What's all this about?

Hot on the heels of the new ID.7 GTX is the new ID.3 GTX – a hot version of the brand’s Golf-sized electric hatchback. Offered in a choice of two forms – the standard GTX and the more potent GTX Performance – the go-faster ID.3 will add a sporty edge to VW’s utilitarian electric family car.

It doesn't look all that different...

VW has made some noticeable changes to the GTX versions of the ID.3, but by and large, it’s the same basic design. It just gets some different bumpers, some black trim and new daytime running lights, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels that can either be two-tone or completely black, depending on the customer’s specification.

Inside, VW has given the car premium sports seats and some red trim, as well as some GTX badges and some bespoke materials, but the overall design is similar to that of the other latest-generation ID.3 models.

Why only similar?

Hold your horses, we were getting to that. Basically, VW has taken the introduction of the GTX as an opportunity to revamp the whole ID.3 range with an updated infotainment system taken from the ID.7. More intuitive, fitted with a ChatGPT-integrated voice assistant and housed in a larger screen, it’s set to be a considerable upgrade for the model.

At the same time, VW has also fiddled with the ergonomics slightly, giving the ID.3 a new drive mode selector housed in a separate steering column switch, rather than the housing of the digital cockpit display.

Sorry, let's get back to the GTX. How fast is it?

That rather depends on which version you choose. There’s a ‘basic’ GTX version with 286hp, all of which comes from one motor mounted on the rear axle. It’s actually the same motor you get in a basic ID.7, and it’s enough to get the ID.3 GTX from 0-62mph in six seconds and on to a top speed of 111mph. Alternatively, you can have the GTX Performance, with 326hp, which cuts the 0-62mph time to 5.6 seconds and increases the top speed to 124mph.

That can't do much for the range, surely?

Well VW hasn’t said much about range – the company doesn’t have official figures yet – but it has confirmed the GTX models will both get a new 79kWh battery pack that should allow the basic GTX to cover about 600km (around 370 miles) on a single charge. And when it’s nearly empty, you’ll be able to charge it at 175kW, allowing it to fill from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in an estimated 26 minutes, assuming ideal conditions.

Sounds good. What about handling?

VW has thought of that, too, so the ID.3 GTX models all get bespoke suspension settings and a sporty steering tune, while the GTX Performance gets an adaptive chassis system that allows drivers to choose whether the suspension is set up for handling or comfort.

How much will it set me back?

We don’t know yet, but we’re expecting it to cost significantly more than the £40,000 or so VW is charging for an existing top-of-the-range ID.3. We could be looking at more than £50,000, which sounds outrageous, but it’s only what you’ll pay for a Golf R these days.

James Fossdyke - 13 Mar 2024