VW's Latest EV Is a '90s Throwback America Can't Buy

A Cult Classic from the ’90s Returns in Spirit

In 1990, Volkswagen introduced a special edition of the Golf Mk2 called the Fire & Ice. It wore a distinct color palette, carried exclusive interior styling, and came to represent a blend of youthful design and everyday usability of the marque’s iconic hatchback. Over the years, this variant gained cult status, remembered fondly by VW enthusiasts as a time capsule of early-’90s flair and subtle performance.

Volkswagen appears keen to revisit that spirit – albeit in a more electrified and modern context. Enter the ID.3 GTX Fire & Ice, a special edition hot hatch that borrows the name, design cues, and lifestyle alignment of the original but reinterprets it for the EV era.

Originally revealed as a show car in Locarno, the model was intended to remain a one-off. However, strong public reception has pushed Volkswagen to give it a limited production run.

ID.3 GTX Fire & Ice: Design and Performance

Based on the ID.3 GTX Performance, the Fire & Ice edition comes with dual-motor all-wheel drive producing 322 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque. It reaches 62 mph in 5.7 seconds and tops out at 124 mph. Power is supplied by a 79 kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of DC fast charging up to 185 kW – enough to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 26 minutes. The WLTP-rated range stands at 367 miles.

Visually, the Fire & Ice edition wears exclusive Ultra Violet metallic paint with red roof accents and geometric Fire+Ice graphics on the C-pillar. It sits on 20-inch diamond-cut Locarno alloy wheels. Other details include tinted LED taillights, puddle lights with “fire” and “ice” logos, and throwback Fire & Ice badging on the spoiler.

The interior picks up on the same visual theme. Flame red and Floxal blue stitching appears throughout, from the steering wheel to the floor mats. The sport seats are quilted in a pattern reminiscent of down jackets – an intentional nod to the collaboration with German fashion label BOGNER. Their FIRE+ICE line lends inspiration to the seat details, including a stylized zip and logo.

A Limited Offering That America Can’t Have

Volkswagen will produce just 1,990 units of the ID.3 GTX Fire & Ice, referencing the original Golf’s debut year. All units are allocated to European markets, with the UK getting access starting August 7. Pricing starts at £48,360, or roughly $64,200 at current exchange rates. At that figure, the car is positioned as both a design statement and a niche collector’s item.

Unfortunately, America will not receive this version, and Volkswagen has confirmed no plans to bring it across the Atlantic. *cue sad trombone*