VW adds 340hp ID 7 saloon to GTX lineup

Launching the wagon first suggested this ID 7 derivative might be more exciting - nope

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 4 June 2024 / Loading comments

Hopes were high for the ID 7 GTX - rightly or wrongly - thanks to the IDX Performance concept shown last year. Though evidently a pretty extreme vision (by VW standards), it was also quite clearly an ID 7, one that looked like it could be productionised - carbon buckets, arch flares, gold wheels and all - relatively easily. Even if it didn’t have more than 550hp, as per the show car. But it would surely make buyers think twice before getting a Model 3 Performance or i4 M50 or Performance Packed Polestar.

As it is, the showroom-spec ID 7 GTX doesn’t bear much resemblance to the Performance. As in, not at all. Its dual motor setup - APP550 at the rear, AKA150 at the front, for those who used to do engine codes - offers up a vaguely useful uptick in power over standard, but only to the same 340hp as in the recently revealed wagon. Indeed, it mirrors the spec of that car near enough exactly: 86kWh battery, 200kW charging, sub six seconds to 62mph and 112mph. Which is all kind of fine, but it’s hard not to be a tad disappointed when a concept has hinted at something more interesting. Range and efficiency are yet to be confirmed.

As a reminder of GTX spec (it would have been easy for the car to pass you by), the flagship ID 7 gets 20-inch alloy wheels (upgradeable to 21s), a black roof, a modest rear diffuser and ever-so-slightly more aggressive bumpers at both ends. GTXs not in Kings Red (it’s white, silver, black or grey otherwise) will probably look like every other ID 7; strong commitment from VW to the Q car cause, with roots going all the way back to the W8 Passat, though customers might prefer something jazzier these days. Or more performance to go with the under-the-radar looks. Standard IQ.Light LED matrix lights get a GTX-specific daytime running light.

Marking this ID 7 out as the top-of-the-range model inside (because ChatGPT and the Wellness app are coming to all) are red accents for the GTX-specific seat, the doors and the wheel, 30-colour ambient lighting and an augmented reality head-up display. Something called an ergoActive seat is an extra, and might be worthwhile given how adept the ID 7 is at wiling away the miles. A glut of additional assists like Connected Travel Assist will be available alongside the standard systems but, given their frustrating nature in a standard ‘7, there seems little reason to get any more.

The standard car did drive okay, however, and the GTX tweaks do hint at bringing the big VW to life a little more. A ‘sporty and precise driving experience’ is promised thanks to tweaks to the steering, suspension and driver aids, though the DCC dampers remain optional.

“With its 250 kW drive and outstandingly dynamic tuning, the new ID 7 GTX demonstrates the fascinating sporting potential offered by electric Volkswagen models,” said Kai Grünitz of VW’s board. “We have put a GTX family on wheels that offers a whole new level of fascination in terms of dynamic performance. That is because the acceleration of all these Volkswagen models – with a clearly noticeable punch – is simply a lot of fun. Combined with high efficiency, this driving pleasure is a vital aspect of Volkswagen e-mobility.” Perhaps we have different opinions of what a lot of fun entails behind the wheel. Or perhaps the ID 7 GTX really will be the VW EV we’ve been waiting for. But don't hold your breath.