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Pros: Excellent value, impressive performance, looks smart
Cons: Don’t expect a GTI-like driving experience
VW ID.3 GTX Design
The ID.3 has been around since 2019 now, with a significant update in 2023, so it’s quite familiar, if not as popular as its larger sibling, the ID.4. By way of reminder, the ID.3 is a five-door hatchback that’s about the same size as a Golf on the outside, with smooth styling that set the template for all of Volkswagen’s ‘ID’ models.
Ramping up the sportiness of the exterior is the GTX makeover. This includes new bumpers front and rear, new side sills, lots of black detailing and a set of 20-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard. The latter can be finished in black as pictured here. Paired with ‘Kings Red Metallic’ paint, it makes for an eye-catching combination that certainly sets the GTX apart from other models in the lineup.
VW ID.3 GTX Interior
The interior of the GTX model receives a similarly noticeable revamp, thanks mostly to the excellent sports seats with integrated headrests up front and bespoke GTX badging and lettering throughout. There’s a unique steering wheel as well, and other trim panels with red stitching to make the cabin feel special. None of this detracts from what has always been a spacious interior, with a flat floor across the rear and a decent boot behind. A 12.9-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard.
VW ID.3 GTX Performance & Drive
Some will buy the GTX for its sporty exterior and interior, and for those, it might be sensible to save a little money and stick with the entry-level version, called simply the GTX. However, for those that want to really explore the capability of this car, it’s worth upgrading to the Performance Plus version, as it additionally features adaptive damping with the facility for the driver to alter the characteristics of the chassis to their liking and the road conditions. This widens the remit of the car as it can be comfortable over poor road surfaces or on the motorway when required, yet have more body control and quicker responses if you’re driving on a favourite back road.
All versions of the GTX get variable-ratio power steering that gives the ID.3 a distinctly agile feeling, while performance is enhanced, too. Both models use a single, rear-mounted electric motor. The standard GTX’s produces up to 285hp, which is admittedly loads, though the Performance Plus tops that with up to 326hp, making it a really quick car.
Remarkably, the GTX is the most efficient version of the ID.3 in spite of its performance capability, allowing Volkswagen to quote a range of up to 605km between charges. Some would call that having your cake and eating it.
VW ID.3 GTX Pricing
The GTX starts at €42,195 as a retail price on the road after all applicable incentives available to the private buyer at the time of writing, while the Performance Plus version is €43,940. This pricing places the GTX cars below the Pro S models in the range, which makes them a bit of a bargain. The most affordable ID.3 is €36,695, for reference, though that makes only 170hp and its range is a much less impressive 388km.
Carzone Verdict
While we’d stop short of saying the ID.3 GTX is as exciting and as engaging to drive as its petrol-engined cousin the Golf GTI, it still has a lot going for it. It looks great inside and out and comes with a superb specification for a highly tempting price, not only when compared with other versions of the ID.3 but also taken into context against high-performance electric cars in general. Go test drive one to see for yourself.