The Performance trim of the VW ID.3 GTX is the go-to option for those looking to channel their inner thrill seeker.
The VW ID.3 GTX Performance boasts the title of getting the most powerful electric drive motor from Volkswagen. With this, the EV becomes an electric compact sports car. Note that the regular ID.3 GTX already possesses a rather potent 210 kW (285 PS) power. With the Performance avatar, the German car marque is definitely upping the ante. Let us glance through the specifications of this compact electric monster. The top VW officials are comparing the performance of the EV to the iconic Golf GTI Clubsport.
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VW ID.3 GTX Performance – Specs
The VW ID.3 GTX Performance comes with a sizeable 79 kWh (net) battery pack. It is located precisely in the center of the vehicle for a sporty low center of gravity and ideal axle load distribution. This enhances the driving dynamics and handling characteristics. The total power and torque outputs stand at a whopping 240 kW (326 PS) and 545 Nm. This is higher than the most powerful turbocharged V6 from VW.
This configuration propels the EV from 0 to 100 kmph (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds. For the first for the ID. range, the top speed is electronically limited to 200 kmph (124 mph). Using a 185 kW DC fast charger, the battery juices up in 26 minutes from 10% to 80%. It deploys innovative charging and thermal management with battery pre-conditioning. The WLTP range is an impressive 601 km (373 miles).
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VW ID.3 GTX Performance – Design and Features
On the outside, the GTX Performance differentiates itself from the rest of the lineup (excluding GTX) with special design elements. This includes things like GTX-specific front bumper features a new independent black air intake in a diamond-style design and customised signature light. The 20-inch Skagen GTX wheel rim is available completely in black as an option. A host of GTX-specific features also customize the vehicle interior.
Talking about the interior, the performance EV gets the latest generation of software and infotainment system with a 12.9-inch (32.9-centimeter) display, the IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT and an improved, intuitive operating concept and optional amenities like enhanced augmented reality head-up display, a redesigned Wellness app and the premium sound system from Harman Kardon.
Ensuring top-notch safety prowess, the GTX already has ADAS features including cruise control system (can be extended to Adaptive Cruise Control ACC by an upgrade), Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, lane keeping system Lane Assist, oncoming vehicle braking when turning function and Dynamic Road Sign Display and Car2X traffic hazard alert function.
Price
The VW ID.3 GTX Performance has been launched in Germany at a starting price of €52,295 ($57,200) incl. VAT. In the German market, there are benefits worth €3,570 ($3,900) under the VW scrappage scheme for all ID. models. Therefore, the effective price tag is even more attractive.
Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, said, “With its spontaneous and superior power delivery, the new ID.3 GTX Performance is for me the electric counterpart to our sporty compact car icon, the Golf GTI Clubsport. Of course, an electric drive and a turbocharged petrol engine each have their own unique character. Yet the ID.3 GTX Performance and the Golf GTI Clubsport share the same fascinating lightness when they accelerate.”
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Learn Electric Cars Says
With the rise of EVs, the performance divisions of legacy carmakers have received massive boost. For instance, we have already seen how impressive Hyundai’s N Division has become in the last few months after the arrival of the Ioniq 5 N. Similarly, at Kia, we have seen the exquisite performance of its GT range. The inherent instant torque delivery of electric powertrains ensures that EVs are naturally fast off the line. If honed properly, these characteristics allow to derive erstwhile supercar-like performance from a relative regular EV. I am excited to witness more such products in the future.
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