Ever since Volkswagen stuck a GTI badge on a tuned Golf in 1976, those three little letters have been intrinsically linked to Wolfsburg-branded performance models.
Other brands use them too but, for many, GTI equates to fast VWs.
It’s been over 40 years, however, since Wolfsburg started using the GTI badge and with the advent of electric cars the brand decided it needed a new way to identify its hottest models. , hence the arrival of the GTX badge.
GT because it retains a link to the performance cars of the past, X to stand for VW “building a bridge to the mobility of tomorrow”. Uh, okay then.
This mobility of tomorrow is electrified, just like the ID.4, the first VW to wear the new GTX brand.
The family SUV has been on sale for a year now with a host of battery and engine options, but the GTX brings a significant power boost and all-wheel drive to the lineup.
All other ID.4s use a rear-mounted synchronous motor offering up to 200 hp. The GTX adds an asynchronous motor to the front axle to bring the car’s total power to 295 hp and torque to 348 lb-ft.
Under most driving conditions, the GTX’s electronic brain will run the car in rear-wheel drive only. But start pushing and the front motor kicks in, adding power and traction to help the “enthusiastic” driver. For those with a right foot in mind, the ID.4 GTX will go from standstill to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds. It’s fast enough (as fast as a Mk7 Golf GTI) but in the ID.4 it doesn’t look spectacular – nippy rather than fast.
It’s a similar story on a twisty B-road. The GTX feels composed and capable, with plenty of grip and direct cornering, but it lacks the feedback and engagement of something like the rear-drive Ford Mustang Mach-e.
The GTX comes with two chassis options. Standard GTX models come with passive sports suspension while the GTX Max is lowered by 15mm and features Dynamic Chassis Control with active dampers. These adapt to the drive mode but, generally, offer impressive ride comfort that pairs well with the overall refinement of the ID.4.
As befits the top model, the ID.4 GTX combines its two motors with the larger battery. At 77kWh, the ID.4 GTX’s battery offers an official range of 288 miles on a single charge. It also accepts charging up to 125kW, allowing drivers to add up to 186 miles in just 30 minutes.
While the GTX features enhance the performance of the ID.4, elsewhere it still has to fulfill the mandate of being a practical family vehicle. Thanks to the MEB platform layout, the ID.4 handles this, providing good space for passengers and luggage. Volkswagen says the passenger space matches upper-class gasoline SUVs. Even with a massive center console, the extra floor space makes it roomy and there’s plenty of head and leg room. A 535-litre boot is better than most similarly sized ICE SUVs and rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, although the related Skoda Enyaq offers 50 liters more.
The ID.4 shares its platform with the Skoda Enyaq and Audi Q4 e-tron and while its interior quality may match those, it feels less adventurous or innovative. There’s a more familiar look and feel to the layout, although there are a few quirkier touches, such as the play and pause symbols on the pedals and the instrument binnacle above the steering column with the drive selector mounted on the side.
GTX models get a gloss black dash finish and red GTX detailing, while the GTX Max trim adds to the standard GTX spec with a 12-inch center touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, heat pump, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera on the power tailgate and driver assistance including lane change assist and highway assist.
In the VW family, only Audi commands a higher premium than Volkswagen, so the ID.4 GTX doesn’t come cheap. The starting price is £50,540, while the GTX Max costs an additional £7,000. As the Golf proves, many buyers are happy to make the extra outlay for the VW badge, but it’s worth bearing in mind that the Skoda Enyaq Coupe vRS packs plenty of Max features and costs around £52,000, while A rear-drive Ford Mustang Mach -e with similar performance also sits around the £52,000 mark.
Still, there’s a lot to like about the ID.4 GTX. It’s fairly fast, spacious and has a good range and generous equipment levels. Accept it as a fast family wagon rather than a true heir to the GTI badge and you won’t be disappointed.
Price: £57,270; Engine: Permanent magnetic synchronous rear motor, asynchronous front motor; Battery: 77 kWh; Able: 295 hp; Couple : 348 lb ft; Transmission: Single-speed automatic, all-wheel drive; Top speed: 112mph; 0-62mph: 6.2 seconds; WLTP range: 288 miles; Consumption: 5.27 miles/kWh; Loading: Up to 125kW
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-16 17:00:06
