Volkswagen zaps sportiness into ID.4 GTX

“The most emotional member of the ID family to date shows that electric mobility and top sporty performance are not mutually exclusive.” That's how the CEO of Volkswagen Ralf Brandstätter described the first sporty ID. car, the ID. 4 GTX.

The sporty quality of the ID.4 GTX comes from its dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD). VW said it's the first modular electric drive matrix (MEB) car to feature an electric motor in the front and rear axles.

The two e-motors deliver 299hp, and the ID.4 GTX's AWD prowess was demonstrated during its world premiere in an aircraft hangar at the former Tempelhof Airport in Berlin, Germany.

Volkswagen said that thanks to the car's intelligently controlled AWD, the GTX was able to climb a ramp at an incline of 37 percent.

The AWD also helps propel the GTX, the flagship model of the ID.4 line, from zero to 60kph in 3.2 seconds, and to 100kph in 6.2 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to 180kph.

The design of the ID.4 GTX shows its sporty intent. The three honeycomb elements form the daytime running lights, and give bumper a wider look. VW said these design cues convey sporty character even when stationary and establish a connection to the Golf GTI, too.

Alongside the newly designed bumpers, the eye-catching elements at the rear include the 3D LED tail light cluster with brake lights that form an X.

The ID.4 GTX's roof and rear spoiler are painted black, while the roof frame bar is a in high-gloss anthracite.

New color schemes are found inside. The upper section of the dashboard and leatherette inserts in the doors come a the dark shade of X-Blue, which "represents sustainability."

Red contrasting seams, a classic symbol for sportiness and strength, add accents to the seats. The GTX logo appears on the steering wheel, sill panel trims and, at the top of the front seat backrests.

Volkswagen said the new GTX product brand is a booster for both the ID. family and its "Accelerate" corporate strategy, in which Volkswagen aims to become the "most coveted sustainable mobility brand."

It has set a target of increasing the pure electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe to 70 percent by 2030, and also intends to become climate-neutral by 2050.  

The ID.4 GTX will be launched in Europe this year. It won't be surprising if this hotter version will be as well-received as its more mellow sibling. 

"The ID.4 launch has been very successful and the car has been well received by customers," Volkswagen Board Member for Sales Klaus Zellmer said. He made this observation when the first batch of ID.4 cars were delivered to customers in Germany. 

The regular ID.4 is powered by a 52kWh or a 77kWh battery, in which the latter has an estimated range of 522 kilometers. Its electric motor, meanwhile, generates 201hp, sent to the rear wheels. It can deliver a top speed of 160kph. 

Fingers can be crossed for the ID.4's Philippines arrival, too. Volkswagen Philippines recently expressed the company's willingness to offer EVs. 

Photos from Volkswagen

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