2021 VW ID.4 GTX unveiled, first ever Volkswagen performance electric vehicle
As promised at the VW ID.4's unveiling in September last year, it's now available with dual-electric motor all-wheel drive as the ID.4 GTX. Going forward, the GTX tag will signify the electric performance sub-brand for Volkswagen, or as VW puts it, "the GTX is the GTI of the EV world". Versus the rear-wheel drive ID.4, the ID.4 GTX takes power up to 299PS from 204PS, also dropping the 0-100kmph performance to 6.2s from 8.5s.
Based on the VW modular electric MEB platform, the same 77kWh capacity battery packs are sandwiched in the floor pan, and driving range stands at 480km (WLTP), marginally down on the regular ID.4's 520km range. At 125kW charge rates, the ID.4 GTX can gain roughly 300km of driving range with just a 10 minute charge.
Visually drawing parallels to the signature honeycomb grille on GTI models, the ID.4 GTX adds to the base ID.4's look with sporty touches like the gloss-black honeycomb air intake at the bottom of the bumper, and three diamond-shaped DRLs under the IQ Light headlights. Wheel sizes (20-, 21-inch) are similar to the ID.4. Other changes include new bumpers unique to the ID.4 GTX. On the inside, changes are limited to the signature red contrast stitching across the dash and upholstery, while additional drive modes, such as Traction, add to the all-wheel drive capabilities.
Volkswagen also previewed the ID.5 and ID.5 GTX SUV coupes, essentially the ID.4 but with a more sharply rakes roof towards the rear to make for a sportier-looking crossover. We expect Volskwagen to launch the ID.5 SUV coupe towards the end of the year. Meanwhile, Volkswagen India tells us that EVs are on the cards for the country, but in a few years once charging infrastructure is better developed.
