Volkswagen ID.3 GTX

Overview

Get ready for Volkswagen’s electric hot hatch hero, the ID.3 GTX! This pocket rocket takes the refreshed ID.3 formula and cranks up the excitement, slotting in as the performance flagship. It’s all about sporty looks, a punchier drive thanks to its new motor, and an upgraded interior. In Europe, expect the brand-new ID.3 GTX to start from €50,795. If you're eyeing a nearly-new example, estimated prices for pre-owned models in Europe are around €48,888. It’s VW’s cheeky answer to a fun, fast, and family-friendly EV, gunning for enthusiasts.

What's New for 2025?

The big news is the GTX badge itself, a totally fresh performance trim for the ID.3, landing with the car’s significant 2024/2025 model year updates. This spicy version debuts Volkswagen's potent APP550 rear-mounted electric motor, promising a proper kick. Inside, you’ll find the much-improved cabin materials and the larger, slicker 12.9-inch infotainment system from the facelifted ID.3 range. Expect a more refined software experience and potentially some new connected car wizardry to play with, making it a properly modern EV hot hatch.

Design & Exterior

The ID.3 GTX isn't shy, flexing a more aggressive look than its standard siblings. Up front, there’s a unique bumper with a distinctive honeycomb mesh and arrow-shaped daytime running lights. Gloss black accents abound, from the side sills and mirror caps to the black roof and rear spoiler, screaming 'sporty'. It rolls on bespoke 20-inch ‘Skagen’ alloy wheels. Dimensions are a compact 4264mm long, 1809mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1564mm tall. GTX badging front and rear completes the performance statement, ensuring it stands out from the crowd.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Hop inside the ID.3 GTX and you’re greeted by premium sport seats with funky red stitching and GTX logos, plus a darker headliner for that focused feel. Material quality is a step up from earlier ID.3s. There’s seating for five and decent passenger space for a hatchback. Boot space is a practical 385 litres, expanding to a generous 1267 litres with the rear seats tumbled. Sadly, no frunk for extra bits. The dash is dominated by a crisp 12.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a digital driver display.

Performance & Driving Experience

This GTX packs a serious punch! It zips from 0-100 km/h in a very nippy 5.9 seconds, thanks to its single rear-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) churning out 210 kW and a whopping 545 Nm of torque – all sent to the rear wheels for proper fun. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h. Expect sharper handling, a sport-tuned suspension for a more engaging drive than the regular ID.3, and strong regenerative braking with different modes, including a handy ‘B’ mode for easy one-pedal style city driving.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the floor, the ID.3 GTX houses a 79 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates a very respectable real-world range of around 513 km, with an efficiency of 6.49 km/kWh. For charging, it uses the common CCS Type 2 port. AC charging is handled by an 11 kW on-board unit, meaning a full top-up overnight takes about 8 hours. Hook it up to a DC fast charger, and it can guzzle juice at up to 185 kW, taking you from 10-80% in roughly 30 minutes. Its 400V architecture keeps things efficient.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is top-notch, with the Volkswagen ID.3 platform boasting a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The GTX will come loaded with standard assistance systems like Front Assist (autonomous emergency braking) and Lane Assist. For the full suite of semi-autonomous driving aids, you’ll likely look at the optional IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist package. This typically bundles in adaptive cruise control, enhanced lane keeping, and parking assistance features. Blind-spot monitoring (Side Assist) should also be on the menu, either standard or as a popular option, keeping you secure on the move.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Volkswagen typically backs its EVs in Europe with a comprehensive warranty. Expect a general vehicle warranty of 2 years with unlimited kilometres, though some markets might offer longer terms. Critically, the high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, with a guarantee of at least 70% usable capacity. The electric powertrain components are also well-covered. Being an EV, maintenance is generally minimal, mostly involving checks on brakes, tyres, and cabin air filters, keeping running costs down and smiles up!