One-off 566hp Volkswagen ID X revealed

The Volkswagen ID X, which is based on the ID 7, is a performance sedan concept sporting 566hp of power, and is a look into the brand’s future performance models. Giving a hint at what hot Volkswagen EVs will look like, the one-off is easily the most powerful VW to wear numberplates yet, and packs nearly double the power of the brand’s current most potent road-going EVs.

1. VW ID X is a one-off performance sedan
2. Most powerful road-going Volkswagen ever
3. Expected to have 86kWh battery with 200kW charging

Revealed at the annual Volkswagen ID Driver’s Club meeting in Switzerland, the ID X Performance follows the ID GTI concept from the Munich Motor Show as a statement of intent for Volkswagen's electric sportscars. Significantly, it uses the same ‘X’ moniker as a previous four-wheel-drive performance version of the Volkswagen ID 3, which was quietly revealed in 2021.

Volkswagen has not yet confirmed how closely the ID X concept previews the already-confirmed ID 7 GTX, but it is possible that a future ‘ID 7 R’ could be directly inspired by this concept, given the brand has confirmed an electric future for its top-rung performance sub-brand. 

Volkswagen ID X exterior and interior

The ID X is marked out from the standard ID 7 by a few touches that give it a more aggressive look. It gets a prominent front splitter and a rear diffuser – both of which are made from carbon-fibre – the suspension has been dropped 60mm, and has 20-inch alloy wheels get 265-section track tyres. It also gets tinted tail-lights and a matte grey paint scheme.

The interior is also performance-oriented with red accents on the steering wheel and dashboard, carbon bucket seats and Alcantara on top of the dashboard and door cards. It retains the 15-inch touchscreen, which operates the latest version of the firm’s MIB infotainment software.

Volkswagen ID X powertrain, battery and charging

The Volkswagen ID X is powered by two electric motors – one on each axle – for a total output of 566hp. It even comes with a boost function, which can deliver more power over a short period. Volkswagen has not detailed performance figures, but no doubt the hot 4WD ID 7 will surge from 0-100kph in well under 4.0 seconds, to take it into the realm of the similarly conceived Tesla Model 3 Performance. Its range is expected to be slightly down on the ID 7’s 700km (assuming it uses the same 86kWh battery), but Volkswagen says it will still be able to charge at a rate of 200kW.