After GTI, GTD and GTE, there’s another sporty Volkswagen trim level and this one’s exclusively for electric vehicles.
The GTX name has debuted on a more powerful, sportier-looking version of the Volkswagen ID.4 crossover.
Unfortunately a Volkswagen spokesperson has confirmed there are “no plans” to bring the GTX to Australia.
While regular versions of the ID.4 feature a single 150kW electric motor driving the rear wheels, the GTX has a dual motor setup delivering a total of 220kW to all four wheels.
As a result the 0-100km/h time has been reduced from 8.5 to 6.2 seconds, while the electronically limited top speed has been bumped up from 160km/h to 180km/h.
With the standard 77kWh battery pack, the ID.4 GTX has a claimed range of 480km under WLTP testing. That’s a decrease of 20km compared to the rear-wheel drive model with the same battery.
Like other ID.4 variants, the GTX supports DC fast charging up to 125kW. At this rate, Volkswagen says the GTX can gain 300km of range in just 30 minutes.
Externally the GTX is distinguished from lesser ID.4s by its glossy black intakes and rear spoiler. It also features body colour lower door panels and front spoiler, which help to visually lower the car.
To actually lower the car, though, you’ll need to stump up for the Sports package which drops the suspension by 15mm, and adds progressive rate steering to the car.
Adaptive shocks with five settings – sport, eco, comfort, individual and traction – are part of the Sports Plus pack.
Standard features in Europe include matrix LED headlights and 20-inch alloy wheels. Larger 21-inch rims are an optional extra.
There are plenty of GTX insignias dotted around the cabin, including on the back rests of the front seats. The blue upper dash is meant to signify sustainability, while the red contrast stitching conveys sportiness.
In Germany the GTX carries a premium of €6000 ($9300) over the base 77kWh rear=wheel drive model.
The ID.4 GTX goes on sale in Europe during the third quarter of 2021. Quite when it’ll arrive here is anyone’s guess.
The Australian launch of the ID.3 hatch and ID.4 has been pushed back to 2023 as the European, Chinese and American markets have been given priority.
Governments in those regions are incentivising EV sales by providing rebates to customers. The EU is also penalising automakers for missing CO2 targets.
