Volkswagen's R performance division to go all-electric by 2030

25 Oct 2022

Volkswagen R, the car giant’s performance division is working on 'several' battery electric models – and will offer an all-electric line-up by 2030.

The German firm launched the R division in 2002, and has offered a range of high-performance versions of combustion engined models such the Golf, Passat, T-Roc and Tiguan. 

To date, the highest-performance models from the firm have been the twin-motor Volkswagen ID 4 GTX and ID 5 GTX. That badge is considered the electric equivalent of the GTI range, which focuses on blending performance and usability, while R models have traditionally been more hardcore.

While Volkswagen R has yet to launch a full battery-powered model, our sister title Autocar has previously reported it has been working on a hot R-badged version of the Volkswagen ID 3 hatch, which would likely feature a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain.

Last year the firm revealed a 245kW (329bhp) Volkswagen ID X, which is set to go into production as the ID 3 R (below).

The division also previously helped with the development of the Volkswagen ID R racing car, which set an outright record on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2018 and went on to set electric records at the Nurburgring Nordschleife and Goodwood.

Volkswagen has now hinted at the timing of its electric performance transition as part of a celebration of 20 years of the R badge. It says that “several” electric R models are “in the planning stages”, adding that it is committed to “gradually converting its portfolio”.

The firm added it was assessing “various concepts and possibilities” for the models, but would only offer R’badged cars “that meet our requirements”. The firm added that the key qualities of the brand include quality, suitability for everyday use, design, innovative technology and ‘sustainable performance’. 

Volkswagen added that future R models would “continue to be developed on the racetrack” with input from racing drivers.

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