295bhp Volkswagen ID.4 GTX range-topper launched

• 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds
• Four-wheel drive
• On sale in Germany now

A new Volkswagen ID.4 GTX model has been revealed. It’ll be the fastest and most expensive version of Volkswagen’s new electric SUV, and ushers in the GTX badge, which will be used for future high-performance electric variants. Buyers in Germany can order the ID.4 GTX now and it won’t be long before it’s available to UK customers.

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The GTX model has large alloy wheels and sportier bumpers, plus a GTX badge under the VW roundel on the bootlid. There’s no need for the bigger air intakes or multiple exhaust pipes you’d associate with a conventional performance model, so the styling changes are quite subtle. You do also get Matrix LED headlights, scrolling indicators and LED backlighting in the front air intakes, however.

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 GTX performance

The GTX retains the 201bhp electric motor fitted to the standard ID.4 but gains an extra motor on the front axle, which gives a power boost and four-wheel drive. Electric cars are generally quick off the mark, so on the face of it the ID.4 GTX’s 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds doesn’t seem much to shout about. That’s the same as a petrol-powered Golf GTI, however, so the ID.4 GTX should be quick enough for buyers looking for some extra performance. The top speed is limited to 112mph, mostly to protect the car’s range.

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Most of the time only the rear motor will be used but stamp on the accelerator and the front motor will engage to improve grip and performance. A Sports package is available for extra cost, bringing lower suspension and a steering system that changes depending on the speed you’re driving at. Adaptive dampers will also be fitted if you pick the Sports Plus option.

Range and charging

GTX models keep the 77kWh battery from the Pro Performance variant but range has dropped ever so slightly. You can now expect up to 298 miles from a charge, rather than 323, due to the second motor. Fast-charging at up to 125kW is possible, meaning a 30-minute charge can add over 180 miles of range.

Interior

Sports seats, red stitching and an exclusive steering wheel all help to add a sense of sportiness to the interior of the ID.4 GTX. Those seats are trimmed in a mix of animal-free leather and microfibre, which has been made from recycled plastic bottles. You also get stainless steel pedals, a choice of 30 colours for the ambient lighting and a 10-inch media screen.

A number of option packs are available, as featured on the trim levels on the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4. The number is almost bewildering but at least the options are grouped together sensibly - the Design package brings styling tweaks and the Infotainment Plus option brings a larger touchscreen and an augmented-reality head-up display.

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The Assist and Assist Plus packages add safety features and driver assistance tech, with the latter enabling the car to brake and accelerate for you on motorways.

The GTX doesn’t lose any of the practicality of cheaper ID.4s. Behind the rear seats is a generous 543-litre boot, which increases to 1,575 litres if you fold the rear bench down. A 1,200kg towing capacity is pretty good for an electric car too.

Read our guides to the fastest SUVs and the best electric cars.