VW ID 3 finally gets 326hp GTX flagship
The ID 3 hasn't tickled many pickles thus far - perhaps a rear-drive range topper can sort that
We’ve been waiting a while for a properly sporty version of the VW ID 3. All the way back in May 2021, then-CEO Ralf Brandstätter posed with an ID X concept that boasted 333hp, four-wheel drive and 200kg reduction in kerbweight. Appetites were whetted for an EV that improved upon the worthy but truthfully quite dull standard model. Now, almost three years later, we have the real thing: the VW ID 3 GTX.
Quite a bit has changed from that original concept, too. The bad news is that there’s no drastic weight reduction compared to the base model, or certainly not one that VW is currently admitting to. That was always a long shot, really. The good news is that the GTX is rear-drive only, and produces up to 326hp in Performance trim (alongside an entry-level 286hp GTX) - the flagship makes use of VW’s most powerful electric drive motor to date. Presumably, this won’t be its only outing, either; imagine it doubled up with a driven front axle for something properly potent.
Anyway, the GTX. In Performance spec it’s expected to reach 62mph in 5.6 seconds; the 286hp model won’t be far behind (6.0) given torque for both is identically rated at 402lb ft. Top speed is either 111mph or 124mph. The battery is 79kWh usable, the motor is the new APP550 unit found in the ID 7, and when drivers come to charge - which could be after 370 miles, says VW - the GTXs will be able to accept 175kW. VW says that gearbox components have been ‘friction-optimised and reinforced’ to deal with the additional outputs, and a new inverter benefits thermal stability - this in turn helps with better efficiency.
Now, obviously, VW has an incredible back catalogue of hot hatch heritage to draw upon, though it’s important to note that this ID 3 is a GTX rather than a GTI like the recent ID concept. So the look is more a reinterpretation of VW’s trademark cues, rather than a wholesale carryover. So there aren’t any red accents outside or tartan trim, but the Kings Red here is a tribute to the old Tornado Red solid paint, and there’s red stitching inside that’s said to combine Tornano and Flash Red as a homage to the old heroes.
Additional GTX cues for this new ID include a unique front end with the diamond-style grille and more prominent bumper, a rear diffuser, black accents, GTX badges and a new set of 20-inch ‘Skagen’ wheels. On the lower-powered model, the tyres are 215-section, or 235s for the Performance. Best like the old-school red, too, as the only other colour options are black, silver, grey and white.
Those keeping up to date with recent VWs will be able to tick off the ID 3 GTX’s equipment as we go: ChatGPT is in there, as is the Wellness app, as is the latest version of the IDA voice assistant. With some recycled seats. The tech works through a 12.9-inch infotainment screen that promises to be more intuitive than before.
All well and good, but as we’ve learnt with all too many EVs already (and some of the GTXs, in fact), more power on its own does not necessarily make for a better car on its own. To increase the enthusiast appeal, the ID 3 GTX benefits from modified Dynamic Chassis Control damper as well as a ‘newly parametrised’ Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which will hopefully permit the hot hatch to cut a little looser than the standard, strait-laced ID 3. VW says the latest DCC has more sensors than before, meaning it can ‘better detect how the wheels and body are moving in order to control the shock absorbers accordingly by means of refined algorithms. Greater steering precision is promised as well, though there’s no mention of any naughtiness being encouraged by combining the output with rear-drive.
Kai Grünitz, VW Board member for development, said: “With the ID.3 GTX, Volkswagen is transferring the iconic fascination of its compact GT models into the world of electric mobility. Driving pleasure and sustainability form a completely new alliance here.” Which is quite a big claim. We’ll know if VW’s latest EV can live up to it later in the year.
It has a gearbox?
I cannot see how this car can be any fun at all, just quicker to 60.
I think it will depreciate like a stone.
My ID3 is booked in next month for a software update, (so long ago I can't remember when I was first told it needed this). They have a huge backlog.
I was told it would take 2 days, but have been give a courtesy car for 4 days because I have been told the update could all go wrong.
I am also sick of the key losing connection to the car
My advice perhaps don't consider a flagship 326hp GTX
They made a ok looking EV hot hatch. And, btw, all the golf gti I see around here just drone by on the straight parts of the road with some god awful exhaust. Feel? Sunday morning blast on the twisty road? It is an EV golf! Buy an Elise or something, jesus
They made a ok looking EV hot hatch. And, btw, all the golf gti I see around here just drone by on the straight parts of the road with some god awful exhaust. Feel? Sunday morning blast on the twisty road? It is an EV golf! Buy an Elise or something, jesus
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