Volkswagen is reportedly preparing to launch a fully electric hatchback that may adopt the Golf nameplate. Initially referred to as the ID.2, the upcoming EV will be positioned as an entry-level offering, featuring a GTI variant likely to follow in May 2023, and a final production version expected to arrive in 2025. The zero-emission hatchback is expected to be offered alongside the current ICE-powered Golf for a few years, making a different name like ID.Golf more appropriate.
According to insiders, the Golf-branded EV will measure around 4,250 mm in length, longer than the ICE-powered Polo but very close to the fully electric ID.3 that is also getting a facelift this year. The exterior design is said to be inspired by the Golf IV, and Andreas Mindt, former Bentley designer and Volkswagen’s new chief designer, will sign off on the styling.
Reports suggest that the EV will ride on the upgraded MEB Plus architecture, featuring lithium iron phosphate prismatic battery cells, a single electric motor (with the possibility of supporting dual electric motors in the future), and fast charging rates of up to 200 kW. The upcoming EV will be produced at the Martorell factory near Barcelona, Spain, alongside the Cupra UrbanRebel and another similarly-sized EV from Skoda.
Interestingly, Volkswagen has reportedly decided to replace the GTX nameplate with the GTI badge in future performance EVs, and the ID.Golf is rumored to get a GTI hot hatch variant that could mirror the specs of the mechanically related Cupra UrbanRebel and slot below the full-blown VW R models. A concept of VW’s upcoming pocket rocket could debut as early as May 2023.
