What if the Golf GTI became an EV? Well, thanks to the arrival of the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX, that’s a question we won’t have to fear answering any time soon.
The new wave of electric performance cars is coming, and although it might be tempting to dig your heels into the sand, our EV tuning guide shows that it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the enthusiast scene. The real contentious point for some is the ‘bastardization’ of iconic ICE nameplates by powering the next generation with batteries instead of petrol. Fortunately though, that’s not something we need to worry about in regards to Volkswagen’s legendary hot hatch. Instead, VW has given us a spicier version of the new-age ID.3 EV while the Golf GTI retains its pistons into its eighth generation. Who knows what the future holds, but for now it’s a distinction that I’m sure many of you reading this will appreciate. Still, it’d be unfair to disregard the new ID.3 GTX’s potential in its own right, so let’s see what it’s got to offer.
Volkswagen ID.3 GTX
On paper, you have to say that there’s plenty to like about the ID.3 GTX. It’s got the same powertrain (same everything, actually) as the Cupra Born VZ, which means it outputs 322hp and sends it all to the rear wheels. You also get 402lb.ft of torque, which is way more than a Golf R. Admittedly, the Golf R does have the GTX comprehensively beat in a race from a standstill, but a 5.6-second 0-62mph time is still nothing to be sniffed at.
Aside from the powertrain, the ID.3 GTX also receives a ‘more precise’ chassis setup, with Golf GTI-style Dynamic Chassis Control being made available on the Performance trim level. In a nutshell, DCC is a sensor-based system which aims to improve the car’s dynamic performance by monitoring wheel speeds and wheel movements to help keep things in check.
On the inside, the cabin design is enhanced by red piping, but sadly there’s no sign of the GTI’s popular plaid upholstery.
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer
The high-voltage hot hatch isn’t the only GTX model that Volkswagen has lifted the lid on though. Those of you with good memories might remember the ID.X Concept from last year, and well, it seems as though this is what that car has spawned: the ID.7 GTX Tourer. An estate, or station wagon, rather than the typical ID.7 sedan, this car sadly isn’t quite as lairy with its performance figures compared to the concept.
It does pack a bigger punch than the ID.3 GTX though, as you’d expect given its need to shift a larger package; 335hp to be specific.
Like its smaller counterpart, the styling revisions made to the ID.7 are kept relatively subtle, but the GTX’s presence is undoubtedly enhanced by the 20-inch rims on both cars (21s are available in the ID.7 too) and slightly angrier front bumper design.
Anyway, now that Volkswagen has tried its hand at making electric GTIs, maybe an electric alternative to the ‘R’ will come next. After all, the earlier concept car proves that they can make something much more extreme than these production models if they want to…
