Volkswagen: The ID.4 GTX conquers Switzerland 🎥
ONE MORE THING As "World Car of the Year," the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 has just won laurels, and now it's about to get even more interesting. This was clearly demonstrated during a pass drive over the Klausen. Visually, the GTX differs from the other models with larger rims and a modified color concept. The GTX version is [...]
Visually, the GTX differs from the other models with larger rims and a modified color scheme.
The GTX version is to be understood as an analogy to the GTI (gasoline), GTD (diesel) and GTE (plug-in hybrid) variants with which the Wolfsburg-based company crowns its classically powered model series.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels
Just like with these, the GT by no means only means optical modifications; rather, the positioning also manifests itself in significantly better driving values. In the case of the ID.4 GTX, it's a dual-engine powertrain that boosts output to 220 kW (299 hp). See gallery.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels. The ID.4 GTX has a 77 kWh battery that is supposed to provide a range of up to 480 kilometers - a value that can only be achieved if the driving dynamics potential remains in the realm of theory, however. With 125 kW maximum charging power, it can be recharged quickly.
Dual-motor all-wheel drive as driving dynamics manager
Both electric motors work mega fast with the control electronics of the brakes and chassis and can thus send power back and forth in milliseconds. During normal driving, the rear motor does its work alone. If the driver demands more power, is more dynamic or is driving on a slippery surface, the front motor joins in. This means pure driving fun, especially in sharp curves.
The ingenious master controller of this so-called dual-motor all-wheel drive is an electronic driving dynamics manager that VW has been tinkering with for almost 20 years. The control of the adaptive shock absorbers is also actively involved in this circle of clever systems. It can adjust the hardness of the shock absorbers 200 times per second.
The electric SUV, which weighs over 2.2 tons, feels unimaginably manageable in fast-driving switchbacks. Weight and dimensions seem to melt to the size of a much more compact SUV at the wheel.
From 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds
This potential is quite remarkable. The VW ID.4 GTX sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and stops at 180 km/h. The latter value is more associated with entry-level variants in the world of conventional cars. For drivers of a conventional car, the latter is a value more associated with entry-level variants, but in the world of electric cars it is already in the upper range. The other ID.4 variants manage a full 160 km/h.
Pleasant travel even on bumpy roads
Visually, the GTX is distinguished from its sister models by 20- or 21-inch wheels and a modified color scheme that emphasizes the respective car color and the contrasting color black; a diffuser is also indicated at the rear. A state-of-the-art cockpit stretches out in front of the driver, as in the other models.
The optional AGR seats were pleasantly comfortable. The GTX was never uncomfortable and did not let itself get rattled even by bumpy roads.
In the rear is enough space for three child seats
As with the other models in the range, the space on offer is excellent, and combined with its decent range, the GTX profiles itself as a downright nippy family car among electric cars.
The feeling of space in the rear row is also very good, and with the optional panoramic glass roof this is of course even better. Because the ID.4 is supposed to be practical above all, three child seats fit next to each other on the rear bench.
Even the test drive shows that the powerful all-wheel drive version of the ID.4 is an alternative for several target groups, not only with more driving dynamics, but also with the significantly higher towing capacity of 1,200 kilograms with brakes. Clever thinking.
