Key Takeaways
- Volkswagen retires the GTX nomenclature for EVs, returning to traditional GTI and R branding for performance models.
- GTI will focus on front-wheel drive performance, while R will represent AWD vehicles, each with distinct characteristics.
- Current GTX, GTI, and R models will continue until electric GTI and R models are launched.
Volkswagen has elected to retire the GTX nomenclature that it introduced for electric vehicles with increased performance and sporting intent. The name has so far been applied to the ID. 3, the ID. 7, and the ID. Buzz. For those unfamiliar with the GTX sub-brand, Volkswagen initially launched it with a specific focus: hotted-up EVs with two motors. That identity has already been eroded slightly with the introduction of the ID.3 GTX, which only has a single motor on the rear axle.
Now, in an interview with Autocar, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer has said it’s time for this short-lived era to pass.
“GTX is the performance brand of the MEB [platform], but we’ll work our way back to GTI and R in the next products going forward.”
– Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO.
The Need For A Clear Identity Between Trims
Initially, the plan was for GTI to represent an attainable car with enough sportiness to satisfy most; R was meant to be reserved for ultimate performance; and GTX was meant to fill niches that neither GTI nor R could. This explains its application to vehicles like the ID. Buzz and ID.7, neither of which could wear the GTI or R badges with pride.
“GTI is more real world, more blue-collar than white-collar for R. R has a future in the EV world, yes, absolutely. R is more for record breakers, cars for the Nürburgring. GTX goes into certain segments and is four-wheel-drive.”
– Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen Design Head.
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With the retirement of the GTX brand, Volkswagen has made it clear that both GTI and R models will be electric, but as before, each will have its own USP. “The question is: how do we position GTI?” Schäfer remarked before answering his question. “GTI is traditionally performance and front-wheel drive.” He added that the R brand will continue to represent vehicles with AWD and that each performance brand will have “clear genes going forward.”
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Are The GTX Versions Of The ID.Buzz, ID.7, And ID.3 Dead?
The vehicles already revealed in GTX guise are still going to carry the electric performance baton for the immediate future, but VW recognizes how this will cause confusion in the longer term, when those first GTI and R EVs eventually arrive, so for now, GTX models fill a gap. “With the current products, this is what it is, but future products will go back to a clear portfolio,” said Schäfer. This is a similar policy change to the one that was confirmed in Stuttgart nearly three years ago when CarBuzz confirmed Mercedes would drop the EQ sub-brand.
Yes, the demand for EVs has slowed in recent months, but VW is banking on it picking up again towards the latter half of the decade, and when that happens, there will be no more need for differentiation. Hence, R will continue to imply racing, and the last letter of GTI will stand for “intelligence,” not “injection,” said VW in a press release. Until then, the current GTI and R models will soldier on.
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