Volkswagen is bidding farewell to its GTX badge, which was reintroduced just three years ago to denote the performance variants of its ID electric models. The automaker is now set to return to its iconic GTI and R badges for the next generation of sporty electric vehicles, marking a significant shift in its electric branding strategy.
CEO Thomas Schäfer confirmed the change, stating, “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,” according to Autocar.
The GTX badge was previously used in the 1980s on models like the Scirocco coupe before being revived for the ID.4 GTX in 2021. The lineup expanded to include the ID.5 GTX, ID.Buzz GTX, ID.7 GTX, and ID.3 GTX within the last six months.
While the GTI badge has a long history associated with performance and front-wheel drive, Schäfer acknowledged that applying it to future EVs might require a reevaluation of its traditional narrative. He noted, “GTI is traditionally performance and front-wheel drive.”
Looking ahead, Volkswagen is confident about maintaining the performance legacy of its R-branded EVs, which will continue to feature all-wheel drive. Schäfer also confirmed that the current GTX models will not be rebranded during their lifecycle.
The transition back to GTI and R badges aligns with Volkswagen’s commitment to electric mobility, with R set to become an electric-only brand by the end of the decade. The move reflects the automaker’s strategy to blend its rich performance heritage with its electric future.
