Volkswagen has announced that its upcoming entry-level electric vehicle (EV) will offer the same spaciousness as a Golf, but at an affordable price point similar to the Polo. The new EV will receive a performance version, much like its combustion-engine counterparts. Kai Grünitz, VW’s Board Member for Technical Development, revealed in an interview with Top Gear magazine that a “sporty version” is already in the works, with front-wheel drive and an impressively potent front-mounted electric motor.
While the decision hasn’t been made yet, the hot hatch is likely to be badged as a GTI or GTX. The recently unveiled ID.2all has a horsepower of 223 and can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in under seven seconds, making it as quick as a fifth- or sixth-generation Golf GTI. It can reach a maximum speed of 99 mph (160 km/h).
However, we will have to wait a bit longer for the performance version, as the regular production model is expected to go on sale in 2025, with the GTI/GTX not likely to be available until 2026. In the meantime, VW has stopped taking new orders for the up! GTI but offers the larger Polo and Golf in the Gran Turismo Injection specification. The all-wheel-drive Golf R is also available, but all R models will go purely electric by the end of the decade. In the interview, Kai Grünitz ruled out an AWD-equipped ID.2all performance model.
As the base ID.2all is expected to cost less than 25,000 euros, the spicy derivative is projected to start at over 30,000 euros. The Polo GTI retails from 33,455 euros in Germany, while the Golf GTI is 40,905 euros before options.
See also: Volkswagen Aims for Affordable Electric Vehicle under €20,000 by 2025
With this latest announcement, Volkswagen is making electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience, providing a high-performance and spacious option at an affordable price point. We can’t wait to see the hot hatch in action and experience the power of its impressive electric motor.
