Volkswagen Electrifies Performance with Hot ID.3 GTX and Powerful ID.7 GTX Tourer Wagons [W/Gallery+Video]

 Volkswagen is expanding its electric GTX performance range with two new world premieres: the ID.3 GTX and the ID.7 GTX Tourer. These models will boast unique exteriors with distinct front and rear lighting, along with sporty interior touches. Building on the legacy of the GTI, GTD, and GTE badges, the GTX label signifies high-performance electric vehicles within the ID. family, first introduced in 2021.

The GTX badge has become a success story for Volkswagen, offering a dynamic and exciting take on electric driving. In Europe, a significant portion of ID.4 and ID.5 sales, one in five, come from the GTX variant. This popularity is due to Volkswagen's ability to translate their renowned driving experience into the electric realm. The upcoming ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer will continue this legacy, each featuring a distinct technical setup to deliver a unique and thrilling electric driving experience.

Volkswagen is bringing hot hatch heritage into the electric age with the launch of the ID.3 GTX. This rear-wheel drive model comes in two flavors, with the top-of-the-line ID.3 GTX Performance aiming to be the electric equivalent of the iconic Golf GTI Clubsport, according to Kai Grünitz, a member of Volkswagen's Brand Board of Management. Both variants promise exhilarating acceleration, carrying on the tradition of Volkswagen's punchy compact GT models in the exciting world of electric mobility.

The ID.3 GTX sets itself apart with a striking exterior featuring a diamond-patterned black air intake and unique daytime running lights. Glossy black accents adorn the body, side sills, and rear diffuser, complementing the standard 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels. Inside, the focus is on sporty customization. Ergonomically designed premium sport seats, red stitching throughout, and a multifunction steering wheel create a driver-oriented feel. The high-quality cockpit surface reinforces the premium feel, while the performance model boasts an advanced DCC adaptive chassis control system for an exceptional driving experience.

Taking the crown as the most powerful member of the ID.7 Tourer family, the ID.7 GTX Tourer electrifies the wagon segment. It boasts a similar dual-motor all-wheel-drive system as the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX, offering an unprecedented blend. This innovative electric wagon merges the practicality of a large estate car with the exhilarating performance of a sports car. The dual electric motors deliver impressive maximum output and torque instantly, making for a truly groundbreaking driving experience.

The ID.7 GTX Tourer isn't just about power; it boasts a sporty and distinctive design to match. A unique front bumper with a honeycomb grille and special GTX lighting sets the tone. High-gloss black accents on the side sills and rear bumper further emphasize its athletic character. Standard 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels complete the exterior transformation. On the inside, the ID.7 GTX Tourer offers a driver-focused environment with custom GTX seats featuring perforated lettering, red piping, and red seams. A GTX-specific multifunction steering wheel with red stitching ties the interior design together. Despite its sporty personality, the ID.7 GTX Tourer doesn't compromise on practicality. With a maximum luggage compartment capacity of up to 1,714 liters, it offers ample space for both passengers and cargo.

The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX brings electric muscle to the hot hatch segment. With a rear-mounted electric motor churning out 282 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque, standard, this sporty EV offers exhilarating acceleration, reaching 62 mph in just 6.0 seconds. Opting for the ID.3 GTX Performance ups the ante to 322 horsepower while maintaining the same impressive torque figure, shaving precious tenths off the 0-62 mph time (5.6 seconds). Both models are electronically limited to a top speed of 111 mph or 124 mph for the Performance variant. They share a 79 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, ensuring ample range for everyday driving.

The ID.7 GTX Tourer takes electric performance to new heights with its innovative dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. This setup combines a powerful rear motor generating 282 hp with a front motor adding an extra 107 hp, resulting in a staggering total output of 335 horsepower. To ensure optimal power distribution and handling, the ID.7 GTX Tourer utilizes electronic differential locks and a dedicated AWD controller. This powerful all-wheel-drive system comes with the added benefit of increased towing capacity, reaching up to 3,086 pounds compared to the 2,204 pounds of the rear-wheel-drive variant. While sacrificing some efficiency compared to the larger-battery, single-motor model (which boasts a WLTP range of 426 miles), the ID.7 GTX Tourer prioritizes performance. It achieves a 0-62 mph sprint in either the low six-second or high five-second range, depending on specific details yet to be revealed, making it a true force to be reckoned with on the road.