Volkswagen's latest attempt to inject some excitement into its electric lineup comes in the form of the ID.7 GTX, a vehicle that's having a bit of an identity crisis. Is it a saloon? A fastback? A hatchback? Who knows! But one thing's for sure – it's here to remind us that VW is still trying to make 'GTX' happen.
The GTX Saga Continues
Remember when VW introduced the 'GTX' badge back in 2021? They pitched it as the electric equivalent of their iconic GTI line, promising us that it would be the future of performance EVs. Fast forward to today, and it seems the future isn't quite as bright as they'd hoped. With new management in Wolfsburg clinging to the GTI badge like a comfort blanket, poor old GTX is looking more like a passing fad than the next big thing.
But hey, that's not stopping VW from slapping the GTX badge on every EV they can get their hands on. We've seen the ID.4 GTX, ID.5 GTX, ID.3 GTX, ID.7 GTX Tourer, and even the ID.Buzz GTX. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if they released a GTX-branded electric scooter.
The ID.7 GTX: A Car of Many Names
So, what exactly is the ID.7 GTX? Well, according to VW, it's a "Saloon/Fastback/Hatchback version of the ID.7 GTX Tourer." Talk about hedging your bets! It's like they couldn't decide what type of car they were making, so they just threw every body style into the mix. I half expect to see "SUV" and "Monster Truck" added to the description in the next press release.
In essence, it's the same as the ID.7 GTX Tourer, but with less space for your stuff. Because nothing says "performance" like sacrificing practicality, right?
Looks That Scream "I'm Sporty, I Promise!"
VW has gone all out to make sure you know this isn't your average ID.7. They've given it a tweaked front end, slapped on some unique 20-inch alloys, and added red highlights to the interior. Oh, and don't forget the sports seats – because nothing says "I'm a serious driver" like a slightly more bolstered chair.
They've also thrown in their latest infotainment system, which they assure us is "improved." Let's hope that means it actually works this time, unlike some of their previous efforts that were about as user-friendly as a 1990s Nokia phone.
Power: It's Complicated
Now, here's where things get interesting. The ID.7 GTX comes with two electric motors – a rear one good for 282bhp and a front one pumping out 107bhp. Simple maths would suggest that adds up to a pretty impressive 389bhp. But no, VW has decided to cap the total output at 335bhp.
Why, you ask? Well, they mumble something about battery limitations, but I suspect it's more about not wanting to outshine their petrol-powered performance models. Heaven forbid an electric VW actually be properly quick!
Range: The Number That Actually Matters
In a rare moment of generosity, VW has graced the ID.7 GTX with a larger 86kWh (usable) battery. They're claiming an official range of around 375 miles, which in real-world terms probably means "hope you live near a charging station."
Still, it's an improvement, and in the world of EVs, range is king. So kudos to VW for at least trying to address the elephant in the room – even if that elephant is still wearing a "range anxiety" t-shirt.
Price: Prepare Your Wallet
Now, here's the kicker. VW hasn't actually decided how much they're going to charge for this electric wonder. But they helpfully suggest it'll be "the wrong side of £60k." For a VW saloon. Or fastback. Or hatchback. Whatever it is.
Let that sink in for a moment. We're talking about spending supercar money on what is essentially a fancy Passat with batteries. I can almost hear the collective gasp of VW dealership salespeople trying to explain this to potential customers.
The Verdict: A Valiant Effort?
Look, I get it. VW is trying. They're attempting to inject some excitement into their EV lineup, and the ID.7 GTX is their latest effort. It's got more power, a bigger battery, and enough body style descriptions to confuse even the most seasoned car enthusiast.
But here's the thing – slapping a GTX badge on an electric car and adding some red bits doesn't automatically make it exciting. It's like putting a spoiler on a mobility scooter and calling it a race car.
Will people buy it? Probably. There's always someone willing to pay over the odds for a badge and some extra horsepower. But for the rest of us, the ID.7 GTX feels like a reminder that the transition to electric performance cars is still a work in progress.
So, if you've got £60k burning a hole in your pocket and you absolutely must have a fast(ish) electric VW, then the ID.7 GTX might be for you. For everyone else, maybe wait and see if VW figures out what they're actually trying to achieve with the GTX badge before taking the plunge.
In the meantime, I'll be over here, still trying to figure out if it's a saloon, a fastback, or a hatchback. Maybe by the time I work it out, VW will have moved on to the next electric performance badge. GTY, anyone?
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