Volkswagen, in a recent collaborative effort with Italian design and engineering firm Italdesign, a subsidiary of Audi, has unveiled a captivating electric coupe concept known as the EVX Project. This design exercise, born from a 'what if' scenario, explores the aesthetic and functional possibilities of a 2+2 coupe built upon the MEB+ platform. Although visually appealing and conceptually intriguing, this electric vehicle (EV) is not destined for mass production, underscoring Volkswagen's current strategic focus on more market-friendly segments like SUVs and hatchbacks.
The EVX Project emerges at a time when the broader Volkswagen Group is expanding its electric vehicle offerings, with Porsche preparing to launch electric versions of its Boxster and Cayman models, and Audi's Concept C slated for a 2027 release. However, unlike its luxury counterparts, Volkswagen's mainstream brand is not currently prioritizing a dedicated electric sports car. Instead, the EVX serves as a testament to creative exploration, leveraging the MEB+ architecture set to debut next year with models such as the ID.2 Polo GTI. This platform, primarily designed for front-wheel-drive vehicles, underpins the EVX, which despite its coupe form factor, exhibits a slightly elevated stance reminiscent of a crossover.
Measuring approximately 166.5 inches (4.23 meters) in length and 71.6 inches (1.82 meters) in width, the two-door EVX is marginally more compact than the three-door Range Rover Evoque. Its height of 58.6 inches (1.49 meters) positions it lower than the sleek Evoque, even though initial renderings might suggest otherwise. While the powertrain details for the EVX remain undisclosed, the MEB+ platform is known to support a front-mounted motor capable of generating 223 horsepower, as seen in the electric Polo GTI. Despite the allure of a more accessible electric sports car positioned below the upcoming Boxster/Cayman and Concept C, its realization seems improbable without a combustion engine, likely confining it to a niche market.
This isn't Volkswagen's first foray into showcasing electric sports car concepts that never materialized. Previous design sketches, including a 2017 MEB-based coupe inspired by the 1970s SP2, illustrate a pattern of innovative designs that never progressed beyond the drawing board. Volkswagen has a history of developing high-performance vehicles, such as the W12 Nardo, XL Sport, and BlueSport, which were ultimately kept from the public. The EVX Project, currently presented as a hologram at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, highlights Italdesign's integral role within the VW Group, even amidst reports suggesting Audi's potential divestment of the firm. While a Volkswagen-badged sports car may eventually emerge, for now, the company remains focused on segments with proven market demand. Enthusiasts remain cautious, questioning the broad appeal of an engine-less sports car, but acknowledge the refreshing nature of VW's occasional ventures beyond conventional market trends. Such design studies not only enhance the brand's image but also contribute to addressing the lingering effects of past controversies like Dieselgate.