Volkswagen ID.4 GTX Review | nationalworld

Ever since Volkswagen put a GTI badge on a tuned Golf in 1976, the three small letters have been inextricably linked to the Wolfsburg brand’s performance models.

Other brands use them too, but for many, GTI is synonymous with fast VWs.

However, it’s been more than 40 years 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 introduction of the GTX emblem.

GT because it maintains a connection to performance cars of the past, X to mean VW is “building a bridge to tomorrow’s mobility”. Um, okay then.

The mobility of tomorrow is electrified and so is the ID.4, which is the first VW to bear the new GTX branding.

The family SUV has been on offer for a year with a variety of battery and engine options, but the GTX brings a significant boost in performance and all-wheel drive to the range.

Every other ID.4 uses a synchronous motor installed in the rear with up to 200 hp. The GTX adds an asynchronous motor to the front axle to bring the car’s total power output to 295 hp and 348 lb ft of torque.

Under most driving conditions, the GTX’s electronic brain will operate the car in rear-wheel drive only. Start pushing further, however, and the front motor kicks into action, adding power and traction to help the “enthusiastic” rider. For those with a leading right foot, the ID.4 GTX will accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. That’s pretty quick (as quick as a Mk7 Golf GTI), but in the ID.4 it doesn’t feel spectacular – more snappy than fast.

It’s similar on a winding B-road. The GTX feels confident and capable, with plenty of grip and direct turn-in, but it lacks the feedback and engagement of something like the rear-wheel drive Ford Mustang Mach-e.

The GTX comes with two chassis options. Standard GTX models feature passive sports suspension, while the GTX Max is lowered by 15mm and features dynamic suspension control with active dampers. These adapt to the driving mode, but generally offer an impressive level of ride comfort that works well with the ID.4’s overall sophistication.

As befits the top model, the ID.4 GTX pairs its two motors with the larger battery pack. At 77 kWh, the ID.4 GTX’s battery offers an official range of 288 miles on a single charge. It also accepts charging at up to 125kW, allowing riders to cover up to 186 miles in just 30 minutes.

While the GTX features boost the performance of the ID.4, it still has to meet the requirements of a practical family vehicle elsewhere. Thanks to the layout of the MEB platform, the ID.4 manages this and offers good space for passengers and luggage. Volkswagen says the passenger compartment is on par with higher-end gasoline-powered SUVs. Even with a massive center console, the extra floor space gives a spacious feel and there’s plenty of head and legroom. 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 rivals these, it feels less adventurous or innovative. The layout looks more familiar, although there are some quirky details, like the play and pause icons on the pedals and the instrument cluster on top of the steering column, with the drive selector mounted to the side.

GTX models get a gloss black dash and red GTX detailing, while GTX Max trim levels include the standard GTX spec with a 12-inch central touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, heat pump, panoramic sunroof and electric powered 360-degree tailgate camera and driver assistance including Lane Change Assist and Highway Assist.

In the VW family, only Audi charges 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 a further £7,000. As the Golf proves, many buyers are happy to make the extra expense for the VW badge, but it’s worth bearing in mind that the Skoda Enyaq Coupé vRS packs many of the Max’s features and costs around £52k, while a Ford Mustang goes along with it Rear-wheel drive is -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 fast enough, roomy and has good range and generous trim levels. Accept it as a fast family car rather than a true heir to the GTI badge and you won’t be disappointed.

Price: £57,270; Engine: Rear permanent magnet synchronous motor, front asynchronous motor; Battery: 77kWh; Perfomance: 295 hp; Torque: 348 pounds foot; Transmission: single-speed automatic, four-wheel drive; Top speed: 112 miles per hour; 0-100km/h: 6.2 seconds; WLTP range: 288 miles; Consumption: 3.27 miles/kWh; Charge: Up to 125kW