Volkswagen Plans to Boost Appeal of ID Range with Special Edition EVs
Volkswagen is set to launch a series of low-volume special edition vehicles across its ID range in order to enhance the appeal of its electric vehicles, following a similar strategy employed with its earlier internal combustion engine models.
Previewing the Strategy: The ID 3 GTX Fire+Ice
The ID 3 GTX Fire+Ice, an electric reinterpretation of Volkswagen’s previous Golf Fire+Ice, offers a glimpse into this plan. Although it is currently a one-off show car based on the ID 3 GTX Performance, Volkswagen states that it serves as an example of how special editions can be incorporated into their current electric vehicle lineup.
Historically, Volkswagen has released limited edition versions of their vehicles, such as the Golf Rolling Stones in 1995 and the Golf Pink Floyd in 1994. These models, based on the standard Mk3 Golf, featured unique styling elements, particularly in their paintwork, and provided valuable exposure for the brand.
The Fire+Ice follows a similar approach, reinterpreting the distinctive design cues from the limited-edition Golf variant launched by Volkswagen in collaboration with German sportswear company Bögner in 1990. The original Fire+Ice Golf, based on the Mk2 Golf, was initially planned for a production run of 10,000 units but ended up selling 16,700 units between 1990 and 1992.
“Our design team had incredible fun reinterpreting the 1990s design and thus developing it further,” said Andreas Mindt, head of design at Volkswagen.
The new show car boasts a vibrant triple-layer Electric Violet Pearl Effect exterior paint, accompanied by transparent matt Fire+Ice graphics and a contrasting red anodized strip on the front section of the side roofline. It also features new 21-inch alloy wheels with a blue anodized finish, and the original Fire+Ice logo from the 1990s is displayed on the B-pillar and roof spoiler.
The interior of the ID 3 GTX Fire+Ice retains the standard car’s design and features, but adds Flaming Red (for Fire) and Ice Blue (for Ice) elements within the seats. The front seats are quilted in a design reminiscent of Bögner’s Fire+Ice down jackets.
By introducing special edition models like the ID 3 GTX Fire+Ice, Volkswagen aims to generate excitement and increase the desirability of its ID range of electric vehicles.
