After the mid-2010s, Volkswagen decided it was time to seriously step into the electric vehicle game. Thus, they set to work, and a few years later, they came up with the ID. series. The first model to become part of this lineup was the ID.3, an all-quiet compact hatchback, which entered production in 2019.
Currently made in Germany and China, the Volkswagen ID.3 builds on the Group's MEB platform. This architecture is dedicated to EVs and is the foundation stone of 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. Therefore, it is highly versatile, supporting multiple configurations.
The German marque's zero-emission hatchback is offered with rear-wheel drive, featuring a single-motor powertrain, and an all-wheel drive variant, with emphasis on sporty driving, is in the works. We are talking about the ID.3 GTX, which will become an all-quiet alternative to the iconic VW Golf R. However, it might actually be a bit less powerful than the ICE-powered AWD hot hatch.
Photo: Baldauf
Dual-Motor Powertrain With AWD for All-Weather Capabilities
Since it hasn't yet been unveiled, and with Volkswagen remaining kind of tight-lipped about it, we can only assume what will power the ID.3 GTX. The most plausible scenario sees it adopting the same engine as its hot high-riding siblings, the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX. Both use a dual-motor setup generating a combined 295 hp (300 ps/220 kW) and 339 lb-ft (460 Nm) of torque. They're capable of hitting 112 mph (180 kph) flat-out and can tow up to 1.4 tons (3,086 pounds).
Juicing up the motors is a 77 kWh battery pack, which is likely to make its way to the hot hatch, too. The ID.4 GTX has a driving range of 310 miles (500 km) on the WLTP cycle, and the ID.5 GTX can do almost 320 miles (512 km) on a full charge. Since it is a bit smaller and, therefore, lighter, the ID.3 GTX will probably have a total autonomy of between 340-370 miles (550-600 km).
It is worth mentioning that the concept that previewed the electric hot hatch two years ago, which was christened the ID.X, was punchier than the GTX versions of the ID.4 and ID.5. It had a maximum of 328 hp (333 ps/245 kW) produced by its dual-motor powertrain, and Volkswagen claimed it could do the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 5.3 seconds. Thus, it slotted between the Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of performance.
Photo: Baldauf
Exterior and Interior Design and Other Highlights
We saw the first spy shots of the ID.3 GTX earlier this week, and between us, a magnifying glass was needed to spot the novelties. Nonetheless, that does not mean they aren't there, as they will comprise new front and rear bumpers with a sportier design and likely chunkier side skirts. It will feature a diffuser at the rear and will ride on different wheels that should be backed up by uprated brakes. Some chassis updates are also expected, and the car will probably have a slightly lower ground clearance compared to the regular models.
The cockpit has yet to open up to the camera, but it will be almost identical to that of the regular ID.3. It will still feature a large infotainment system on the dashboard and a small digital instrument cluster next to it, and they might feature additional submenus. A dedicated driving mode is also expected, and it might benefit from a drift mode, too. We should probably see a sportier steering wheel, front seats with more side bolstering to keep the driver and passenger secured on twisty roads, and exclusive upholstery and trim, presumably with black and red accents.
Photo: Baldauf
Conclusions
The GTX variant of the ID.3 won't be an extreme hot hatch, and that is clearly evident from the little-to-no official information we have on it and the latest batch of scoops. It will differentiate itself from the normal models by getting a sporty makeover inside and out, will have a dual-motor powertrain with sufficient output for the occasional thrashing, a more-than-decent driving range, and fast-charging capabilities. We don't think it will be a best-seller when it launches, probably in a few months as a 2024 model, but then again, neither are the GTI and R versions of the Golf.
Speaking of which, the Golf will get a new generation, recent reports indicate, and it will be built on an entirely new platform supporting up to 1,700 hp. The people's car will be offered with electric power only, and it is expected to arrive before 2028. The same architecture will be used on other vehicles made by the Volkswagen Group, and the double-digit output is expected to be reserved for the exotic brands, like Lamborghini and Porsche, though certain Audis might boast it, too. We'd also mention Bentley and Bugatti here, though the truth is that the successor to the Chiron is still shrouded in mystery.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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