Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Performance Hits The Road

The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX Performance has hit the market, offering an exciting alternative to the GTI Clubsport and stepping up the game from the standard ID.3 GTX. Despite the release of both the ID.3 GTX and GTX Performance in the spring, only the GTX basic model was available for purchase.

While both the GTX and the GTX Performance share a single electric motor located at the back, the GTX Performance's 322 horsepower engine allows it to reach 62 mph in 5.7 seconds, while the GTX's 282 horsepower engine takes 5.9 seconds.

A top speed of 124 mph (up from 114 mph) and DCC adaptive dampers (rather than passive shocks) are two more performance-trim advantages. German customers can purchase the Performance for €3,570 ($3,900) without extras, which is the same price as the standard GTX. However, a $1,500 premium increases the total to €52,295 ($57,930).

Given the price reduction, the Performance is nearly identical to the internal combustion engine-powered €48,075 ($52,550) Golf GTI Clubsport. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine of the Clubbie produces 296 horsepower, and it manages to beat the GTX Performance to 62 mph by a hair, clocking it at 5.6 seconds, which is a tenth faster.

As part of the MK8.5 Golf facelift, it now has 262 horsepower, can accelerate to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds, and is thousands of dollars less than the other three vehicles. German buyers will have to shell out €44,505 ($48,650) for a basic GTI. Given that the US does not sell the ID.3 in any form, the base price of the new GTI is likely to be $34,000. Wow!