Volkswagen's new ID4 GTX has been unveiled, becoming the German automaker's first "sporty flagship" electric vehicle model It boasts 295 bhp from a twin-motor powertrain and all-wheel drive, with a range of up to 298 miles

This more powerful VW ID4 will be the first to use the GTX badge, but the electric SUV will not be the last, and Volkswagen notes that other models in the range will receive the same treatment Indeed, the VW ID5 GTX is also on the way and will take the form of a more racy coupe with improved performance

This move forms another part of Volkswagen's goal of achieving 70% sales of pure electric vehicles in Europe by 2030; the GTX variant will build on VW's other potentially emulating the success of the legendary sports models

Indeed, the GTX badge itself has been seen before on the Golf, Scirocco, and Jetta, but this is the first time it has been used in connection with an electric model in the VW range

The VW ID4 GTX will be available in Germany starting this summer and will be introduced in the UK later this year In Germany, it will be available starting at an entry price of €50,415 Customers can also apply for a subsidy of €7,500 The price for the UK version is expected to be around 50,000 pounds (just under $70,000)

As for range, the Volkswagen ID4 GTX is powered by a 24-cell, 77 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a maximum electrical output of 220 kW to the twin motors This battery pack is the largest for the ID4 and has a range of up to 298 miles In addition, five different driving profiles should satisfy most people, with the sport setting likely to appeal to many buyers of GTX-badged cars

The all-wheel drive powertrain derives its strength from a 201bhp permanent magnet synchronous machine (PSM) mounted on the rear axle This is combined with an asynchronous motor (ASM) at the front This twin-motor combo delivers 295 bhp and accelerates the ID4 GTX from 0-62 mph in 62 seconds

Top speed is limited to 112 mph Performance and handling promise to retain a large part of their appeal, with the all-wheel drive system managing torque to deliver more dynamic handling than the base model For example, power is sent primarily to the rear axle, but the front motor is called upon when higher performance and extra traction are needed

The VW ID4 GTX will feature a number of design innovations that set it apart from the standard ID4 Naturally, the GTX badge will be worn to let others know that it is packed with ample performance There will also be a number of exterior embellishments to emphasize this fact Up front, the car will feature gloss black air intake grilles, complemented by a black roof that includes a high-gloss anthracite roof frame bar At the rear, a chunky rear spoiler rounds it off

And at the rear, Volkswagen has created a new rear bumper design for this edition: a 3D LED taillight cluster with X-shaped brake lights gives the car an extra sparkle Meanwhile, the front LED lights are designed specifically for the GTX, so there is no mistaking the two versions

The interior also promises to have a strong identity of its own, with dark blue dashboard panels, leatherette door inserts, and a completely bespoke color scheme accented with red stitching VW has also chosen to add a dashboard and door inserts in a shade called X Blue, which is somehow a nod to sustainability

The GTX logo is featured on the steering wheel and side panel trim, and the front seat backrests are perforated

Buyers can also choose from a variety of trim packs Premium models also benefit from a larger 12-inch touchscreen, as opposed to the usual 10-inch version found on lower-specification vehicles

Higher performance can be obtained by ordering the optional Sport Pack for the ID4 GTX This will lower the vehicle's ride height by 15 mm over the standard version, and it also includes progressive steering, which should make for a more performance-oriented driving experience [There is also a Sport Plus Pack that adds adaptive chassis control, similar to that found on Volkswagen's R models, to further enhance the thrill factor These options show that VW wants to continue to cultivate the excitement factor that has been a big part of the appeal of cars like the Golf GTI to buyers over the years [And with the ID4 GTX, we add a new dimension of sportiness and dynamics," Volkswagen Brand CEO Ralf Brandstetter said in a press release

"The most emotional vehicle in the ID family shows that electric mobility and supreme sporty performance are not mutually exclusive

Volkswagen seems to be taking environmental sustainability seriously, especially after the "Dieselgate" controversy a few years ago Of course, increased competition in this area can only help consumers Still, the only company gaining significant momentum is Tesla Whether Volkswagen's EV line will resonate with consumers remains to be seen