How does an all-electric hot hatch with more power than a Volkswagen Golf R sound?
Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Ralf Brandstätter has revealed a hot hatch EV prototype via his LinkedIn account.
Codenamed ID.X, the prototype takes parts from the ID.4 GTX and utilises a larger 82kWh battery (over the standard 62kWh) to become the most powerful ID yet.
Unfortunately, there is no promising the ID.X will become a mainstream model, with Brandstätter saying, “Even if the ID.X is not a production vehicle, we will take up many ideas.”
If produced, the ID.X would be a quicker alternative to the 2022 Golf R, making 245kW over the R’s 235kW.
While the ID.X doesn’t make enough power to rival petrol powered super hatches such as the Mercedes-AMG A45 S or Audi RS3, it would be a strong competitor on paper for the BMW M135i and Audi S3.
Brandstätter says the prototype utilises an all-wheel drive system much like the ID.4 GTX but with a dedicated drift mode for those wanting to unleash their inner Ken Block.
The ID.X is said to be 200kg lighter than its ID siblings and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Inside, the interior is just as wild as the performance, with Alcantara sports seats and fluro yellow accents to match the exterior highlights.
According to reports from Autocar, Volkswagen’s R division is developing a plan for a full-blown, R-badged version of the ID 3.
Volkswagen development chief Frank Welsch told the outlet the company was weighing a rear-wheel drive R instead of an all-wheel drive, GTX-badged model, though he noted the ID.3 can accommodate a dual-motor all-wheel drive system.
The ID.X announcement comes at the same time as the market introduction of the ID.4 GTX in Europe, debuting the new trim level that’ll be used on sporty versions of Volkswagen’s EVs.
The ID.3 is currently available with a choice of 45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh batteries but only a single, rear-mounted electric motor.
Outputs range between 110kW and 149kW.
The ID.3 and ID.4 are still some time away from hitting Australian shores.
Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the models won’t be available until late in 2023.
