Volkswagen’s entry-level EV is inching closer to production and could spawn an extreme ID.2 R variant
- A new report suggests Volkswagen is considering a tri-motor ID.2 R with 400 hp.
- This model could surpass the Golf R in performance and handling capabilities.
- Spy photographers captured the standard ID.2, expected to arrive next year.
Volkswagen previewed the upcoming ID.2 GTI with a concept at the 2023 Munich Motor Show, and a new report suggests it could be followed by a hardcore ID.2 R. If things pan out, it could be even more powerful than the 2025 Golf R.
According to a report from Autocar, the German carmaker is considering an ID.2 R as part of a wider effort to “explore the potency and torque-vectoring potential of hub motors.” While the model hasn’t been approved at this point, it could have a high-tech powertrain that mixes ‘old’ with new.
More: VW ID. GTI Concept Is A Hot ID.2 With Fake Gearshifts That’s Coming In 2026
In particular, the car could use the front-mounted motor from the ID.2 GTI. It could be joined by two rear in-wheel motors, giving the hot hatch a tri-motor all-wheel drive system. The report suggests we can expect an output of around 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS), which would eclipse the 328 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) Golf R.
Besides packing plenty of power, the tri-motor powertrain would allow for impressive handling. This would reportedly be aided by “predictive torque distribution, brake-based yaw control, and dynamic drive modes.”
Little else is known about the car at this point, but it would likely feature the usual R upgrades. As a result, we can expect unique interior and exterior styling as well as a sportier driving experience.
ID.2 Continues Testing
SHProshots
Spy photographers recently snapped an ID.2 prototype disguised as a Polo and now they’ve caught another car in the Alps. Dressed in traditional black and white camouflage, the model follows in the footsteps of the ID.2all concept but features a heavily revised front end.
The changes immediately stand out as the road-going model has a taller hood and more traditional headlights with top-mounted DRLs. We can also see a revamped bumper with a wide intake and vertical air curtains.
The profile is virtually identical to the concept, although the lower door treatment is a tad more conservative. Elsewhere, there are larger side mirrors and an evolutionary rear end.
When the ID.2all concept was introduced, Volkswagen was planning to introduce the production model in 2025 with a base price of less than €25,000 ($28,747). While the car is now expected to arrive in 2026, Volkswagen billed it “as spacious as a Golf” and “as affordable as a Polo.”
It’s slated to ride on the new MEB Entry platform and the concept had 223 hp (166 kW / 226 PS) as well as up to 280 miles (450 km) of range. However, the production model will presumably be offered in multiple configurations.
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