Volkswagen has recently unveiled a stunning concept car that showcases the potential of its electric vehicle platform. The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept is a modified version of the ID.7 sedan but with a lot more power, style, and technology. It is not intended for production but rather as a demonstration of what is possible with the MEB architecture that underpins most of Volkswagen's EVs.
What Makes the ID.X Performance Concept Special?
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept is not your typical electric sedan. It has a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd, such as:
- A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 550 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This is almost twice as much as the regular ID.7, which has a single rear motor with 282 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.X Performance Concept can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest EVs on the road.
- A vehicle dynamics manager that controls the torque distribution and the rear axle differential lock. This allows the driver to adjust the handling characteristics of the car according to their preferences and driving conditions. The ID.X Performance Concept also has a boost mode that unleashes the full power of the motors for a short period of time.
- A lowered and stiffened suspension that reduces the body roll and improves the cornering stability. The ID.X Performance Concept also has a wider track by 80 mm and flared wheel arches that accommodate 20-inch center-locking wheels with Michelin Pilot Cup 2 R tires. These are high-performance tires that offer exceptional grip and traction.
- A carbon fiber body kit that enhances the aerodynamics and the aesthetics of the car. The ID.X Performance Concept has a carbon front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a large rear wing that generates downforce and reduces drag. The car also has a striking green paint job with black and gold accents that contrast with the carbon elements.
- A sporty interior that features carbon bucket seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red accents, and digital displays. The ID.X Performance Concept also has a head-up display that projects relevant information on the windshield, such as speed, navigation, and battery status.
Why Did Volkswagen Create the ID.X Performance Concept?
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept was created for the ID. Treffen, which is an event for electric vehicle enthusiasts that took place in Locarno, Switzerland, on September 10th. The concept car was designed to impress and inspire the attendees, as well as to showcase the versatility and creativity of the MEB platform.
Andreas Reckewerth, head of MEB technology at Volkswagen, explained: "It was clear to us that we wanted to base our new show car on the Volkswagen ID.7 and that we would focus on enhancing the performance. In this way, we can show what is possible with our modular electric drive matrix (MEB). The MEB offers many fantastic possibilities for approaching vehicle development with a great deal of creativity".
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept is not meant to preview a future production model but rather a one-off experiment demonstrating what Volkswagen can do with its electric technology. However, some of its features may find their way into future models, such as the dual-motor system or the vehicle dynamics manager.
What Does the ID.X Performance Concept Mean for Volkswagen's EV Strategy?
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept is a testament to Volkswagen's ambition and innovation in the electric vehicle market. It shows that Volkswagen is not only committed to making affordable and practical EVs for the masses but also capable of making exciting and exhilarating EVs for enthusiasts.
The concept car also reflects Volkswagen's vision of combining performance and sustainability in its products. The ID.X Performance Concept has a DC fast charging capacity of 200 kW, which means it can recharge up to 80% of its battery in about 30 minutes. It also has an estimated range of 310 miles on a single charge, which is comparable to some of its gasoline-powered rivals.
The ID.X Performance Concept is part of Volkswagen's larger strategy of becoming a global leader in electric mobility by 2025. The company plans to launch more than 70 electric models across its brands by then and aims to sell more than 3 million EVs per year. The company also intends to invest more than $40 billion in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and digital services.
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Concept is an impressive example of what Volkswagen can achieve with its electric platform. It is a concept car that combines power, style, and technology in a way that appeals to both fans and critics of EVs. It is not likely to hit the roads anytime soon, but it may inspire some of the future models that will.
