Volkswagen says the first hot ID model will be an SUV
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Volkswagen technology chief Matthias Rabe says the company has chosen to base its first electric performance model on the ID 4, a 4.6m-long SUV, so it can take advantage of four-wheel-drive.
Volkswagen is set to introduce the GTX badge for a range of hot ID models. But while the Golf-size ID 3 seems a natural choice for a sporting model. Rabe has confirmed, Volkswagen’s first hot EV will be the version of one of two SUVs set up from the ID Crozz concept.
The chief technology officer has confirmed that the first series performance electric model will be based on ID 4.
ID 4 will be provided with a two-engine setup that provides four-wheel drive and additional power. ID 3 hatch will only be available in one -drive, rear-wheel-drive form.
“At the moment, we need four-wheel drive for the performance version,” said Rabe. “I drove a component test car [for the ID 4 GTX] recently; you get fantastic response and can make fantastic drifts. It’s easy to control and will do exactly what you say.”
ID4 4 is expected to debut with rear-wheel drive. The car will be provided with a maximum capacity of 201bhp and 229lb ft of torque from the electric motor mounted behind. An engine will be mounted at the front, bringing its overall capacity to 302bhp and 332lb ft. The model will be offered with a rnge of battery sizes, the largest of which will offer a range of around 310 miles.
Rabe didn’t rule out an ID 3 GTX being produced at some point, saying that it would “make a fantastic sports car”.
Rabe said: “With electrification, we will see some other possibilities for compact sporty cars. In the ID family for sure we will see some sporty versions, but in a different way.”
A new model is also offered with a hot GTX version using the same powertrain, It is a coupe version with ID 5, the SUV ID 4 will be followed.
Volkswagen’s R division is currently working on high-performance electric models, and the first of those is set to be an ID 3 R. Due to be launched by 2024, the model will feature four-wheel-drive along with extensively reworked motor and battery systems. The powertrain and batteries will be developed with help from Volkswagen Motorsport, using its learning with the record-breaking ID R hillclimb machine.
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