Volkswagen has been on a roll lately with its ID family of electric vehicles, offering a range of models that cater to different segments and needs. From the compact ID.3 hatchback to the spacious Volkswagen ID.7 sedan, the German automaker has shown that it can produce appealing and affordable EVs that can compete with the likes of Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford.
But what if Volkswagen wanted to spice things up a bit and create a performance-oriented electric sedan that could challenge the Tesla Model S Plaid, the Lucid Air Dream Edition, or the Porsche Taycan Turbo S? Well, that's exactly what the brand did with its latest concept car, the Volkswagen ID.X Performance.
The ID.X Performance is not a production car but rather a showcase of what Volkswagen can do with its electric parts bin. The concept car is based on the ID.7, which is already one of the most advanced and efficient EVs on the market, but adds a slew of power, suspension, and aerodynamic upgrades that make it a serious contender for the title of the fastest electric sedan in the world.
What Makes The ID.X Performance So Special?
The most obvious difference between the ID.X Performance and the regular ID.7 is the powertrain. While the ID.7 comes with a single rear-mounted electric motor that produces 282 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, the ID.X Performance adds another motor to the front axle, giving it a total output of 550 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.
That's more than enough to propel the concept car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph, according to Volkswagen. For comparison, the Tesla Model S Plaid claims to do 0 to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph, while the Lucid Air Dream Edition claims to do 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 168 mph.
But the Volkswagen ID.X Performance is not just about straight-line speed. It also features a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that can distribute torque between the front and rear axles as well as between the left and right wheels, depending on the driving situation. This allows for optimal traction, stability, and agility on any road surface.
The concept car also benefits from a revised suspension setup that lowers the ride height by 2.4 inches and widens the track by 3.1 inches, improving the handling and aerodynamics of the vehicle. The suspension is said to be "especially stiff" to cope with the increased performance and weight of the concept car, which tips the scales at 4,409 pounds.
To further enhance the driving dynamics, Volkswagen fitted the ID.X Performance with 20-inch center-locking wheels that look like they were borrowed from a Porsche 911 GT3. The wheels are wrapped in ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Cup 2 R tires, which are designed for track use and offer exceptional grip and feedback.
The braking system is also upgraded to match the performance level of the concept car. The ID.X Performance features six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear, clamping on large ventilated discs that can withstand high temperatures and provide consistent stopping power.
How Does The ID.X Performance Look?
The exterior design of the ID.X Performance is largely similar to that of the ID.7, but with some notable differences that give it a more aggressive and sporty appearance. The concept car features carbon fiber front and rear diffusers that reduce drag and increase downforce, as well as side skirts that enhance the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle.
The most striking element of the ID.X Performance is undoubtedly the large fixed rear wing that dominates the rear end of the car. The wing is made of carbon fiber and adds more downforce to improve stability at high speeds. It also contrasts with the bright green paintwork of the concept car, which is inspired by Volkswagen's iconic Golf GTI.
The interior of the ID.X Performance is also similar to that of the ID.7, but with some sporty touches that reflect its performance-oriented nature. The front seats are replaced by carbon fiber bucket seats that offer more support and comfort for spirited driving. The seats are upholstered in black leather with green stitching and feature integrated headrests with "ID.X" logos.
The steering wheel is also unique to the concept car, featuring a flat-bottom design and perforated leather grips. The wheel has two buttons that allow the driver to activate different driving modes, including a "Boost" mode that unleashes the full potential of the electric motors for a short period of time.
The rest of the interior is largely unchanged from the ID.7, featuring a minimalist dashboard with a large touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. The concept car also retains the spacious and practical cabin of the ID.7, offering ample room for five passengers and their luggage.
Will The ID.X Performance Ever Become A Reality?
The ID.X Performance is not intended to be a production car but rather a demonstration of what Volkswagen can do with its electric platform and technology. The concept car was created for an ID Driver's Club event in Locarno, Switzerland, where Volkswagen enthusiasts and customers can get a closer look at the brand's latest EVs and innovations.
However, that doesn't mean that Volkswagen will never make a performance-oriented electric sedan based on the ID.7. The automaker has already confirmed that it plans to launch a sporty GTX version of the ID.7 in the future, which could borrow some of the features and components of the ID.X Performance.
The GTX badge is Volkswagen's new designation for its performance-oriented EVs, similar to the GTI, GTD, and GTE badges for its combustion-engine models. The first model to wear the GTX badge is the ID.4 GTX, which is a more powerful and dynamic version of the ID.4 compact SUV.
The ID.4 GTX features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph. It also features a sportier suspension, larger brakes, and distinctive design elements that set it apart from the regular ID.4.
The ID.7 GTX could follow a similar formula but with more power and performance than the ID.4 GTX. It could also adopt some of the styling cues and aerodynamic enhancements of the ID.X Performance, such as the rear wing, the carbon fiber diffusers, and the center-locking wheels.
The Volkswagen ID.7 GTX could be a viable alternative to the Tesla Model S Performance, the Lucid Air Grand Touring, or the Porsche Taycan 4S, offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and practicality at a competitive price. Volkswagen has not announced when it will launch the ID.7 GTX, but it could arrive by 2024 or 2025.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance concept is a stunning example of what Volkswagen can achieve with its electric platform and technology. The concept car combines impressive power and performance with sleek design and spacious interior, making it a dream car for many EV enthusiasts.
While the ID.X Performance is not destined for production, it could inspire a future performance-oriented version of the ID.7 that could rival some of the best electric sedans on the market. The ID.7 GTX could be Volkswagen's answer to Tesla, Lucid, and Porsche, offering a compelling package of performance, efficiency, and practicality at an affordable price.
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance concept shows that Volkswagen is fearless in experimenting with its electric vehicles and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The concept car also shows that Volkswagen is serious about competing in the EV market and offering a diverse range of models that cater to different tastes and needs.
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance concept is a 550-HP electric sedan that could rival Tesla - and we hope it becomes a reality soon.
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