Volkswagen has unveiled new sporting flagship models for its ID.3 and ID.7 ranges. The ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX are set to arrive in retailers this summer and will be the fastest accelerating electric models ever launched by the brand. 

At the heart of both models is Volkswagen’s new electric motor unit, known as APP550, which has already made its debut in other models, including the ID.4 and ID.5 GTX models which were introduced last year. The same unit also drives the 2024 Skoda Enyaq and the recently-announced Cupra Born VZ. 

ID.3 GTX

The ID.3 GTX will be offered in two guises, standard GTX with 286bhp and GTX Performance which will pack a 322bhp punch. The torque output for both models is 545Nm. Like the Cupra Born VZ, the ID.3 GTX retains the rear-wheel drive layout of the standard ID.3, making it the most powerful two-wheel drive Volkswagen production car to date. 

Both ID.3 GTX models feature what Volkswagen lists as a 79kWh (usable) battery, which represents a 2kWh increase over the standard model. It’s understood that the overall capacity of the pack remains the same at 82kWh. Interestingly, though, the listed capacity of other GTX models with same pack is still 77kWh.  

In terms of performance, the ID.3 GTX can hit 62mph in 6.0 seconds, while the GTX Performance can complete the same test in 5.6 seconds. Top seeds are 111mph and 124mph respectively. Volkswagen has yet to confirm final range figures for the GTX models, but is expecting the figure to be around 370 miles. If confirmed, they will be become the longest range electric models in the Volkswagen line-up. 

Both GTX models feature a boost in DC charging speeds with a peak figure of 175 kW. The introduction of new fourth-generation software also means that the GTX models can precondition their battery packs prior to a charging session. This can be done via the navigation system (when a DC charging point is entered as a destination) or via a button on the infotainment system. 

Design changes are limited to new front bumpers that feature a black air intake in a diamond-style design and new daytime running lights. Comprised of two LED triangles positioned on top of each other, they create an arrowhead shape that appears on all GTX models. Also new are 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels that feature black-painted inner surfaces and diamond-cut outer surfaces. The 20-inch Skagen GTX wheel will be available completely in black as an option.

Inside, both GTX models come with premium sport seats along with red decorative stitching and perforated GTX lettering in the front backrests. ErgoActive seats in GTX design will be available as option.

The GTX models will be the first ID.3 models to be fitted with a new infotainment system that features a new 12.9-inch screen. The driving mode selector has been removed from the housing of the instrument display to the steering column. 

ID.7 GTX Tourer

Unveiled initially in Tourer estate guise, the ID.7 GTX features an 86kWh (usable) battery pack and with a single power output option of 335bhp. Like the ID.3 GTX, the ID.7 version is powered by the brand’s new APP550 motor. However, as the standard non-GTX model already generates 282bhp as standard, only the more powerful 335bhp version will be offered in GTX form. Unlike its smaller GTX sibling, the ID.7 GTX features a dual motor set up that delivers power to the road through all four wheels. 

The new 86kWh battery is the largest ever offered by Volkswagen and will also be fitted to the seven-seater ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz GTX when they arrive later this year. It can handle a DC rapid charge at speeds of up to 200kW. Volkswagen has yet to confirm any performance or range figures for the ID.7 GTX model, but has previously claimed that the larger battery model is expected to have a WLTP figure of more than 400 miles. 

Like the ID.3 GTX, the ID.7s GTX feature a subtle design upgrade that includes a new front bumper with special GTX lighting. All black elements additionally have a high-gloss finish, including the side sills and outer roof frame strips. New 20-inch Skagen alloy wheels complete the exterior design package. 

Inside, the ID.7 comes with sports seats (heated at the front) with perforated GTX lettering in the backrests, a GTX-specific multifunction steering wheel with red decorative stitching, red piping on the seats as well as red seams on the cockpit and door panels. 

Like it’s non-GTX stablemate, the ID.7 GTX Tourer has a boot capacity of 605 litres that can be extended to 1,714 litres with the rear seats folded flat. In terms of kit, the GTX comes with Volkswagen’s IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, along with as illuminated Volkswagen logos at the front and rear and 30-colour background lighting. 

ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX UK prices

Both models are expected to arrive in the UK in the summer. Volkswagen has yet to announce pricing, but based on the pricing of the current ID.4 and ID.5 ranges, buyers of the ID.3 GTX are likely to be looking at a price of £48,000, while ID.7 GTX customers will need to find around £61,000 to secure one.