The new Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, carmaker’s first fully electric high-performance model, has been revealed today in a digital world premiere held at the Berlin Tempelhof Airport.
The ID.4 GTX is the first model based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive and also offers attractive, high-quality design elements.
The ID.4 GTX has one permanent magnet synchro machine (PSM) on the rear axle and an asynchronous motor (ASM) on the front axle. Together, they deliver a maximum electrical output of 220 kW (299 hp) and can work together as an electric all-wheel drive – a first for the ID. family.
“Electric driving is simply great fun – and with the ID.4 GTX we are adding a new dimension of sportiness and dynamics,” explained Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen Brand. “The most emotional member of the ID. family to date shows that electric mobility and top sporty performance are not mutually exclusive.”
Holding the world premiere in an aircraft hangar at the former Tempelhof Airport in Berlin allowed the new model to show just what the intelligently controlled all-wheel drive is capable of: the ID.4 GTX effortlessly climbed a ramp at an incline of 37.5%. Thanks to the dual-motor all-wheel drive, the flagship model of the ID.4 product line is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h (112mph).
The ID.4 GTX features a 24-cell 77kWh lithium ion battery – the largest available for the ID 4 – which offers a range of up to 480 km (298 miles) and can be topped up using regenerative energy under braking. Five driving profiles will be offered, including a dedicated Sport setting.
“The full torque of the electric powertrain is immediately available and you can feel the excellent vehicle handling in every bend,” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Board of Management for Development. “What’s more, the innovative operating and safety concept is just as intelligent as the drive train! For example, the driver is supported by the unique augmented reality head-up display and comprehensive assist systems.”
The design of the ID.4 GTX underscores its extraordinary character, combining driving fun with a robust look. The familiar light strip has been combined with powerful, dynamic elements – in particular, the three honeycomb elements that form the daytime running lights. They convey the vehicle’s sporty character even when it is stationary and, at the same time, establish a connection to the Golf GTI. Alongside the newly designed bumpers, the eye-catching elements at the rear include the 3D LED tail light cluster with brake lights that form an X.
The body colour is more dominant than on rear-wheel drive models. The roof and rear spoiler are black, while the roof frame bar is a high-gloss anthracite. The interior also boasts a new colour scheme. The upper section of the dashboard and leatherette inserts in the doors come in the dark shade of X-Blue, which represents sustainability. Red contrasting seams – a classic symbol for sportiness and strength – add accents to the seats. The GTX logo appears on the steering wheel, sill panel trims and – in perforated form – at the top of the front seat backrests.
The new GTX product brand is a booster for both the ID. family and the ACCELERATE corporate strategy, with which Volkswagen aims to become the most coveted sustainable mobility brand. It has set itself the target of increasing the proportion of sales of purely electric vehicles in Europe to 70 percent by 2030. Volkswagen intends to become climate-neutral by 2050 and by 2025, Volkswagen will have invested around 16 billion euros in electric mobility, hybridisation and digitalisation.
The ID.4 GTX will be launched in Europe in summer 2021. In Germany, it will start at an entry-level price of 50,415 euros, with customers being able to apply for a (net) grant of 7,500 euros.
