Volkswagen ID X Concept Ralf Brandstater

VW ID.3 GTX – Everything we know as of January 2022

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Update: ‘VW ID.3 GTX’ section updated with confirmed specs

In May 2021, Volkswagen presented its first hot hatch concept, the ID X concept. While at the time, the car was said to be a one-off, CEO Ralf Brandstatter said they would take up ideas from the project. However, at IAA Mobility 2021, Brandstatter confirmed that the ID X would be produced as the VW ID.3 GTX. “Fun to drive is a part of mobility,” quoted Brandstatter to Autocar, confirming that the electric ID.-based hot hatch is on its way.

The new go-fast hatchback will not be the same as the ID X concept revealed on LinkedIn by the Volkswagen boss but will form the inspiration for a four-wheel-drive ID.3. The VW ID.3 GTX will add to the Volkswagen GTX line of cars, including the ID.4 GTX and the ID.5 GTX.

Volkswagen ID X Concept steering wheel and accents
The Volkswagen ID X has been confirmed in the ID.3 GTX, but it won’t take all features into production. Image: LinkedIn/Ralf Brandstater

VW ID X Concept

From the limited details that Brandstatter shared on LinkedIn last year, the ID X promises a significant boost to the specs compared to the current range of ID.3s. While the current hatchback is rear-wheel-drive, the ID X adds a motor to the front axle giving it AWD capabilities. This adds 128 bhp over the most potent variant of the ID.3, totalling a system output of 329 bhp. This is more powerful than the ID.4 GTX, Volkswagen’s top-spec SUV. The car is 200 kg lighter than the original allowing it to sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds.

Additionally, the ID X gets drift mode, much like the latest-generation Golf R. Other changes to the car include a lowered suspension setup and large alloys wrapped with low-profile tyres. A matte black paint scheme was used with neon green accents, both outside and the inside. The dash has been modified, and sports seats with Alcantara have been used.

Volkswagen ID X Concept interior
The ID X (pictured) can output 329 hp, but the ID.3 GTX is likely to get around 293 hp. Image: LinkedIn/Ralf Brandstater

VW ID.3 GTX

Brandstatter didn’t give many details away about the production version of the car, but an Autocar report dated 24 January 2022, confirms that the VW ID.3 GTX will get a 293 bhp powertrain, which is identical to the output of the ID.4 GTX. It implies that Volkswagen will use the ID.4 GTX’s dual-motor setup making the VW ID.3 GTX a proper all-wheel-drive hot hatch.

Even if it produces lower power than the SUV, the hot hatch will perform better thanks to its lighter weight. The SUV claims 6.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), but the ID.3 GTX could be closer to 5 seconds. The ID.4 GTX’s top speed is 180 kmph, so it’s possible that its lighter sibling can reach a slightly higher top whack.

Volkswagen ID X Concept headlamp
The VW ID.3 GTX should get the same motors and battery as the ID.4 GTX for a superior performance. Image: ID X from LinkedIn/Ralf Brandstater

The ID.4 GTX gets a 77 kWh battery, allowing a 480 km range (298 miles) on the WLTP cycle. Even the regular ID.3 gets three battery options in Europe (45 kWh, 58 kWh and 77 kWh). So expect the VW ID.3 GTX to sport the 77 kWh battery pack, which could provide around 500 km (311 miles) of range. As the VW boss has confirmed that the VW ID.3 GTX will go into production, we expect to hear more about the hot hatch later this year.

Featured image source: LinkedIn/Ralf Brandstater

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