Volkswagen has spiced up its ID.3 and ID.7 electric models with new top-rung GTX variants.

VW’s new ID.3 and ID.7 GTX Tourer flagships

Premiered ahead of their arrival later this year, the pair follow the ID.4 and ID.5 in gaining GTX versions – Volkswagen’s GTI badge for its EVs, used to denote the sportiest models. A GTX variant of the ID. Buzz MPV will also launch in parallel.

The new top-of-the-range ID.3 GTX will be available in two different versions, both rear-wheel drive. The base model delivers 286hp while the ID.3 GTX Performance brings more power into play with 326hp on tap thanks to the most powerful Volkswagen electric drive motor to date. Performance stands at 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds for the standard GTX and 5.6 seconds for the ID.3 GTX Performance, with top speeds respectively of 180km/h (111mph) and 200km/h (124mph).

The motors are powered by a new 79kWh lithium-ion battery, which can be charged at up to 175kW at DC rapid-charging stations, giving a 10-80% charge in about 26 minutes. Range is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be about 600km (373 miles). The ID.3 GTX also gets a bespoke chassis set-up.

Updated styling features deliver a GTX-specific front bumper, daytime running lights and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior gets an array of GTX-bespoke features, while all ID.3 models get a new cockpit set-up with a larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen.

As part of its double world premiere, VW has also showcased its ID.7 GTX Tourer – debuted hot on heels of the standard ID.7 Tourer and marked out as the most powerful Volkswagen estate built to date.

Arriving this summer, followed later this year for the ID.7 saloon-cum-hatchback, the ID.7 GTX Tourer features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, as with the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX. This lifts power to 340hp from the 286hp in the standard ID.7 Tourer.

The new 86kWh battery is Volkswagen’s largest to date and can charge at up to 200kW at DC rapid chargers, giving a 10 to 80% state of charge in significantly less than 30 minutes. Performance and range figures are yet to be confirmed.

It’s marked out from standard models by a distinctive bumper with honeycomb grille and GTX-specific light graphics including illuminated badges, plus unique 20-inch alloys.

Its extended standard equipment package includes the electric dual-motor all-wheel drive and IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights plus 3D LED tail-lights.

As with its standard stablemate, the ID.7 GTX Tourer delivers boot space of 605 litres, or 1,714 with the rear seats folded.

Prices for VW’s new ID.3 and ID.7 GTX flagships will be confirmed closer to the launch.