Production spec Volkswagen ID X concept in the works

Volkswagen boss Ralf Brandstätter has confirmed the hot ID X concept will begin production next year, likely badged as the ID 3 GTX.

• The concept is a performance-focused version of the ID 3
• Expected to get a 334hp, dual electric motor layout
• Will feature updated design

Volkswagen ID X concept: what is it?

According to Brandstätter the concept - which he revealed earlier this year - will provide the basis for a four-wheel-drive electric hot hatch based on the ID 3. It will be the second model in the new GTX family of performance models.

He declined to give details on its performance, but the powertrain from the larger ID 4 GTX is likely to be carried over. He did acknowledge that “more performance means less range” but said the full range of ID 3 batteries will be available.

It is part of Volkswagen’s ongoing commitment to produce enthusiast-oriented driver’s cars into the EV era. Brandstätter also said that Volkswagen is building a physical concept version of the ID 3 convertible previewed in 2020.

He also suggested that “something will come from R”, hinting that it will be adapted to serve as a dedicated sub-brand for hot EVs, in the same way GTX replaced GTI.

Volkswagen ID X concept: design

The pictures of the ID X concept shown in May gave little away, but the car was clearly a performance-focused reworking of the ID 3 electric hatchback, marked out by a distinctive grey-and-green livery, large-diameter alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tyres and Alcantara-covered sports seats.

Volkswagen ID X concept: electric powertrain

The concept, according to the limited details revealed by Brandstätter, promised a significant performance upgrade over all variants of the ID 3. Outright power is pegged at 334hp, which is not only 130hp more than the most powerful variant currently on sale, but also 27hp more than even the hot GTX version of the larger ID 4 SUV. However, these figures are not confirmed for the production version.

The ID X concept can reportedly hit 100kph from rest in 5.3sec and is equipped with a dedicated Drift mode - as featured on the brand's new Golf R hot hatch.

As the current ID 3 models are rear-driven only, though the ID X concept featured a version of the four-wheel drive system from the ID 4 GTX, it is not clear whether the concept made any compromises on seating or storage to make room for the bulkier underpinnings. The concept is said to weigh 200kg lesser than the standard ID 3.

Volkswagen for India

Volkswagen is currently gearing towards the launch of its all-new midsize SUV, the Taigun, in the coming weeks. Additionally, the carmaker will also bring a completely new midsize sedan, to replace the ageing Vento, down the line. As far as EVs are concerned, VW is expected to bring the ID 4 SUV to India as its first ID model in 2022.