Volkswagen’s Upcoming ID.2 R Could Revolutionize EV Performance with In-Wheel Motor Technology

Volkswagen, the brand that brought us the legendary GTI, is now preparing to make waves in the EV world with a radical performance variant of its upcoming affordable electric hatchback. While the standard VW ID.2 is scheduled for a 2026 release as a front-wheel-drive EV, insiders reveal that Volkswagen R, the brand’s performance arm, is developing a high-powered ID.2 R model that could shake up the compact performance segment.

Unlike typical dual-motor setups, the ID.2 R is said to feature in-wheel motors on the rear axle, a cutting-edge solution being co-developed with a specialized partner—likely Slovenian tech firm Elaphe, known for pioneering in-wheel motor systems. This novel design eliminates the need for a bulky rear motor unit, preserving interior and trunk space while enabling all-wheel-drive agility and rapid acceleration.

The ID.2 R could pack around 400 horsepower from its triple-motor configuration, putting it in direct competition with electric hot hatches like the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. For context, the standard ID.2 GTI will already produce an impressive 286 hp.

This upcoming EV appears to channel the spirit of the Polo R WRC, a street-legal rally car that paid tribute to VW's motorsport legacy. Expect custom bodywork, a track-ready chassis, and a performance-tuned cabin to distinguish the ID.2 R from its mainstream sibling.

Should the in-wheel motor system prove production-ready, Volkswagen could roll out this compact AWD solution to future EVs—including the 2027 ID.2 crossover and even the electric Golf successor on the SSP platform. The result? Compact EVs with real performance and versatility, minus the weight and design compromises.

Still, VW is hedging its bets. The MEB Plus platform is versatile enough to support a more traditional rear-mounted motor, giving the automaker a backup if in-wheel motors don’t make the cut.

With the ID.2 R, Volkswagen isn’t just building another fast EV—it’s reimagining what a performance hatchback can be in the electric age.