Volkswagen ID.4 GTX unveiled
The ID.4 is Volkswagen's second car under its electric ID brand. Based on the MEB platform, it is a mid-size SUV that promises to be practical and comfortable with a phenomenal driving range.
Volkswagen gave away plans of applying the GTX badge on fast EVs earlier this month, like GTIs but for its EVs, and the first product which inaugurates this genre for it is the ID.4 GTX. The ID.4 GTX comes with a dual-motor setup with 295bhp, promises 0-100kmph in 6.2 seconds and gets a WLTP-tested range of 479km.
Volkswagen ID.4 GTX design and interior
The ID.4 GTX gets minor changes here and there to distinguish itself from the regular ID.4, these include a blackened roof and rear spoiler, GTX badges on the tailgate and front fender and body colored cladding on the sides. The front bumper now houses three LED lights in a vertical stack, similar to what we saw on the new Volkswagen Golf GTI. The rear retains the full-width light bar but the LED tail lights feature a different 3D effect design. The ID.4 GTX comes as standard with 20-inch wheels which can be upgraded to a 21-inch setup with 358mm brake discs at the front.And, it also gets an exclusive Metallic Kings Red paint option.
The interior of the ID.4 GTX gets a sportier look with color contrast materials. This includes dark blue dashboard panels, faux leather door cards and red contrasting stitching. In terms of the tech inside, the digital instrument cluster has been redesigned and top-end models of the ID.4 GTX will get a 12-inch infotainment screen in place of the standard 10-inch unit. The infotainment and centre console layout remains unchanged from the standard ID.4, but there are GTX logos on the seats and the steering wheel to differentiate this sportier variant. More features include a heated steering wheel, configurable LED ambient lighting and a heads up display.
Volkswagen ID.4 GTX powertrain and tech
Being a performance variant of the ID.4, the ID.4 GTX gets some extra oomph, thanks to an additional motor upfront. The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX claims a peak output of 295bhp. The rear axle gets the same 201bhp permanent-magnet motor as the standard ID.4, but it is joined by a less powerful motor up front hence making the ID.4 GTX all-wheel-drive. Volkswagen claims the ID.4 GTX will sprint from 0 to 100kmph in 6.2 seconds and to an electronically limited top speed of 180kmph which is 20kmph more than the standard ID.4. The ID.4 GTX uses a clever automatic AWD system, that remains rear-wheel-drive until it senses slippage or when the driver pushes the accelerator hard, it only then transmits power to all the wheels.
The GTX uses the same 77kWh battery pack, but the WLTP-tested range has dropped down to 479km from the regular ID.4's 520km on the same WLTP cycle, primarily due to the extra juice from the motors. The ID.4 GTX is compatible with 125kW fast charging which translates to 300km range addition from 0 in just half an hour.
The driver can choose from Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual and Traction driving modes. Optional extras on the ID.4 GTX include a Sports package which adds progressive steering and lowers the ride height by 15mm. Furthermore, you can also add in adaptive suspension to the Sports package.
Volkswagen has confirmed that it will bring in the ID.4 to India, as a part of its SUVW plan. That includes the Tiguan Allspace and T-Roc which have already made their way here and the Taigun which is all set to launch in July. The standard ID.4 will be brought in 2022 as a CBU and therefore it will not be cheap, expect it to carry a price tag north of Rs 55 lakh. The ID.4 GTX could serve as a rather cool halo model for the ID lineup in India too.
