The German automaker Volkswagen unveiled the zero-emission ID.4 in September last year, and now it has introduced its performance model under the GTX badge. The company intends to use the GTX symbol only for electric performance models in the future. Comparing the standard ID.4 with the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, the latter gets one more electric motor in the front for an all-wheel-drive setup.
Powertrain and Performance
The two motors collectively produce 295 hp (220 kW) instead of 201 hp (150 kW) generated by one motor rear-wheel-drive model. The GTX actually yields only 7 hp less than the recently introduced China-only ID.6, a bigger three-row electric SUV.
Again comparing it to the regular model, the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds against the 8.5 seconds of its sibling. The top speed has also been bumped from 99 mph (160 km/h) to an electronically limited 112 mph (180 km/h). We believe a better way to measure a sprint in daily commutes is the 0 to 37 mph (60 km/h) time of 3.2 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX employs an automatically adjustable AWD system, which means the vehicle normally sends power to rear wheels only until its sensors notice the SUV requires more traction. Additionally, the AWD system triggers as the driver hits the pedal hard. The company says the switch from RWD to AWD is very smooth and happens in milliseconds such that the driver will not feel it at all.
Performing the running duty on the roads are standard 20-inch wheels (21-inch wheels are optional) with 358-mm brakes at the front axle. The SUV uses drum brakes at the rear wheels, which some may find very odd. However, we have also seen the luxury Audi Q4 E-Tron using it in a similar configuration.
Packages
Those looking to modify the ride to make it sportier can opt for the Sports package that drops the electric vehicle by 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) and includes progressive steering for more vigorous driving. To maintain equilibrium between sportiness and comfort, customers can also choose adaptive shock absorbers, which are part of the Sports Plus package. It allows the driver to select from Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual, and Traction modes.
Battery and Range
Talking about the power source, the 77-kWh battery is the same lithium-ion pack we find in the standard ID.4. However, it delivers up to 298 miles (480 kilometers) of range on WLTP against the 323 miles (520 kilometers) covered in the regular model. That’s understandable since the GTX is heavier due to the dual-motor setup. The charging times are impressive; the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX can add 186 miles (300 kilometers) of range in half an hour using a 125 kW charger.
Design
The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX looks a little different from the standard model. Three-point LED lights positioned vertically in the artificial air intakes and the shiny black finish of the grille make the electric SUV give it a slightly distinct appearance. Inside, it comes equipped with 12-inch infotainment, heated steering wheel, 30-color LED ambient lighting, exclusively adjustable front armrests, and split-folding rear seats.
The new Volkswagen ID.4 GTX will first hit the roads in Europe this summer at a starting price of €50,415 (excluding €7,500 subsidy).
Source and Images: Motor1