Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

First launched in 2020, the ID.4 is Volkswagen's first electric crossover of the new era which is basically an ID.3 with added ground clearance but such reputation made this electric crossover win the World Car of the Year. It truly is the people's car of the new normal and as a reward for such a reputation, Volkswagen decided to give the ID.4 some more juice with the first-ever GTX variant.

The first-ever ID.4 GTX, priced at 50,415 Euros plus additional costs, is what observers called the electric crossover equivalent of the iconic Golf GTi but don't think that this crossover has the same dynamics as the Golf GTi because truth be told, it isn't and it's a bit more than that.

At first glance, it looks and feels just like the ID.4 but the GTX adds sportiness to its exterior design as well as gives a darker interior theme that suits its personality. It has a fitting expression of a tech guy in a tracksuit jogging in the morning, which fits the theme of the GTX's "sporty yet sustainable" motto. Although not meant to be a standout from the crowd, it sure has some bragging rights for this electric crossover.

The base ID.4 is rear-wheel-drive only but the GTX adds another electric motor to the front axles, making it a four-wheel-drive electric crossover that produces 299PS of power, 310Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 6.2 seconds, and a top speed of 180kph. Although quicker than the normal ID.4, it still behaves like a normal Japanese car on the highway. One way to diss speedo boys behind the wheel, of course.

In terms of range, the GTX, thanks to its 77kWh battery pack, is good for 479km in one full charge and it takes up to 38 minutes to reach 80% battery capacity while at a public charging station or 450 minutes at home.

In terms of dynamics, the GTX is still mild to drive just like its normal equivalent, even when you set it to Sport Mode which adds responsiveness to it as well as gives more agility even with the ESC on. Not as good as the Golf GTi but it feels very easy to drive even in the dirt, although the bulk of it adds drama to its handling so expect to carry some painkillers with you because it's going to be quite challenging handling the GTX through the sharp bends.

As such, the GTX is jam-packed with the most advanced safety features Volkswagen ever thought of ranging from Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, multi-collision brake and Lane Assist, Side Assist lane change system, Park Assist, Park Distance Control, and so on. Another way to diss speedo boys behind the wheel, of course.

Although not the ideal substitute for the Golf GTi, the first-ever GTX model from Volkswagen is all about mild and menacing dynamics for drivers of all levels. It may be bulky to drive like most electrics but it feels very easy to enjoy and looks like it could be your favorite electric car to drive on a day-to-day basis.

Photo: Volkswagen AG