The wraps have been taken off the new Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, a range-topper with a sporty theme for the electric SUV line-up. The GTX brand will be used across the ID. product line to denote the sportiest versions, tying them in with GTI, GTD and GTE models elsewhere in the VW range.
More power and traction
And it would appear that GTX is more than an aesthetic upgrade. While all other examples of the VW ID.4 released so far get one motor for rear-wheel drive, the GTX gets another on the front axle. That brings the maximum power output up to 299hp and enables a 0-100km/h time of just 6.2 seconds.
It also means electric four-wheel drive, with no mechanical coupling between the front and rear motors. The ID.4 GTX operates in rear-drive mode by default and calls on the front-mounted electric motor when needed, depending on drive setting. There are Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual options, as in the regular ID.4, while the 'Traction' profile is new, presumably allowing the selection of full-time four-wheel drive.
A Sports package means 15mm lower suspension and variable ratio steering, while the Sports Plus package adds adaptive damping with 15 levels of adjustment via the car's touchscreen. It's not yet clear if these items will be standard on Irish-market examples of the GTX.
GTX makeover inside and out
The ID.4 GTX gets a few unique exterior upgrades to set it apart from other models in the range. Up front, LED matrix headlights are standard, while three individual LEDs are positioned vertically on either side of the front bumper. The lower section of that has been restyled, too, and a 'GTX' badge is found on each front wing.
Other detail changes include body colour for the lower door sections (usually black) and high-gloss Anthracite for the roof frame bars, while the rear bumper has also been redesigned. The 'Ystad' 20-inch alloy wheels are standard. Six paint colours are offered, including the new 'Metallic Kings Red' pictured here.
The interior gets a new colour scheme, with 'X-Blue' for the dashboard and leatherette door card inserts, contrasting with red accents and seams on the seats. There's a GTX badge on the steering wheel, on the sill plates and on the front seat backrests. Fabric upholstery is standard, with leatherette panels, as is 30-colour ambient lighting.
Still an electric family car
Otherwise, the ID.4 GTX is pretty much the same as any other version of the electric SUV. It seats five, the boot holds between 543- and 1,575 litres, depending on whether the back seats are folded down, and it can tow up to 1,200kg of braked trailer.
Between the wheels you'll find a 77kWh (net) battery pack, good for 480 kilometres on the WLTP regime. It can be recharged at up to 11kW on AC connections or 125kW on DC outlets.
Irish pricing for the ID.4 GTX
Volkswagen Ireland already offers the ID.4 in City, Style, Life, Business, Family, Tech and Max specifications. The GTX should build on that of the Max, which would mean 21-inch wheels, adaptive damping, augmented-reality windscreen, panoramic glass roof and more included in the price. The same assumption would mean a price exceeding €60,000 (after incentives) for the new ID.4 GTX. It goes on sale in Ireland this September.