For fans of Volkswagen, the initials “GTI” have significant meaning. Almost half a century has passed since the initial Golf GTI was shown at the Frankfurt car show in 1975. But fast VW enthusiasts will have to adjust to a new name when the electric era dawns. Presenting the brand’s first electric hot hatch, the ID.3 GTX, and its sporty electric waggon, the ID.7 GTX Tourer.
VW has already unveiled the 2021 European GTX versions of the ID.4 crossover and ID.5 coupe SUV, which will both utilise the same dual-motor drivetrain as the ID.4s with all-wheel drive offered in the United States. But because to their striking hatchback and waggon body designs, the new ID.3 GTX and ID.
GTI Successor Electric
Two versions of the ID.3 GTX are available. The Performance model increases the power output from the 282 horsepower of the normal version to 322 horsepower. This indicates that the permanent synchronous motor’s overall output is higher than that of the Golf R on the electric Performance model and higher than that of the low-end, gas-powered GTI. Both GTX models have rear-wheel drive and 402 pound-feet of torque. According to Volkswagen, the Performance variant will reach 62 mph in 5.6 ticks, while the basic GTX will reach 62 mph in 6.0 seconds.
For ideal weight distribution, a 79.0-kWh battery is tucked away in the middle of the floor. When attached to a DC fast-charger, the ID.3 GTX can charge at up to 175 kW, allowing the battery to move from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 26 minutes. On the more optimistic WLTP test cycle used in Europe, Volkswagen estimates a range of about 373 miles.
The GTX model has a new front bumper with a boomerang-shaped running light and a black air intake to set it out from the boring ID.3s. The outside trim and the new rear diffuser are likewise finished in gloss black, and the standard equipment consists of stylish 20-inch wheels. The Performance GTX has tyres with a section width of 235, whereas the standard GTX has 215s. The GTX gets upgraded interior with red stitching extending to the steering wheel and sports seats. The introduction of the GTX coincides with the release of an enhanced infotainment system featuring a 12.9-inch touchscreen.
Strong Longrow
A significantly more powerful drivetrain, consisting of two motors delivering 335 horsepower to each of the four wheels, powers the ID.7 GTX Tourer. The front axle gets by with an asynchronous motor producing 108 horsepower, while the permanent synchronous motor on the rear axle is the same 282-hp unit used in the ID.3 GTX. There is a maximum speed restriction of 112 mph, but no acceleration data was disclosed.
The battery of the ID.7 GTX has a capacity of 86.0 kWh and can be charged at up to 200 kW. According to Volkswagen, charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent should take less than 30 minutes. Although the range was not stated, the additional power and all-wheel drive should cause it to fall short of the ID.7 Tourer’s 426-mile WLTP estimate, even with the greater battery size.
The ID.7 GTX Tourer shares the same 20-inch wheels and gloss black trim as the ID.3 GTX, as well as a comparable bumper design. Similar improvements are made to the interior, including heated front seats with red piping and more heavily bolstered seats. The steering wheel, doors, and console are beautifully embellished with red stitching.
