Description
When Volkswagen introduced the ID.4, it showed just a glimpse of what the MEB platform was capable of, and the 2021 ID.4 GTX revealed more of it.
Volkswagen was not the first carmaker to switch to electric power for its vehicles, but it didn't rush either. At first, the German carmaker adapted some of its well-known products such as the up! and Golf while it was researching a better platform for electric mobility. The ID.3 was a clear sign of what the newly developed MEB platform could do, and the ID.4 GTX confirmed it.
Designed in-house, the ID.4 GTX showed a muscular stance with a high body shape, specific for an SUV. At the front, it showed a similar fascia as the ID4, with additional daytime running lights in the front's side scoops. The ascending beltline continued to the raked C-pillar. Alongside the newly designed bumpers included 3D LED taillights with brake lights that formed an X-sign with the horizontal light strip across the tailgate. The body color was more dominant than on regular ID.4 models. The roof and rear spoiler were black, while the roof frame was high-gloss anthracite.
Inside, the vehicle's dashboard relied mostly on two displays: one as an instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The minimalist design trend followed the dashboard's look, with flat and clean surfaces. The upper section of the dashboard and leatherette inserts in the doors came as a dark shade of blue.
Volkswagen installed a dual-motor system for the ID.4 GTX, one for each axle. Their total output was 299 hp, and thanks to its intelligent all-wheel-drive system, it could climb a 32.5% ramp effortlessly.
Press Release
The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX is the first model based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive and also offers attractive, high-quality design elements.
"Electric driving is simply great fun - and with the ID.4 GTX we are adding a new dimension of sportiness and dynamics," explained Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen Brand. "The most emotional member of the ID. family to date shows that electric mobility and top sporty performance are not mutually exclusive."
The VW ID.4 GTX has one electric drive motor on both the front and rear axle. Together, they deliver a maximum electrical output of 220 kW (299 hp) and can work together as an electric all-wheel drive - a first for the ID. family. Holding the world premiere in an aircraft hangar at the former Tempelhof Airport in Berlin allowed the new model to show just what the intelligently controlled all-wheel drive is capable of: the ID.4 GTX effortlessly climbed a ramp at an incline of 37.5%. Thanks to the dual-motor all-wheel drive, the flagship model of the ID.4 product line is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.2 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The vehicle's top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.
"The full torque of the electric powertrain is immediately available and you can feel the excellent vehicle handling in every bend," says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Board of Management for Development. "What's more, the innovative operating and safety concept is just as intelligent as the drive train! For example, the driver is supported by the unique augmented reality head-up display and comprehensive assist systems."
The design of the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX underscores its extraordinary character, combining driving fun with a robust look. The familiar light strip has been combined with powerful, dynamic elements - in particular, the three honeycomb elements that form the daytime running lights. They convey the vehicle's sporty character even when it is stationary and, at the same time, establish a connection to the Golf GTI. Alongside the newly designed bumpers, the eye-catching elements at the rear include the 3D LED tail light cluster with brake lights that form an X.
The body colour is more dominant than on rear-wheel drive models. The roof and rear spoiler are black, while the roof frame bar is a high-gloss anthracite. The interior also boasts a new colour scheme. The upper section of the dashboard and leatherette inserts in the doors come in the dark shade of X-Blue, which represents sustainability. Red contrasting seams - a classic symbol for sportiness and strength - add accents to the seats. The GTX logo appears on the steering wheel, sill panel trims and - in perforated form - at the top of the front seat backrests.
The new GTX product brand is a booster for both the ID. family and the ACCELERATE corporate strategy, with which Volkswagen aims to become the most coveted sustainable mobility brand. It has set itself the target of increasing the proportion of sales of purely electric vehicles in Europe to 70 percent by 2030. Volkswagen intends to become climate-neutral by 2050 and by 2025, Volkswagen will have invested around 16 billion euros in electric mobility, hybridisation and digitalisation.
The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX will be launched in Europe in summer 2021. In Germany, it will start at an entry-level price of 50,415 euros, with customers being able to apply for a (net) grant of 7,500 euros.
