Volkswagen will reportedly debut a new performance trim level for its electric vehicles but is keeping its EVs pavement-focused, scrapping plans for a production ID. Buggy, and delaying another off-roader indefinitely.
Autocar reports the German brand will release GTX versions of its ID.4 SUV, ID.5 coupe SUV and Passat-sized ID.6 sedan and wagon.
The first to launch will be the ID.4 GTX. It’ll use a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 225kW of power and 459Nm of torque.
That’ll allow it to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds while still achieving a range of up to 460km from its 82kWh battery.
Volkswagen ID.4 
In comparison, the ID.4 will initially be available in Europe with a 77kWh battery pack and a rear-mounted 150kW electric motor, good for 520km of electric range and a 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds.
Volkswagen will also offer additional rear-wheel drive models with a 109kW and 125kW electric motors and a 52kWh battery, plus a 129kW motor and a 77kWh battery.
The ID.4 GTX will be differentiated from regular models through new bumpers, wheel designs and interior trims, plus chassis tweaks, a lower ride height and more performance-oriented tyres.
The ID.4’s coupe SUV sibling, the ID. Crozz concept-based ID.5 (above), will also receive a 225kW GTX flagship, as will the ID.6 that’s expected to launch in Europe in 2023.
Based on the ID. Vizzion and ID. Space Vizzion concepts, the ID.6 will be a Passat-sized electric sedan and wagon with a choice of single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive set-ups and a GTX at the top of the range.
Recent reports indicate Volkswagen will clear the clutter at this end of its model range by discontinuing the Passat sedan and both Arteon body styles.
One Volkswagen that won’t even see the light of day is the production version of the ID. Buggy concept that was revealed at the 2019 Geneva motor show.
“No, we won’t do this car. We had a partner, but in the end it didn’t work out,” Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter told Autocar.
e.Go Mobile was the first company to be granted access to Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle architecture but declared bankruptcy this year.
Volkswagen also planned to introduce a rugged electric off-roader that would be previewed under the ID. Ruggdzz nameplate.
Brandstätter told Autocar the SUV – said to look similar to a Land Rover Discovery – had proceeded to the full-scale design model stage but has been delayed indefinitely as the brand focuses on higher volume segments.
“We’ve put it in the drawer. That is not to say it won’t be built, but I don’t think you’ll see it soon. We have more important projects on the run,” he said.
Volkswagen still plans to offer a large electric SUV in the shape of a production version (above) of its large ID. Roomzz three-row crossover concept, though this is expected to be exclusive to the Chinese market.
The pure-electric Volkswagen ID.3 hatch and ID.4 SUV are currently at least three years from launching locally, with Australia getting bumped further down the priority list.
The company cites Northern Hemisphere demand and Australia’s lack of CO2 targets for the delay.
