Revealing the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE in Locarno: A Fusion of Power and Elegance
Volkswagen unveiled the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE at the ID. Meeting in Locarno, Switzerland, through an exhilarating collaboration with BOGNER, the Munich-based luxury sports fashion brand. This car evokes the legendary 90s Golf Fire and Ice, which unexpectedly captured the market's imagination and has since secured a cult status among enthusiasts. The vehicle flaunts an exclusive three-layer paint finish with a glass bead effect and meticulous details throughout the interior, honouring its predecessor while stepping into the modern, all-electric era.
Andreas Mindt, Head of Design at Volkswagen, shares, "The ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE exemplifies the profound emotional connection our top sports model elicits. Our design team greatly enjoyed the challenge of reinterpreting the iconic 90s design, advancing it into the contemporary era."
The idea for the vehicle sprang from employees in Technical Development. In a repeat of the collaboration that brought the original Golf Mk2 Fire and Ice to life, designers from Volkswagen and BOGNER teamed up again. Tom Becker, Director of BOGNER FIRE+ICE, states, "The fusion of our FIRE+ICE performance brand with the sporty ID.3 GTX represents BOGNER's modern interpretation of the iconic Golf Fire and Ice. It's special because we've seamlessly incorporated many hallmark materials and accessories into the vehicle’s interior."
The ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE stands out primarily because of its unique three-layer paint finish with a glass bead effect. The bespoke Electric Violet pearl effect colour revisits the Golf Mk2 Fire and Ice’s exterior. Below its dark blue base, the paint includes special glass beads that generate a unique colour shift and character, transitioning from dark blue to violet or even black, depending on the light. A sporty flair is added by the roof frame’s striking red anodised Flaming Red paint. The car's sides are embellished with transparent matte foiling featuring the geometric FIRE+ICE pattern, while 21-inch rims in blue anodised paint with a glossy twist and the original FIRE+ICE logo from the 1990s on the B-pillar and roof edge spoiler bolster the dynamic appearance.
Inside, the car is split into two colour schemes. The ‘FIRE’ theme dominates with Flaming Red accents on seats and stitching on the driver's side, contrasting with the ‘ICE’ theme's ice blue design elements on the passenger side. SpecialUniqueess steel accelerator pedals feature the ‘FIRE+ICE’ design, replacing the typical Play/Pause motif. The upper part of the instrument panel and floor mats also showcase a laser-engraved ‘FIRE+ICE’ pattern, mirroring the aesthetic of the BOGNER FIRE+ICE collections. Quilted seats mimic the design of current FIRE+ICE down jackets, complete with iconic B-zippers that, when opened, reveal the original FIRE+ICE fabric from the 1990s. Furthermore, webbing from the FIRE+ICE bag collection enhances the area behind the front seats.
The FIRE+ICE version employs Volkswagen’s most powerful electric motor in the ID.3 GTX Performance, delivering 240 kW (326 PS) and a torque of 545 Nm. This powerhouse accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with a 200 km/h top speed. A GTX-specific chassis, reinforced with robust stabilisers and Sport DCC adaptive chassis control, perfectly complements the high-performance drive system. The 79 kWh lithium-ion battery enables rapid charging at DC fast-charging stations and offers a combined WLTP range of up to 601 km.
Reflecting on the original “Fire and Ice” unique, the Golf Mk2 launched in 1990, this version was sporty and luxurious. Created in collaboration with fashion designer and director Willy Bogner, it featured a striking dark violet pearl effect paint, alloy wheels, a front spoiler, and body extensions. Powered by 90 to 160 PS engines, the GTI variant quickly became a coveted rarity, significantly surpassing its initial production target with 16,700 units sold.
