ID.4

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
SUV

Last month, Volkswagen unveiled the new ID.4 GTX, a high-performance version of its electric crossover with sportier styling and a dual-motor setup producing 295 horsepower. So far, the ID.4 is the only model to get the GTX treatment, but it certainly won't be the last. It's only a matter of time before Volkswagen builds a GTX version of the ID.3 to create the electric equivalent of the Golf R hot hatch.

Well, it turns out we didn't have to wait very long because Volkswagen has already built the electric hot hatchback of our dreams: say hello to the new ID.X. There is a caveat, however: it's a concept and VW has no plans to put it into production.

Presented by VW's CEO Ralf Brandstätter on Linkedin, the ID.X is based on the ID.3 and has been fitted with performance parts borrowed from the ID.4 GTX such as a roof-mounted spoiler, larger wheels, and side skirts. VW also swapped the ID.3's 62-kWh battery with a larger 82-kWh unit, while a dual-motor setup sends power to all four wheels. Despite adding an extra motor, the ID.X is around 440 pounds lighter than the ID.3 it's based on.

As a result of the modifications, the ID.X generates 328 horsepower, enabling the electric hot hatchback to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds - that's around half a second slower than the combustion-powered Golf R.

According to Brandstatter, the ID.X was created in response to positive feedback for the ID.4 GTX. "We just introduced the ID.4 GTX. Our first electric performance model is very well received," he wrote on LinkedIn. "Even with our engineers - because with it they have discovered the fun of developing high-performance electric cars. And so we just let them do it."

Although VW isn't planning to put the ID.X into production, Brandstätter says the automaker "will take up many ideas," so there's hope that VW will launch an electric ID. hot hatchback eventually. However, if a GTX version of the ID.3 does get the green light, there's no guarantee it will be sold here since VW refuses to sell the ID.3 in America.