Volkswagen will debut its next-generation design language this week with the unveiling of an all-new concept for an affordable electric car.
According to the German brand, the still-to-be-named EV will influence the design of all future Volkswagen models.
No further details have been released but the hashtag ‘VW for the people’ suggests it could be the expected ‘cheap’ entry-level electric car that will be positioned below the recently facelifted 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 hatch.
The rumour mill suggests the car could be named either the Volkswagen ID.2 or the ID. Golf, replacing the 2021 ID. Life concept that was scrapped following a poor reception internally.
If so, expect the concept to preview a production car that will go on sale in 2025 priced from around €22,500 ($A35,000).
Based on the Volkswagen Group’s next-gen MEB-Plus architecture – an evolution of the current MEB platform – the new EV will feature lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that will offer charging up to 200kW (up from 135kW on the current ID.3).
Set to be an indirect replacement for the Volkswagen Up, the EV will be twinned with the Cupra Urban Rebel as well as replacements for the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo.
Size-wise, the car will measure in at 4250mm, which will see it sit between the current Polo and Golf, but offer cabin space on par with the bigger hatch.
From its launch in 2025, the ‘ID. Golf’ will come in a single-motor/front-wheel drive format, but MEB-Plus can also support dual-motor/ all-wheel drive layouts that could pave the way for a high-performance GTI version, following reports the ‘GTX’ badge will be quietly dropped.
Following its unveiling in Europe on March 15, the EV will spawn a sportier version set to make its debut at the annual Worthersee GTI festival in May, or possibly at the more recently formed VW ID. fan meet in Locarno, Switzerland, in September.