Four years after the Volkswagen ID.3 kick-started the German firm's ID. electric model onslaught, the Golf-sized EV finally gets a high-performance variant. Enter the ID.3 GTX.
Nods to its GTI heritage
The new model has been given some bespoke equipment to help it stand out from the rest of the range, and like the Golf GTI, there's a unique look for the GTX version. Up front, Volkswagen has added a bumper featuring a gloss-black air intake with a diamond-style design, flanked by LED daytime running lights featuring an arrowhead design that will become the signature for all GTX models.
There's more gloss-black detailing along the sides, including GTX badging on the doors below the mirrors, while at the back is a gloss black diffuser and a GTX badge on the tailgate beneath the VW logo. There are 20-inch alloy wheels as standard in a five-spoke design, and the diamond-cut finish can be replaced by a gloss-black finish. At launch, there are white, silver, grey and black paint options, while Kings Red is offered as a throwback to the Tornado Red finish that was available on the original Golf GTI.
As with Volkswagen's GTI and R models, the ID.3 GTX gets interior details that are specific to the badge. Sports seats finished in fabric and leatherette upholstery are standard, with a microfibre option expected to be available at extra cost (Irish specifications have yet to be confirmed), while GTX branding and red stitching also feature.
The infotainment system receives an update with the introduction of ChatGPT artificial intelligence controlled via VW's IDA voice assistant. This is designed to use natural speech to operate in-car functions, such as adjusting the climate, lighting or drive modes, while it can also answer questions with access to cloud-based information. This can be used to find out the weather forecast, flight departures or news simply by asking, while connectivity to online encyclopaedia Wikipedia offers virtually limitless information. This new ChatGPT functionality will be rolled out to all ID.3s with over-the-air software updates.
A new powertrain for the sporty model
Volkswagen hasn't just given the ID.3 a sporty look to create the GTX, because the electric hatch has been given a mechanical overhaul, too. The ID.3 GTX uses VW's latest 'APP550' electric motor to drive the rear wheels, and it comes in two outputs, with 286hp for the standard model, and 326hp for the GTX Performance version. Both produce up to 545Nm of torque. Estimated 0-100km/h acceleration figures for the GTX and GTX Performance are 6.0 and 5.6 seconds, respectively.
The GTX has a new 79kWh battery on board, which offers an estimated 600km of range, while a new thermal management system can condition the battery in advance of a DC charging session. This heats the battery to an optimum temperature so that it can be charged at maximum speed (up to 175kW), resulting in shorter charging times.
Changes to the suspension include the addition of firmer dampers, while a progressive-rate steering system is included to improve the car's responsiveness. The GTX Performance adds a modified version of VW's DCC adaptive chassis control system offering a range of settings, with Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual driving modes offered.
Volkswagen board member Kai Grunitz, who is responsible for vehicle development, said: "With its spontaneous and superior power delivery, the new ID.3 GTX Performance is for me the electric counterpart to our sporty compact icon, the Golf GTI Clubsport. Of course, an electric drive and a turbocharged petrol engine each have their own unique character. Yet the powerful ID.3 GTX Performance and the pure Golf GTI Clubsport share the same fascinating lightness when they accelerate. Two modern sports cars, made by Volkswagen.
"With the ID.3 GTX, Volkswagen is transferring the iconic fascination of its compact GT models into the world of electric mobility. Driving pleasure and sustainability form a completely new alliance here."
The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and GTX Performance will go on sale later in 2024. Irish prices haven't been confirmed, but the ID.4 and ID.5 GTX models carry a premium of around €4,000 over the standard versions so figure on a similar increase.
The ID.3 GTX was revealed at the same time as the ID.7 GTX in Tourer form, with confirmation from Volkswagen that the ID.7 fastback and the ID. Buzz will also be launched in GTX guise this year.