Volkswagen is upping the ante by launching a new, even sportier version of the ID.3 GTX. In addition to the ID.3 GTX, which delivers 210 kW (285 PS), the new ID.3 GTX Performance with 240 kW (326 PS) is now also available to order. This means that the electric compact sports car is equipped with Volkswagen’s most powerful electric drive motor. Both GTX versions effortlessly convert their power into traction on the rear axle. The body and chassis layout offers significant benefits here: with the new 79 kWh battery (net) located in the sandwich floor and precisely in the centre of the vehicle, this design offers a sporty low centre of gravity and ideal axle load distribution for driving dynamics and vehicle handling that guarantees plenty of fun.

Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, says: “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.”

Powerful engine, large battery and high charging capacity. The ID.3 GTX Performance is the first model to feature an enhanced version of the Volkswagen Performance drive system. Here the output could be increased from 210 kW (ID.3 GTX) to 240 kW (ID.3 GTX Performance). The electric drive motor produces a maximum torque of 545 Nm for both output ratings – thus exceeding the drive power of the most powerful Volkswagen V6 turbocharged engines. In the GTX Performance version, the ID.3 packs a powerful punch, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The drive is not electronically limited until 200 km/h – a first for the ID. family.

The energy comes from a 79 kWh lithium-ion battery (net), which absorbs up to 185 kW of power at DC quick-charging stations thanks to innovative charging and thermal management with battery pre-conditioning. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent again in about 26 minutes. The ID.3 GTX Performance’s WLTP range is up to 601 km.

Sports DCC for the top-of-the-line version. The GTX-specific running gear is equipped with stronger stabilisers and is tuned to the drive system’s very high performance. The basic layout consists of a MacPherson front axle and a five-link rear axle with a sophisticated guidance system. The progressive steering system, which has been adapted to the ID.3 GTX, is fitted as standard. The ID.3 GTX Performance can also be equipped with the modified Sport DCC adaptive chassis control. The newly configured Vehicle Dynamics Manager uses more sensor signals than before. As a result, the system is able to better detect how the wheels and body are moving in order to control the shock absorbers accordingly by means of refined algorithms. This ensures precise handling and perfect roadholding – and not just in sporty driving situations.

Sporty GTX design. The ID.3 GTX and the new ID.3 GTX Performance differ from the other models in the product line with their special design elements. The 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 customise the vehicle interior.

Simple and intuitive operation. The new ID.3 GTX Performance comes with the latest generation of software and infotainment system with a 12.9-inch (32.8-centimetre) display, the IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT and an improved, intuitive operating concept. In addition, optional features such as the enhanced augmented reality head-up display, a redesigned Wellness app and the premium sound system from Harman Kardon are available.

Standard systems. The ID.3 GTX already has a wide range of state-of-the-art assist systems as standard to ensure comfort and safety on board. These include the 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. Also included as standard: the Car2X traffic hazard alert function.

Systems such as Connected Travel Assist with online data utilisation are optionally available. This system enables assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range as well as assisted lane changing on motorways. In addition, lane guidance without detected lane markings is possible if online data is available.