by Volkswagen ID.3 Neo sporty electric vehicle spotted during tests
Recently, Volkswagen introduced the updated ID.3 Neo, but one important version was left out. Currently, buyers can choose between three practical powertrains, but there is still no replacement for the previous ID.3 GTX model. It seems the situation will change soon.
Our spy photographers have captured what they call the first prototype of the ID.3 Neo GTX being tested on public roads. Whether it will reach series production with the GTX badge is a big question.
Exterior changes and design
At first glance, the prototype does not differ much from the standard ID.3 Neo. But this is partly because VW seems to be hiding its work. The lower front air intake is camouflaged, although we can still see that it has the same shape as the new ID. Polo GTi. The rear bumper also has camouflage, which appears to hide a redesigned diffuser.
The fact that VW named the hot electric Polo with the GTI badge is strong evidence that the most performance-oriented ID.3 Neo will receive the same honor. In any case, the recipe will likely remain familiar. Unlike the front-wheel-drive ID. Polo GTI, the ID.3 is based on the older MEB platform with a rear-mounted motor that drives the rear wheels. This would give it a layout that no GTI has ever had before, if it indeed gets this badge.
Technical specifications and power
322 hp as a minimum
The most likely outcome is a carryover of the old GTX electric powertrain. This would mean up to 322 hp (326 PS) and 545 Nm of torque, as well as a 0-100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. The old GTX achieved 600 km of WLTP range from a 79 kWh battery, but VW might squeeze out a few more kilometers for the updated version.
The standard ID.3 Neo now has a maximum power of 228 hp (231 PS) and offers up to 630 km of range. It also received a sharper style, a redesigned dashboard, improved materials, larger screens, and most importantly, a return to physical buttons after years of complaints about touch controls. This interior update will likely carry over to the hot version, but hopefully with plenty of plaid upholstery and red accents.
Expect a European debut later this year, but as with the old GTX and the new ID. Polo GTI, this updated electric hatchback will not be available to Americans.
It is interesting that VW seems to be continuing a strategy of gradually updating its electric lineup, not rushing the release of the most powerful versions. The return to physical buttons in the ID.3 Neo suggests that the manufacturer is listening to criticism, and using the GTI name for electric models could be a new marketing move that unites heritage with the future. The absence of a version for the US market also underscores the difference in priorities between regions, where the European market receives more compact and specialized models.
