VW ID.3 GTX: Everything We Know About the Battery-Electric Hot Hatch
In the middle of the 2010s, Volkswagen made a serious decision to enter the electric vehicle industry. They worked hard and eventually created the ID. series after a few years. The primary addition to this collection was the ID.3, a little hatchback that operates quietly. It went into production in 2019.
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At present, the Volkswagen ID.3 is produced in Germany and China and is constructed on the Group's MEB platform, which is specifically designed for electric vehicles. This particular platform serves as the groundwork for other vehicles including the ID.4, ID.5, ID.6, ID.7, ID. Buzz, Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Tavascan, Born, Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q5 e-tron, and new Ford Explorer. The MEB platform has the ability to adapt to various configurations, making it incredibly flexible.
Volkswagen's electric hatchback, known as the ID.3, has two options for driving: rear-wheel drive with one motor or all-wheel drive with a focus on sporty driving, which is currently being developed. This new model, called the ID.3 GTX, is a silent alternative to the VW Golf R. However, it may not be as powerful as the gasoline-powered all-wheel drive hatchback.
AWD Dual-Motor System: Weather-Ready Powertrain
We aren't quite sure what Volkswagen has in store for the ID.3 GTX, as they haven't announced anything official yet. However, it's likely that it will have the same engine as its siblings, the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX. These cars use a dual-motor setup to produce 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. They can also reach a top speed of 112 mph and tow up to 3,086 pounds.
Powering the engines is a battery pack with a capacity of 77 kWh, which is also expected to be featured in the sporty hatchback model. The ID.4 GTX can travel up to 310 miles (500 km) on a single charge according to the WLTP cycle, while the ID.5 GTX boasts almost 320 miles (512 km). Being smaller and lighter, the ID.3 GTX is anticipated to have a range of around 340-370 miles (550-600 km).
It's important to note that the original idea for the electric hot hatch known as the ID.X, which was introduced two years ago, was more powerful than the GTX versions of the ID.4 and ID.5. It had the ability to unleash a maximum of 328 horsepower (or 333 ps/245 kW) due to its dual-motor power system. Volkswagen even boasted that the car could go from 0 to 62 miles per hour (or 0-100 kilometers per hour) in just 5.3 seconds—a speed that positioned it firmly between the Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of impressive performance.
Design And Highlights: Inside & Out
We got a sneak peek of the ID.3 GTX through some spy photos this week. It was quite tricky to spot any significant changes, so we had to take a closer look with a magnifying glass. However, that doesn't mean there aren't any differences. The new model will showcase revamped front and rear bumpers with a more athletic look, plus bigger side skirts. As for the appearance, it will feature a diffuser at the back and wheels that are different from the standard design, most likely with stronger brakes. We are also expecting some modifications to the chassis, and it's likely that the car will sit a bit lower compared to the existing models.
The camera hasn't shown the cockpit yet, but it's expected to look very similar to the standard ID.3. It'll have a big entertainment screen on the dashboard and a small digital display nearby, with possible extra options. A special driving mode is likely to be on offer, including a drift feature. We can expect a sportier steering wheel, front seats with extra support for twisty roads, and customized upholstery and decorative touches with a black and red colour scheme.
The ID.3 GTX version won't be a super-fast car, and this is clear from the little information we have on it and the latest news. It will stand out from the regular models with a sporty design inside and out. It will also have two motors with enough power for occasional fast driving, a decent driving range, and quick charging capabilities. We don't expect it to sell a lot when it becomes available in a few months as a 2024 model. However, this is similar to the GTI and R versions of the Golf, which also aren't top sellers.
According to recent reports, it appears that a new generation of the Golf is coming soon, and it will be based on a brand new platform that supports over 1,700 horsepower. This car will only be electric and should be available before 2028. The Volkswagen Group plans on using this architecture for other cars they make, and we can expect some exotic brands such as Lamborghini and Porsche, potentially even some Audis, to have double-digit output. While it's unclear what's next for Bentley and Bugatti, the successor to the Chiron remains a mystery.
