SPY PICS: 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX breaks cover

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 GTX has just been spied testing for the first time and although the prototype pictured here obviously goes without all of its production-spec trimmings, it’s fair to say the electric performance hatch looks rather understated.

Understated that is for a circa-220kW/460Nm all-wheel drive hot hatch that’s destined to up the Volkswagen Group’s mainstream EV game compared to the established Cupra Born, which is rear-drive only.

But just how understated are we talking? Well, the all-black body is the main contributor here in that it hides all of the eventual sporty – read contrasty – bits that will appear on the showroom version, but there are a few clues for those who know what they’re looking for.

For starters, the front bumper is completely different to the regular ID.3, brandishing a sleeker profile, smaller air-dams and a radically different grille with inevitably black GTX-spec mesh laid over the top.

Said mesh actually looks to be partially obscured by a subtle layer of camouflage at both ends of the bumper, which in turn masks the inclusion of VW Golf R-style tooth elements flicking up from the chin.

The whole package also rides noticeably lower than the standard ID.3 first released back in 2019 and features more aggressive side skirts, an angrier but disguised rear diffuser and subtly enlarged roof spoiler.

If rumours of the ID.3 GTX hatch scoring the same dual-motor powertrain as the bigger ID.4 and ID.5 GTX SUVs prove accurate, Volkswagen’s first electric hot hatch will likely be able to hit 100km/h in less than six seconds, putting it right in the middle of the petrol-powered Golf GTI and Golf R.

Sources out of Europe are suggesting the ID.3 GTX will cost somewhere between €40,000 and €45,000, so roughly about $A70,000 when converted directly, which would make around the same price as the Golf R (from $68,990) but more expensive than the Cupra Born ($59,990).

Judging by the state of the prototype, it seems there’s still plenty of development work to be done on the GTX before its release, so it’d be safe to assume the hottest ID.3 will makes its official debut sometime next year.

The facelifted VW ID.3 was revealed in March and is scheduled for Australian release in late 2024 – potentially priced under $50,000 – but whether the GTX flagship arrives here as part of the local launch range is yet to be confirmed.

Image source: Automedia

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