Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

Overview

The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX was the performance-focused, all-wheel-drive flagship of VW's popular electric SUV lineup, though this specific trim wasn't officially sold new in the US market. Think of it as the 'GTI' of the ID.4 family, packing a dual-motor setup for punchier acceleration and sportier handling. With its unique styling cues and enhanced powertrain, the GTX aimed to blend everyday practicality with a more thrilling driving experience. As a European model, specific US pricing was never announced for the GTX variant, and it's now a discontinued configuration.

What's New for 2023?

While the ID.4 GTX itself was a relatively fresh face, having debuted in 2022 and concluding its run in 2023, it would have benefited from broader 2023 ID.4 updates had it been a US offering. For the 2023 model year, US-market ID.4s received upgrades like a standard 12-inch infotainment screen, an improved center console design, and enhanced interior material quality. These refinements would have made the already appealing GTX cabin even more premium and user-friendly, aligning with its top-tier positioning.

Design & Exterior

The ID.4 GTX cranks up the visual aggression compared to its standard siblings. It boasts unique front and rear bumper designs, signature LED daytime running lights forming an 'X' motif, and plenty of high-gloss black accents for a meaner stance. GTX-specific badging and often larger, distinct alloy wheels complete the sporty makeover. Dimensionally, it measures up at 180.4 inches long, 72.9 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and stands 63.6 inches tall, maintaining the practical SUV shape but with added athletic flair that turns heads.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the ID.4 GTX spices things up with sporty touches like red contrast stitching, GTX logos, and upgraded trim materials. It comfortably seats five, offering good passenger space. For your gear, there's a generous 30.3 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a massive 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. While it doesn't feature a frunk, the cabin is packed with tech, typically centered around a large touchscreen (likely the 12-inch unit for 2023) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital driver's display.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the GTX really shines! It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 5.9 seconds, thanks to its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The powertrain consists of an AC Induction Motor at the front and a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor at the rear, delivering a combined punch of 220 kW (around 295 hp) and a hefty 339 lb-ft of torque. This setup provides instant, thrilling acceleration and confident handling, while still offering a comfortable ride. Strong regenerative braking, likely with a selectable 'B' mode, helps recapture energy efficiently.

Range, Battery & Charging

The ID.4 GTX is powered by a 77 kWh (usable) battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of 272 miles. It boasts an efficiency of 3.53 mi/kWh. For charging, its 11 kW standard on-board AC charger can top up the battery overnight (around 7-8 hours). On the DC fast charging front, it can guzzle down electrons at up to 135 kW, meaning a 10-80% charge could take roughly 30-35 minutes. For the US market, this would utilize a CCS Type 1 port.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The ID.4 platform has earned a top 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. While specific NHTSA ratings for the GTX are unavailable as it wasn't sold in the US, other ID.4 models have performed well. The GTX would typically come loaded with VW’s IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This usually includes standard features like Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Traffic Alert, making for a reassuringly safe drive.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Had the ID.4 GTX been sold in the US, it likely would have mirrored Volkswagen's standard EV coverage. This typically includes a 4-year/50,000-mile basic new vehicle warranty and a robust 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery pack and drive components, often guaranteeing at least 70% battery capacity retention. Volkswagen USA also frequently offers a period of complimentary scheduled maintenance, such as their Carefree Maintenance program, adding to the ownership appeal for US buyers considering the ID.4 lineup.