Volkswagen, known for its iconic Beetles and Vans models, is fully committed to the electric future, presenting an avant-garde perspective at ID Treffen in Locarno. Introducing the ID.X Performance, an all-electric sports sedan that aims to redefine the boundaries of style, performance and innovation.
ID.X Performance I can’t help but mention that it’s not a typical sedan. The car, which has a dynamic appearance with its distinct sporty features, effortlessly combines athleticism and elegance. Volkswagen engineers have improved the aesthetics and aerodynamics of the vehicle with carbon components such as the front splitter, rear diffuser and rear wing, providing optimum downforce.
Further emphasizing its sporty nature, the vehicle comes with 20-inch sports alloy wheels wrapped in size 265 racing tires. To complete its exterior, the ID.X Performance comes with colored taillights that add to its aggressive yet sophisticated vibe. That big rear wing? It will be many people’s favorite design detail. ID. The X Performance looks equally good with it as without it.
Once inside, you’re greeted by carbon bucket seats designed to offer the ultimate support, especially when you decide to put your right foot down a little harder. Red accents subtly sprinkled throughout the interior reinforce the sporty vibes, ensuring the interior matches the exciting exterior.
However, a sports sedan is not just about looks. Under its reworked body, the ID.X Performance hides a significant dual-motor drive producing 558 PS (411 kW). It seamlessly integrates a permanently excited synchronous motor at the rear axle with an asynchronous motor at the front, creating a fascinating all-wheel drive. This combination is perfect for short bursts of power, aptly called boost function.
To manage this powerful equipment, the sedan is equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which also controls the rear axle differential lock. All these controls can be managed using a centrally located 17cm screen.
For those wondering about the energy powering this beast, the dual-motor drive draws its energy from the same 84.8 kW battery pack that powers the ID.7 AWD, a quieter version. This battery supports DC charging up to 200 kW, provided you can find a suitable charger.
ID.X Performance at the international ID in Locarno to celebrate its debut. It was exhibited at Treffen between 5-9 September. It was reported that previous participation records were broken with more than 130 vehicles exhibited at this event, where electric vehicle enthusiasts came together on the Swiss side of Lago Maggiore. The Volkswagen team shared their views on the brand’s electric initiatives and provided visitors with information about e-mobility.
Before you reach into your pocket, it should be noted that the ID.X Performance is a show car. However, the all-new ID.7 is now available in Germany and is expected to arrive on North American shores next year, but pricing details are still under wraps. In Europe it starts at €58,000 for the 77 kW 286 hp RWD model.
The ID.X Performance is the clearest preview of the upcoming ID.7 GTX that VW has been teasing in a while. While the production GTX will likely ditch the flashy rear wing and large wheel arches for a more “sleeper” look, the powertrain is the most important detail in this announcement. This is the dual-motor setup that will power the fastest electric VW ever, and honestly – we can’t wait to see it.
Volkswagen’s modular electric drive platform, known as MEB, forms the basis of ID.X Performance. Although VW claims that this platform demonstrates the brand’s commitment and potential in electric vehicle development and offers unparalleled creative flexibility, this platform is long outdated. The newly introduced VW ID. The GTI is ushering in an all-new EV platform that makes the ID.7 and GTX version likely a single-generation vehicle, and the electric Passat will take back the reins before 2030. Regardless, an electric VW with 558 PS gets the nod in our eyes.