New VW ID.3 GTX Is a GTI Hot Hatch for the Electric Era

Caught recently testing in cold weather on the right side of the Atlantic Ocean, the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX looks ready to hit production. However, there's more than meets the eye, as this tester came with the hood of the pre-facelifted iteration, as indicated by the black portion below the windscreen. Thus, chances are it could be an early prototype.

Still, it is easy to differentiate it from the non-GTX versions of the ID.3, as it features a sportier front bumper with a larger air intake and a honeycomb look. Save for the diffuser, which seems to be a bit sportier, not much has changed out back. Nevertheless, we expect the GTX logo to decorate the tailgate below the VW emblem, just like on the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX.

That's not the only thing presumably shared with the aforementioned models, as the ID.3 GTX might also get the same powertrain. If that's the case, then we're looking at a dual-motor setup that generates 335 hp (339 ps/250 kW) combined. The 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) acceleration could take less than five seconds, which would be a significant improvement of the regular ID. 3's 7.4 seconds in the most agile form.

We still haven't told you about the wheels. Do they look familiar? That's because they were sourced from the Golf 8 GTI. It will be interesting to see whether the production model will retain them, though the supposed upgraded brakes and stiffer chassis will soldier on, improving the car's driving dynamics at the expense of comfort. We also expect VW to give it front sports seats and some exclusive upholstery, perhaps inspired by its ICE-powered sibling, the iconic GTI.

But will the hot ID.3 actually be called the GTX? That would be a yes, for now anyway, as the automaker has announced its intention to drop this moniker and use the GTI instead. Moreover, they will also ditch the ID. prefix of its electric vehicle lineup, presumably by the end of the decade, as every new car they will make by then will feature battery-electric power. Thus, they won't need a different name to stand out from the ICE-powered crowd, as the latter will be dropped altogether.

As we already told you, Volkswagen's ID.3 GTX is expected in a few months, with the official unveiling being hosted next spring. Subsequently, it will start arriving at dealers in selected markets shortly after as an all-quiet alternative to the Golf GTI.