Lightning strikes at VW with blistering GTX versions of ID.3 and ID.7

Lightning never strikes twice in the same spot, except in Wolfsburg. Simultaneously, Volkswagen has announced sharp and sporty GTX versions of the ID.3, the ID.7 Tourer, and the ID.Buzz. Basically, this is the zero-emission revival of the well-known GTI badge.

Volkswagen has yet to release the final specs and data on the ID.buzz, but expectations are that technological upgrades are commonly shared. So, this is electric driving for hot hatch enthusiasts.

‘Performance’, like in ‘Clubsport’

Starting with the modern-age Golf GTI, the ID.3 GTX introduces two rear-wheel drive variants: a 210 kW (282 hp) and 545 Nm strong model, and a more robust 240 kW (322 hp) version under the moniker Performance. The power comes from Volkswagen’s latest e-motor, which debuted in the fastback version of the ID.7, which should also become available as GTX at a later phase. For comparison reasons, the most powerful ID.3 so far doesn’t top 150 kW (204 hp),

According to Volkswagen, the two GTX versions can be compared to the differences between Golf GTI and GTI Clubsport. The Performance has a more elevated top speed of 200 km/h (up from 180 km/h) and hits 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds (down from 6.0 seconds).

Both output versions have a new 79 kWh battery pack that supports up to 175 kW DC charging. With a 0-80% refilling time in 26 minutes at best, charging is also speedy, while the range is projected at 600 kilometers (WLTP).

With AWD

The ID.3 is the first and only GTX with rear-wheel drive, presumably a question of packaging, as the other members of the GTX family are larger-sized versions of the same MEB architecture.

The ID.7 Tourer GTX, Volkswagen’s acclaimed fastest car, has an extra 40 kW motor on the front axle. With a combined power of 250 kW (340 hp), Volkswagen promises punchy accelerations but hasn’t released performance figures yet except for a top speed of 180 km/h.

As the standard ID.7 offers a choice between two battery capacities, the GTX exclusively hits showrooms with the bigger 86 kWh pack, which can be fastcharged (0-80%) in under half an hour.

Visually, all the GTX models distinguish themselves with an aggressive body kit and unique triangular lighting motifs, complemented by 20-inch wheels standard across the line-up. As these are common ingredients, they can be expected for the ID.Buzz, as well.

Further enhancements include revised steering and chassis tuning, with the Performance badge receiving an upgraded adaptive chassis control system for even sharper handling dynamics.

ChatGPT coming

The interior of the GTX models is equally sporty, with seats upholstered in a microfibre material and the introduction of Volkswagen’s latest MIB4 infotainment system, boasting improved processing power and more intuitive voice recognition.

ChatGPT functionality, providing intelligent on-route info, both functional and leisurely, will be added by an over-the-air update at a later phase. And if you thought that the fatter accent on dynamics has canceled the wellness app, think again…