Volkswagen launches ‘high performance’ electric ID.4 GTX
- New ID.4 GTX SUV will head VW’s electric car line-up when launched
- First Volkswagen to include dual-motor all-wheel drive
- Electronically-limited top speed of 180 km/h and a range just short of 300 miles
Volkswagen has officially launched its latest all-electric car, the ID.4 GTX at Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport.
The new machine is VW’s first ‘sporty’ electric offering, and boasts a maximum output of 229kW (nearly 300 horsepower). The ID.4 GTX is the marque’s debut model based on their modular electric drive matrix to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive.
This means that the new machine has an electric drive motor on both front and rear axles, and can work together to become an electric all-wheel drive, which is a first for the ID. family. The rear motor alone will generate 210 horsepower, with the juice coming from a 77kW lithium ion battery. The system is computer controlled and will use the power from the front motor when increased traction and performance are demanded.
The system propels the ID.4 GTX to 60 km/h in 3.2 seconds and to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, two seconds more rapidly than the standard ID.4. The car is electronically limited to 180 km/h and joins the ID.3, the existing ID.4, e-Golf and e-up! in VW’s pure electric range. A driving range of just short of 300 miles is expected from a single charge, though an onboard regenerative system will top that up under braking.
During the launch, the machine demonstrated its all-wheel drive capabilities by climbing a 525 square metre ramp at an incline of 37.5%.
Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen Brand explained:
Electric driving is simply great fun – and with the ID.4 GTX we are adding a new dimension of sportiness and dynamics.
The most emotional member of the ID. family to date shows that electric mobility and top sporty performance are not mutually exclusive.
Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Board of Management for Development adds:
The full torque of the electric powertrain is immediately available and you can feel the excellent vehicle handling in every bend. What’s more, the innovative operating and safety concept is just as intelligent as the drive train! For example, the driver is supported by the unique augmented reality head-up display and comprehensive assist systems.
The GTX model will add stylistic changes over the standard ID.4, including newly designed bumpers, a 3D LED tail light cluster and brake lights that form an X. The body colour will be more dominant, while the interior also has a new colour scheme. Shades of ‘X-Blue’ will feature on the dashboard and leatherette door inserts, while red contrasting seams will add a sporty flavour. GTX logos will appear on the steering wheel, sill panel trims and in perforated form at the top of the front seat backrests.
An optional sports pack will be offered, lowering the ride height by 15mm and adding progressive steering, with a sports plus option also available.
Volkswagen is aiming to increase the proportion of sales of purely electric vehicles in Europe to 70 percent by 2030 and become climate neutral by 2050. The brand expects to have invested around €16 billion in electric and hybrid mobility by 2025.
The ID.4 GTX will cost €50,415 in Germany, and goes on sale from Summer 2021, with a grant of €7,500 available. UK prices are yet to be revealed.
Richard Randle is a motorsport PR professional working with the UK’s top racing circuits and the UK’s premier single-seater category, the BRDC British F3 Championship.
