China’s BYD, GWM and MG on notice: Volkswagen previews its $30,000 entry-level electric car that will be here by 2027 and promises it will stun you with its looks, tech, design and quality
Volkswagen has given us our first glimpse of its most affordable electric car yet that will launch in 2027, and which could be priced from just €20,000 ($A32,000) when it arrives to do battle with the likes of the GWM Ora, BYD Dolphin and MG 4.
Releasing a shadowy side profile shot of the actual car destined for production, it looks like Volkswagen is readying a small five-door SUV that will feature short overhangs and prominent wheel arches, rather than the tiny five-door Volkswagen e-Up it replaces in Europe.
The curvy nose, rakish windscreen and the rear tailgate spoiler, meanwhile, suggest it will look very different from the current Volkswagen ID.3 and the incoming ID.2 the brand will launch in 2025.
Commenting on the new car Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said: “Generations of people associate the strong brands of the Volkswagen Group with their first car – and with affordable mobility. As a group with strong brands, we continue to assume this social responsibility to this day. That’s why I’m very pleased that we’re launching a future-oriented project. It’s about entry-level electric mobility from Europe for Europe.”
Posting the tease on his Linkedin profile, VW boss Thomas Schäfer said: “Despite the attractive price, our electric cars will set standards in the entry-level segment in terms of technology, design, quality, and customer experience.”
Originally, Volkswagen planned to twin the entry EV with potentially the all-new Renault Twingo EV, but abandoned those plans after negotiations between the two car-makers abruptly ended without a deal.
Sharing costs and increasing economies of scale, it’s thought Skoda, SEAT, Cupra and even Audi will all have their ove version of the entry-EV.
A similar strategy has already been taken with the production version of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.2all concept that launches next year, which will see other members of the Volkswagen Group introduce the sportier Cupra Raval and a small, but practical Skoda Epiq SUV that will all be priced from around €25,000 ($A40,800).
