Volkswagen is preparing to supercharge its electric vehicle lineup with a groundbreaking new model: the ID.2 R, a high-performance compact EV that could set new standards for agility and innovation in the segment. Positioned above the upcoming ID.2 GTI, the ID.2 R is poised to become Volkswagen‘s most radical small electric car yet—and it may introduce a major technological leap with the use of in-wheel electric motors.

The ID.2 R, currently under development by Volkswagen’s R Performance division, is more than just a hot hatch. It represents a broader engineering experiment aimed at unlocking the full performance potential of electric drivetrains. By placing individually controlled electric motors inside the rear wheel hubs, the vehicle would offer not only true all-wheel drive but also advanced torque vectoring capabilities—promising a level of precision and dynamic control rarely seen in compact EVs.

Crucially, this configuration would retain the front motor and electronics from the ID.2 GTI, while seamlessly integrating two additional motors in the rear. This setup would avoid the space and weight penalties typically associated with dual-motor AWD systems, preserving cabin and cargo space while enhancing performance.

Adding to the intrigue is Volkswagen’s collaboration with a Balkan-based technology partner, specializing in ultra-compact and efficient in-wheel motors. This partnership is seen as vital to ensuring that the ID.2 R can deliver aggressive performance without the mass and cost burdens of more conventional solutions.

While final approval for the ID.2 R is still pending, early performance estimates suggest the vehicle could produce over 400 horsepower—a dramatic jump from the ID.2 GTI’s already impressive 286 hp. Such output would not only make it the most powerful ID.2 variant but could also position it as a direct competitor to the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, another electrified reinterpretation of a classic European hot hatch.

Volkswagen is already on track to launch the standard ID.2 in 2026, followed by a crossover version in 2027, both built on the scalable MEB Plus platform. Fortunately, the modularity of this architecture gives the brand flexibility. While in-wheel motor technology is clearly the more innovative path, VW is also exploring the possibility of using a more conventional dual-motor AWD setup—like that seen in the larger Škoda Elroq vRS—without costly platform overhauls.

Whether Volkswagen opts for the bold, high-tech future promised by in-wheel motors or takes a safer, more traditional route, the ID.2 R signals the company’s serious intent to push the boundaries of EV performance in smaller vehicles. With the potential to combine cutting-edge handling dynamics, compact practicality, and blistering straight-line speed, the ID.2 R could redefine what consumers expect from affordable electric performance cars.

If greenlit, this high-voltage hot hatch might just become one of the most exciting EVs of the decade.

Source: Volkswagen