Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Performance debuts with quick charging and enhanced motor

Volkswagen has likened the new GTX Performance to the Golf GTI Clubsport (but electric), with the ID.3's most powerful version of the OEM's power-train yet.

The Performance looks a lot like the original ID.3 on first glance, yet has a new diamond-patterned air intake. Like its GTX sibling, it is touted as re-designed for a more agile driving experience with a newly "sporty low centre of gravity" thanks to the placement of its battery towards the middle of its floor.

On that note, the GTX and GTX Performance are rated for a 79kWh capacity: not the biggest ID.3 battery ever produced, but apparently enough to yield up to ~373 miles (601 kilometers (km)) of WLTP range in the Performance model.

It is also the first of its line that can drive faster than ~124mph (200km/h). The ID.3 GTX series is also rated for 545 newton-meters (Nm) of torque, even the non-Performance variant, which has an output of 210kW. They are also rated to charge from 10 to 80% in as little as 26 minutes - albeit with a suitable charger.

Both cars also have features such as (non-Adaptive) Cruise Control; Lane Assist; Dynamic Road Sign Display and autonomous emergency braking as standard, while the Performance has a GPT-based IDA voice assistant as standard and online Connected Travel Assist come as optional extras.

The ID.3 GTX series starts at €52,295 (~$57,133) on its release to the German market.

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