Volkswagen ID 3 R: electric hot hatch tipped for 2024 launch

[AVANTI R5]

Volkswagen ID 3 R: electric hot hatch tipped for 2024 launch
First performance ID in frame as VW paves way for diverse electric line-up

VW ID 3 R render 2020 - static front
A free software update will be offered once the systems are available. Early buyers can also choose to delay receipt of their ID 3 until the systems are fully ready.

The ID 3 will eventually be sold with three battery capacities and two power outputs. The First edition, which was offered to people who pre-booked a car, will use the mid-sized 58kWh battery for a claimed range of 261 miles. It will have 201bhp, 229lb ft and a 100mph top speed. It can be charged via a 100kW DC connection or a 11kW AC system.

The ID 3 First will feature three trim levels – basic, Plus and Max – although only the mid-level Plus version will be offered in the UK when sales start in mid-July. While the exact UK trim has yet to be confirmed, it’s set to include 19in alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, a rear-view camera and ‘dynamic’ LED lights.

ID 4 SUV to be followed by electric saloon and MPV

Following the ID 3 into UK showrooms will be the larger ID 4 SUV, whose external dimensions will mirror those of the soon-to-be-facelifted second-generation Tiguan, with seating for up to five.

The ID 4 will be revealed in late August before UK deliveries start in the second quarter of 2021. Two versions will be offered: a standard model with an upright tailgate and an emphasis on versatility and a sportier version with a coupé-like profile, potentially using the Cross suffix.

At launch, the ID 4 will be exclusively rear-wheel drive, with a single electric motor offering up to 201bhp and 229lb ft. A more powerful, four-wheel-drive GTX model running two motors with a combined 302bhp and 332lb ft will join the line-up within the first 12 months of sales.

The ID 4 will be sold with a range of batteries up to 83kWh, giving a range of as much as 311 miles. All models will also offer charging at up to 125kW.

Production of the ID 4 is scheduled to take place in Germany, China and the US.

Autocar sources confirm development is already well progressed on production versions of the ID Roomzz, ID Buzz and ID Vizzion concepts, with all three set to make their debuts by the end of 2022.

The production version of the ID Roomzz large SUV, conceived primarily for the Chinese and US markets, will retain the seven-seat layout of the concept. It shares the MEB platform with the short-wheelbase ID Buzz MPV/ van and is likely to be sold exclusively with a twin-motor, four-wheel-drive set-up.

Also under development are commercial vehicle derivatives of the ID Buzz, as previewed by the ID Cargo concept. The production version will offer two wheelbases and battery sizes from 48kWh to 111kWh – the latter claimed to enable a 342-mile range.

Welsch has denied reports that the ID Vizzion saloon will replace the Passat. Similar to that combustion-engined model, it will be sold as both a saloon and an estate and with rear- and four-wheel drive.

Budget ID Entry due in 2023, off-roader to follow

Work is also advanced on the ‘ID Entry’ small car, set to be named the ID 1. Positioned as a successor to the Volkswagen e-Up, Seat Mii Electric and Skoda Citigo-e iV, it’s due to enter production by 2023.

It was originally planned to have its own low-cost platform and electric drivetrain developed by Seat and the Volkswagen Group’s Chinese partner, JAC Automobile, but development has been taken in-house at Volkswagen now.

Also under development, but yet to be confirmed, is a production version of the secretive ID Ruggdzz. The Land Rover Defender-esque off-roader forms part of what sources call an ‘icon project’ to establish “a line of ID models with the same timeless and classless qualities as the original Beetle”.

Conceived to rival the Mercedes-Benz EQB, it’s said to feature rugged styling cues and a choice of five or seven seats. Sources suggest the range-topping ID Ruggdzz model will have a twin-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain.

The ID Ruggdzz is expected to enter production in 2023 as part of a 30-strong Volkswagen SUV line-up planned by 2025.

Plans for an electric successor to the Phaeton have gone quiet, but sources in Wolfsburg suggest they haven’t been abandoned. “There remain ideas for a flagship model, although it’s not a priority. Our engineering resources are contracted on volume-selling ID models at the moment,” said one insider.

Meanwhile, plans for German start-up e.Go Mobile to make a road-going version of the ID Buggy have been ditched after the firm filed for bankruptcy. An alternative plan for the two-seater to be made at Volkswagen-owned Karmann is being discussed.

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[Keshav]

Yay! It's about time someone announced their EV hot hatch. 2024 is probably a year after the Tesla one arrives.

[godfather2112]

This makes me excited in the pants. If it's available I'm AWD, it would be damn hard not to bite.

[oichan]

That's a cool looking hatch. If they can make it in a Polo size for the US market I'd be interested. If Golf-R size, I think I'll just keep my R for the time being or get the Mk8 Golf-R before all gasoline ones are gone.

There is really no rush to go electric for me knowing there will be plenty of them by the time I'm ready to make the switch.

[lil'redwagon]

RWD hot hatch? I'm listening...

[dwf137]

Looking forward to this coming out. Timing seems just about right for us as a family to take on a new car.

[4S-TURBO]

In the meantime can we have the ****ing T-ROC R please. So tired of the FUTURE EV nonsense they've been pushing out further and further and not giving us current vehicles they offer elsewhere. Hello.

[oichan]

Isn't that like a crossover/SUV? Not into those..

[dwf137]

Originally Posted by oichan

Isn't that like a crossover/SUV? Not into those..

It's VW's answer to the crosstrek... except they have the balls to throw a 300 hp drivetrain into it...

[oichan]

Originally Posted by dwf137

It's VW's answer to the crosstrek... except they have the balls to throw a 300 hp drivetrain into it...

Nice.. so why they don't throw that power in the Tiguan R-line? That is a good looking SUV, just super slow like my Forester when pushed. Okay for normal driving.

[4S-TURBO]

I'm more into those than an EV SUV 4 years away.

[Sid03SVT]

ID3 wagon or hatch with rear biased AWD or RWD ; failing that, IDBuzz with the aforementioned drivetrains.

ID4 is not what I want, I don't need unnecessary ground clearance.

I'm honestly worried VAG won't be able to make it work at a "reasonable" price though, I have other worries as well, but let's see if they can bring it to market before I get too wrapped up in it.

[SubaDuba420]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

In the meantime can we have the ****ing T-ROC R please.

Preach

[juanmedina]

It looks great but they specs are terrible even for 2020. I wonder what will be the starting price?