Volkswagen introduces the ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer, redefining power and style

KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen has expanded its GTX range with the introduction of the new models - ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer, marking a double world premiere for the brand. These two new additions to the Volkswagen family exude a sporty and distinctive styling paired with impressive dynamic performance.

For those who are unaware, the GTX label marks a new era in Volkswagen's legacy of high-performance models, after GTI, GTD, or GTE designations. It represents Volkswagen's strategic move towards e-mobility, delivering an exciting and carbon-neutral driving experience to a wide range of customers. The range already includes ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX.

Let’s know the all-new Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX in detail - 

Volkswagen ID.3 GTX

The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is the performance derivative of the ID 3, which made its debut in 2019. It is the automaker’s first high-performance electric hot hatch and will be offered in two variants - standard and Performance.

Both versions feature a rear-axle-mounted electric motor tuned to deliver impressive power outputs. In the standard variant, the motor generates a maximum power of 282 hp and a peak torque of 545 Nm. Meanwhile, the Performance trim boosts the power output to 322 bhp while maintaining the same torque level. For comparison, the standard ID.3 makes a total output of 204 hp.

In terms of performance, Volkswagen claims that the ID.3 GTX can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6 seconds, while the GTX Performance achieves this feat in 5.6 seconds. Additionally, the GTX model has a top speed of 180 kmph, while the GTX Performance version reaches a top speed of 200 kmph.

Volkswagen has upgraded the GTX model's battery capacity from 77kWh to 79kWh. With this larger battery, the ID.3 GTX can now achieve an impressive cruising range of up to 600 km on a single charge. It supports up to 175 kW DC fast charging, which allows the EV to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 26 minutes.

In addition to its exceptional performance, the ID.3 GTX model distinguishes itself with a range of GTX-specific features and elements that set it apart from the standard model -

• Exclusive front bumper with a new independent black air intake in a diamond-style design
• New daytime running lights on the left and right
• Black body elements featuring a high-gloss finish
• Newly designed side sills
• Rear diffuser
• 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels
• Premium sports seats (in fabric and leatherette)
• Red decorative stitching on the seats and multifunction steering wheel
• High-quality cockpit surface with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen powered by Volkswagen’s latest software
• DCC adaptive chassis control
• GTX badges

Upon introducing this all-electric hot hatchback, Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development said, “With its spontaneous and superior power delivery, the new ID.3 GTX Performance is for me the electric counterpart to our sporty compact icon, the Golf GTI Clubsport. Of course, an electric drive and a turbocharged petrol engine each have their own unique character. Yet the ID.3 GTX Performance and the Golf GTI Clubsport share the same fascinating lightness when they accelerate.” 

“With the ID.3 GTX, Volkswagen is transferring the almost 50-year tradition of its compact GT models into the world of electric mobility. Driving pleasure is guaranteed,” Grünitz added.

Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer

The Volkswagen ID.7 GTX is a performance iteration of the all-electric ID.7 Tourer introduced last year. Just like the ID.3, it also features an uprated drivetrain setup and a range of bespoke styling elements. Speaking of the former, the EV is powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup, churning out a total output of 335 hp (53 hp more than the standard ID.7). 

The battery capacity remains unchanged from the ID.7 Pro S, boasting an 86.0-kWh capacity that supports rapid charging up to 200 kW. This enables the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. However, the range and performance figures are yet to be confirmed by the automaker.

According to Kai Grünitz, “The ID.7 GTX Tourer paves the way for a new type of sporty mobility by combining the spaciousness of a large estate with the performance of a sports car. What is fascinating here is the instantaneous punch with which the electric motors provide their maximum output and torque in fractions of a second.”

The bespoke styling elements of the ID.7 GTX include - 

• A distinctive bumper with a honeycomb grille and GTX-specific light graphics
• Illuminated badges
• All black exterior elements with a high-gloss finish
• 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels
• Individualised seats (with heated functionality in the front) with red piping and perforated GTX lettering 
• Red accent on the dash panel and door trims
• GTX-specific multifunction steering wheel with red decorative stitching

The pricing details for the all-new Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer models have not been disclosed yet. Volkswagen has indicated that these new sporty EVs will be launched soon, so stay tuned for the final details.

Closer to home, Volkswagen does not offer any ID models in Malaysia. However, the official distributor of Volkswagen cars in Malaysia, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) showcased the ID.4 at its 2022 Volkswagen Fest in the country. Despite the preview two years ago, the arrival of the EV in Malaysia is still anticipated.

Also read: VW Malaysia on a bounce, hints the introduction of 50th Edition Golf in Malaysia this year