VW Reveals 558-hp ID. X Performance Sedan Concept

Volkswagen previews its future electric-powered performance models with the unveiling of the ID. X Performance, a 558-hp all-wheel-drive sports sedan based on the upcoming ID.7 production model.

Revealed at the annual Volkswagen ID. Driver’s Club meeting in Locarno, Switzerland, the concept is part of the German automaker’s future plans to electrify its existing R performance-car division.

The ID. X Performance showcases the scope and capability of VW’s MEB EV platform.

Andreas Reckewerth, VW’s head of technology for the modular, skateboard-style structure-- says: “The MEB platform offers many possibilities for approaching vehicle development with a great deal of creativity. It was clear to us that we wanted to base our new show car on the ID. 7, and that we would focus on enhancing the performance. In this way, we can show what is possible.”

VW ID. X Perf cabin

VW has not confirmed technical similarities between the ID. X Performance and the upcoming ID.7 GTX, though it says the concept gets two electric motors and variable all-wheel-drive properties.

The output and drivetrain of the ID.X layout suggest the powerful new sedan could be developed as a possible rival to the likes of the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

The concept car is visually differentiated from the standard ID.7 by a restyled front bumper with a low-set splitter and larger air ducting, tinted headlamps and taillamps, prominent wheel arch flares, adjustable rear spoiler and a new rear bumper accommodating a large diffuser.

The new VW concept also receives 20-in. center-lock wheels shod with 265-section track tires, as well as a 2.3-in. (58-mm) reduction in ride height over the ID.7 sedan set to go on sale in North America in 2024.

Inside, there are red accents within the dashboard, steering wheel and carbon fiber-backed front seats among other subtle changes to set it off from the core line.

The ID.X name was first revealed on a similarly conceived 295-hp, all-wheel-drive ID. 3-based engineering concept in 2021. However, VW has since revealed it no longer plans a production version of that car.

VW ID. X Perf rear