Volkswagen is heating up the electric vehicle market in China with the official unveiling of its ID.3 GTX at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. This isn’t just a subtle refresh, it’s a punchier, more performance-oriented variant of the popular ID.3, set to launch with both a standard and a performance trim. VW is clearly keen to make a bigger splash in the competitive Chinese EV scene.
From a quick glance, the ID.3 GTX retains the overall familiar silhouette of the current ID.3, which is currently powered by a 125 kW rear electric motor in China. But look closer. Upfront, a distinctive through-type LED light strip connects the headlights, framing a glowing Volkswagen logo and a more aggressive trapezoidal grille at the bottom. Around the sides, those sharp 20-inch five-spoke rims are a dead giveaway this isn’t your average ID.3. Out back, a prominent GTX badge leaves no doubt about its sporty intentions, sitting alongside the SAIC-Volkswagen logo.
Step inside and the sporty theme continues. You will find red stitching tastefully accentuating the cabin, and the 12.9-inch central infotainment screen boasts an exclusive GTX red-themed interface. It’s a subtle but effective way to dial up the excitement without reinventing the wheel, quite literally, as it retains the familiar flat-bottomed, three-spoke steering wheel from the standard model.
Now, for the juicy bits, the powertrain. The ID.3 GTX promises a significant bump in power, coming with two rear electric motor options. The standard GTX will churn out a healthy 282 hp, while the performance trim ups the ante to 322 hp. This translates to brisk acceleration figures: 0 to 100 km/h comes in at 6 seconds for the standard and a rapid 5.6 seconds for the performance version. Top speeds are rated at 180 km/h and 200 km/h respectively. Both versions will share a 79 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, delivering a WLTP cruising range of 604 km.
What truly sets the performance trim apart is the inclusion of Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system. This tech is a game-changer, featuring electronically controlled shock absorbers that can react to road conditions and driving dynamics in milliseconds, constantly adjusting the damping for optimal comfort and handling. It’s the kind of feature that can transform a spirited drive into a truly engaging experience.
The current ID.3 has been a solid, if not blockbuster, performer in China, selling 5,601 units in March. The introduction of the-sportier GTX version—with its enhanced performance and sharper looks—could be just what Volkswagen needs to ignite sales and truly carve out a larger slice of the increasingly competitive Chinese EV market. It’s clear that Volkswagen is serious about bolstering its presence, as evidenced by their recent moves to deepen ties with local tech giants like XPeng for advanced EV development. SAIC-Volkswagen is keeping some of the detailed specs under wraps for now, but we are definitely keeping a close eye on this one. The question remains: will the GTX be the catalyst Volkswagen needs to accelerate its electric ambitions in China?
