X marks the sport for VW’s sporty ID4

​Volkswagen is broadening its award-winning ID.4 range with a new sporty variant - badged GTX. The new sub-brand will sit alongside Volkswagen’s GTI and GTE models and will be exclusively reserved for all-wheel drive battery electric models. 

Based on the standard 77kWh ID.4, the GTX features an additional motor on the front axle that makes it the first ID model to have four-wheel drive. 

The rear axle is fitted with a permanent magnet synchro machine (PSM) motor with an output of 201bhp (the same as the two-wheel drive car) while the front axle houses an asynchronous motor (ASM). Together, the two electric drive motors have a maximum output of 295bhp, which is enough to propel the ID.4 from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds. in terms of power consumption, Volkswagen claims the GTX delivers between 3.2 and 3.4 miles per kWh on the NEDC cycle along with a WLTP range figure of 298 miles. The GTX model will be equipped with 125kW rapid charge capability as standard, which will allow drivers to charge from 10-80% in under 40 minutes on a 150kW rapid charger. 

Volkswagen ID.4 Review

The GTX’s all-wheel system is based on what Volkswagen describes as an ‘intelligent control system’. It determines how the available drive torque is distributed to the two electric drive motors to achieve the ideal balance of efficiency, dynamics and ride stability. 

What that effectively means is that for most of the time, the GTX will only use the rear motor to maximise efficiency. If the car’s sensors detect that extra grip is required (under heavy acceleration, for example), the motor on the front axle kicks in to deliver maximum traction. Volkswagen claims that the power split happens in milliseconds and can’t be detected by the driver. 

In terms of design, Volkswagen has given the GTX what is best described as a pretty subtle sporting makeover. That said, you’ll need to be very familiar with the standard car to spot the differences. The GTX has a black roof and rear spoiler while the roof frame bar is a high-gloss Anthracite. The air grilles on the front end are also painted in high-gloss black. The rear bumper features a different design, while the diffuser insert is painted in grey. Customers can also choose from one additional colour - Metallic Kings Red, 

Inside, the GTX gets a new colour scheme, which according to Volkswagen ‘emphasises the ID.4 GTX’s nature with its sporty yet elegant and modern style’. The upper section of the dash panel and leatherette inserts in the doors are finished in blue while the seats add red contrast stitching. The GTX is priced from £48,525, while the equipment-packed GTX Max is £55,555.

GTX - coming to a four-wheel drive all-electric ID model near you soon