Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

Overview

The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX was the punchier, all-wheel-drive sibling in the ID.4 family, primarily aimed at Europe before its 2022 discontinuation. Think of it as the GTI of VW's electric SUVs, blending practicality with a zesty dual-motor kick. While never officially sold stateside under the GTX badge, its specs mirror the US market's ID.4 AWD Pro S. Official US pricing for this specific EU-market GTX trim isn't available. This was VW's way of showing an electric SUV could have a sporty soul, making it a compelling, albeit rare, electric performer.

What's New for 2022?

For its final model year, the 2022 ID.4 GTX carried forward the sporty enhancements that defined its brief run from 2021. It solidified its position as the performance flagship of the ID.4 range in Europe. While the broader ID.4 lineup saw updates like improved charging speeds for some variants and software tweaks in 2022, the GTX's core offering remained its potent dual-motor AWD setup and distinct styling cues. Its discontinuation in 2022 marked a short but impactful life, showcasing VW's vision for a more dynamic electric SUV.

Design & Exterior

The ID.4 GTX screams "sporty SUV" louder than its siblings! You get unique bumpers, glossy black air intake grilles, and anthracite roof rails setting it apart. The rear features a striking X-forming LED taillight signature and a black spoiler. Standard LED headlights pierce the night, while GTX badging subtly hints at its extra grunt. Dimensions come in at a practical 180.4 inches long, 72.9 inches wide, and 63.6 inches tall, making it agile enough for city streets yet substantial on the road. It's a handsome, athletic take on the familiar ID.4 shape.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the GTX spices things up with unique trim accents, often including sporty red contrast stitching on the seats and dashboard, creating a more driver-focused vibe. Passenger space is typical ID.4 generous, easily seating five. Luggage? You've got a solid 30.3 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a massive 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat – no frunk though! Tech-wise, expect Volkswagen's standard Discover Pro infotainment system with a sizable touchscreen (likely 10 or 12-inch), seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a configurable digital driver's display.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the GTX shines! With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, it packs a 220 kW (that’s 295 horsepower!) punch and 339 lb-ft of instant torque. Nail the accelerator, and you'll hit 60 mph in a brisk 5.9 seconds, according to the specs. The motor setup features an Induction Motor at the front and a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor at the rear, offering a great blend of efficiency and oomph. Expect a more engaging drive than standard ID.4s, with surefooted handling and a comfortable ride, plus adjustable regenerative braking to claw back energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The GTX is powered by a 77 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare estimates a real-world range of around 258 miles, with an efficiency of 3.35 mi/kWh – pretty decent for an AWD EV. For charging, it supports up to 11 kW on AC, meaning a full top-up at home would take roughly 7-8 hours. Out and about, it can gulp down electrons at up to 125 kW on a DC fast charger, zapping the battery from 10-80% in about 35-40 minutes. For the US, it would use a CCS Type 1 port.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is well-covered. The ID.4 platform, on which the GTX is built, earned a top 5-star overall rating from NHTSA for the 2022 model year and a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. You can expect VW’s IQ.DRIVE suite of driver-assistance features to be largely standard. This typically includes Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Travel Assist, making highway cruising a breeze and city driving less stressful.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While the GTX wasn't sold in the US, had it been, it would likely mirror VW's standard EV coverage. This typically means a 4-year/50,000-mile basic new vehicle warranty. Crucially, the high-voltage battery system usually gets an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, protecting against significant degradation (often to 70% capacity). Volkswagen also offered complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first 2 years or 20,000 miles on its US EVs. The MEB platform underpinning the ID.4 aims for solid reliability in the electric era.