping variants, it is likely that they will cost significantly more than the cars on which they are based.
The ID 3 GTX will likely cost from around £45,000, while the hot ID 7 estate could be priced from around £60,000.
