Volkswagen has just thrown down the gauntlet with its new ID.3 GTX Performance, but at what cost? Priced at a staggering £46,225 ($60,997), this so-called cutting-edge EV is more expensive than the beloved, gas-guzzling Volkswagen Golf R. Yes, you read that right—the electric revolution is now demanding more from your wallet than the tried-and-true performance of the Golf R, which starts at a comparatively modest £43,320 ($57,164). For those willing to shell out a bit more, the Black Edition still comes in cheaper at £44,570 ($58,813), delivering 328 horsepower from a classic 2.0L engine and all-wheel drive.
But let’s talk about the ID.3 GTX Performance’s credentials. Volkswagen brags about its 321 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, which barely outmuscles the standard GTX model. Yes, the GTX Performance offers an additional 39 horsepower, but is that really enough to justify the price? It shaves just 0.3 seconds off the 0-62 mph sprint, clocking in at 5.7 seconds—still 1.1 seconds slower than the Golf R.
Where the ID.3 GTX Performance tries to redeem itself is in range and charging. It boasts a 326-mile range on the WLTP cycle, courtesy of an 84 kWh battery (79 kWh usable). The car promises rapid charging from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes, thanks to a 185 kW charging capability. But is that enough to outshine the traditional, reliable performance of the Golf R?
Aesthetically, the GTX Performance gets some bells and whistles: a flashier front bumper, sleek DRLs, black accents, and 20-inch Skagen alloys. Inside, it’s got sports seats, fabric and leatherette upholstery, red stitching, a multi-function steering wheel, and a head-up display with augmented reality. It sounds good, but is it really groundbreaking?
Volkswagen offers a more “affordable” option with the base ID.3 Pro Essential, starting at £35,700 ($47,109). With a smaller 59 kWh battery and a 7.6-second sprint to 62 mph, it offers a decent 269-mile range. The Pro S variants, priced higher, promise up to 346 miles, but the performance is nothing to write home about, with an 8.2-second dash to 62 mph.
So, is the ID.3 GTX Performance worth its hefty price tag? Sure, it’s got the modern EV appeal, but for the discerning driver who values performance and bang for their buck, the Golf R might still reign supreme. Volkswagen’s electric gamble is daring, but whether it pays off remains to be seen.
