The VW ID GTI Doesn’t Mean GTX Will Die - Yet

It was only in April 2021 that Volkswagen confirmed the use of the revival of the old ‘GTX’ badge for its quicker electric vehicles. However, fast forward to September 2023, and VW has launched the electric ID GTI model, so what’s the difference between the two brands in an EV context, and what does the future hold for GTX in light of the new concept? 

We sought answers at the Munich motor show (or IAA Mobility to give it the official name). The much more aggressively styled GTI suggests a change of tact for performance-oriented VW EVs, but GTX won’t be going anywhere, at least for now. Instead, it’ll be reserved for all-wheel drive performance EVs like the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX, while GTI is to only be used on front-wheel drive vehicles, in keeping with the sub-brand’s history, a VW spokesperson confirmed.

Speaking to Car Throttle at a VW event adjacent to the show, VW design boss Andreas Mindt likened GTX to the R brand, which he notes is aimed at “more grown-up” customers. GTI EVs, which will involve more pumped-up styling, are for a “younger group”.

But GTX-branded cars are set to get a little more spicy in terms of exterior design, judging by Mindt’s further comments. “GTX - you can develop that as well,” he said, adding, “I am convinced that you have to develop that, it’s not standing still - for future GTX it will be one step further”.

There’s certainly plenty that can be done, as current GTX model designs vary little from those of the ID models they’re based on. Whether or not GTX will live beyond the current generation of ID cars, though, remains to be seen. It seems likely that the aforementioned R brand will be used on VW EVs eventually, making GTX's long-term future look less certain.