Volkswagen has today revealed two new GTX electric performance models - the ID.3 GTX hot hatch and a rapid estate in the form of the ID.7 GTX Tourer. The larger model is being launched as an estate first, with the ID.7 fastback getting its own GTX variant later in the year, when an ID. Buzz GTX MPV will also be released.
Volkswagen's most powerful estate ever
The ID.7 GTX Tourer comes with a maximum power output of 340hp, making it the most powerful estate that Volkswagen has ever built. Power comes from two electric motors - one on each axle - with main drive duties being taken care of by a rear-mounted 210kW motor. Up front is an 80kW motor that activates when the car's electronics sense a loss of traction, with the front motor engaging to deliver 4Motion four-wheel drive.
Both motors are fed by a new lithium-ion battery that has a net energy capacity of 86kWh. Volkswagen doesn't quote an official range for the GTX Tourer, but it has 200kW charging capability, which means charging the battery from 10-80 per cent takes "significantly less than" half an hour at its fastest speed according to its maker. To help this fast-charge process, VW has added a battery conditioning setting to the car's electronics, which warms the battery in advance of a DC fast charge, helping to reduce charging times.
As well as giving the ID.7 GTX Tourer more power and four-wheel drive, VW has enhanced the car's electronics and running gear to boost its sporty credentials. There are stiffer dampers and revised steering, while the DCC chassis control system will also be offered. This will feature different drive modes, including one that can be tailored by the driver, while a manually activated ESC Sport setting offers looser electronic control of the car's chassis. No acceleration figures have been quoted, but the ID.7 GTX Tourer has an electronically limited top speed of 180km/h.
Sporty looks are standard
The ID.7 GTX Tourer features unique looks to help differentiate it from the rest of the ID.7 Tourer line-up. As with Volkswagen's GTI and R models, there's a GTX badge beneath the VW logo on the tailgate, while a sporty looking back bumper with gloss-black diffuser and honeycomb grille has also been added, with a red reflector strip separating the two finishes. There's more gloss black detailing outside the car, including a bespoke grille design and arrowhead LED daytime running light signature that will be unique to all GTX-badged ID. models. There's a GTX-exclusive 20-inch alloy wheel design (plus a 21-inch option wheel), while Kings Red, Glacier White, Scale Silver, Grenadilla Black and Moonstone Grey paint colours will be offered.
Inside, the GTX features the same premium quality as the standard ID.7, but with some racier detailing. The sports seats feature a fabric and microfleece finish, while there's red stitching throughout the cabin and plenty of GTX logos, too. Although Irish specifications have yet to be announced, it's expected that buyers can specify 'ErgoComfort' electrically-operated front seats that are heated, ventilated and come with a massage function, controlled via the vast central touchscreen. That screen has been updated to include ChatGPT within the voice-activated control system, while the set-up will be added to other compatible ID models via over-the-air software updates.
As with any fast estate, performance must come with practicality, and the ID.7 GTX Tourer is no different. There's 605 litres of luggage space in five-seat mode - plus a spacious rear passenger compartment - while folding the back seats liberates 1,714 litres. Irish prices for the new ID.7 flagship will be announced closer to launch, when standard and GTX Pro trims are expected to be offered. A premium of around €5,000 over the next ID.7 Tourer in the line-up is probable.