VW ID3-ID7

 

Volkswagen ID.3 GTX & ID.7 GTX Tourer GTX

With the joint launch of the ID.3 GTX & ID.7 GTX Tourer GTX, VW expands its range of sporty electric models

Is the GTX becoming the alter ego of the GTI? As of 2021, the most powerful models of the all-electric ID range carry the GTX label. While we're still waiting for the GTI-branded electric production car that's announced to arrive in the near future, VW is organizing a joint launch of the ID.3 GTX & ID.7 GTX Tourer GTX, models that should satisfy the appetites of all those accustomed to the benefits that the classic GTI editions offered – performance and equipment.

The compact ID.3 GTX is split into two editions. The difference is in the power. The basic model is driven by an electric motor of 282 HP, 545 Nm, "hunts" to 100 in six seconds and reaches a maximum of 180 km/h. In the ID.3 GTX Performance, the engine with the same torque develops 322 horses, overcomes the sprint in 5.6 seconds and reaches a maximum of 200 km/h, a performance better than the benchmark in the class, the Tesla Model 3.

Both models work with single-speed gearboxes and get the same 79kWh battery which is claimed to offer 600km of range and can be charged at 175kW. Each version gets suspension revisions to match the extra features and their hot performance. VW has put more effort into the interior. Hand on heart, there's no checkered fabric upholstery, but red stitching and chrome GTX lettering on the sports steering wheel, GTX logos on the sports seats and the option to upgrade to ergoActive performance seats with integrated headrests, power adjustment and adjustable thigh support are included. .

Included is a 12.9-inch touchscreen with a redesigned menu system with the ChatGPT voice assistant that VW is rolling out across its models. In just one month's time, VW is launching the ID7 wagon, and now its GTX version. The key difference between the new GTX and the standard ID.7 Tourer is in the front of the powertrain.

Supporting the model is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 86 kWh that allows charging speeds of up to 200 kW, which allows it to be charged from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes. This battery provides power for two electric motors that make this the most powerful VW electric car to date. The front and rear engines combine to produce 335 hp, 54 horses more than the rear-wheel-drive ID.7 Tourer Pro.

The front electric motor can kick into action in fractions of a second depending on power needs and the driving scenario. Power is transmitted to all wheels. Although VW did not release any acceleration figures, it did not hide that the top speed is 180 km/h. A host of visual tweaks are expected to differentiate the ID.7 GTX Tourer from the regular model. These include a new honeycomb grille, high-gloss black accents and new 20-inch wheels as standard.

The changes continue at the rear with a revised diffuser, new GTX lettering and customizable 3D LED taillight clusters that include an illuminated Volkswagen badge. The cabin features ergonomically shaped seats upholstered in a combination of fabric and suede with red stitching and red GTX lettering.

Other important features include a head-up display with augmented reality, VW's new IDA voice assistance with ChatGPT integration. It also includes optional Park Assist Plus systems that enable automatic parking, and "Connected Travel Assistance" that includes lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and a dynamic road sign display are part of the options. Volkswagen has not yet announced pricing for the ID.7 GTX Tourer, but states that European pre-sales will begin in the spring.