What's all this about?

Volkswagen has revealed the go-faster GTX version of its ID.7 executive car, just weeks after the estate versions were unveiled. With two electric motors producing 340hp, the hot version will be offered in both saloon and estate forms, offering improved performance in exchange for a slightly shorter range.

So what's powering this GTX model?

As well as the standard single rear-axle motor you get in an ID.7 Pro or Pro S model, the GTX gets another motor at the front, providing more power and all-wheel drive. The two motors work together to produce 340hp, and that means there’s a bit more performance. VW hasn’t said quite how much performance, but it’s enough for the top speed to rise by a whole 12mph to 111mph.

That doesn't sound like a massive increase over the standard ID.7...

That’s because it isn’t. Not really. The ID.7 Pro only has one motor, and it only powers the rear wheels, but it still produces 286hp. And it’s the same motor you’ll find at the back of the GTX. The hot model’s front motor produces 109hp, but it can’t use it all at the same time as the rear motor, so the power difference between the ID.7 Pro S and the ID.7 GTX is just 54hp.

What about range?

VW hasn’t given us an official range figure yet — we don’t even have a guesstimate — but VW says the use of an asynchronous electric motor at the front means the car won’t be much less efficient than an ID.7 Pro S, with which the GTX shares a 91kWh lithium-ion battery. Only 86kWh of that is accessible, though, so we’re expecting an official range of around 400 miles for the GTX compared with 420 miles for the Pro S.

And charging?

Like the Pro S versions of the ID.7, the GTX will get the ability to rapid-charge at speeds of up to 200kW, which means the battery can be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in less than half an hour.

Is there any impact on boot space?

None at all. VW says the ID.7 GTX Tourer will offer the same 605-litre luggage compartment as the standard ID.7 Tourer, while folding the seats down frees up the same 1,714-litre space.

So if it’s no faster, no more spacious and no more efficient than a Pro S, what’s the point?

Well, there’s more to the GTX than just straight line speed. For a kick-off, some customers might appreciate the extra security of all-wheel drive, and there’s the question of style. The GTX gets its own body kit and bespoke styling upgrades, with sports seats inside and more aggressive bumpers outside. Big alloy wheels come as standard, too, along with some black exterior trim.

You also get a bespoke suspension and steering set-up, designed to offer better body control and handling characteristics, while adaptive suspension with a greater breadth of settings will be available as an option.

What will it cost, and when can I have one?

We don’t know how much VW is planning to charge for the ID.7 GTX, but you can rest assured it’ll be more expensive than the Pro S, which is expected to cost something in the region of £55,000-£60,000. And the Tourer will likely command a healthy premium, too. VW says “pre-sales” will begin in the spring.

James Fossdyke - 13 Mar 2024