Volkswagen has announced plans to revive its iconic Rabbit model, this time as a fully electric vehicle. The new e-Rabbit is expected to hit the market in 2025, boasting a range of approximately 248 miles on a single charge and a starting price of around $30,000. The Volkswagen Beetle’s successor, a compact car marketed as the Rabbit, found significant success in the US market due to its agility and affordability.
Volkswagen introduced the Rabbit to the North American market in January 1975, also known as the VW Golf in European markets.
As a groundbreaking innovation, the compact car swiftly replaced the iconic model’s top-selling variant, outperforming the Beetle and premium Dashers and Sciroccos that dominated the market at the time.
According to a 1976 article, “For the final three months, the Rabbit’s share of these gross sales has run about 50%, or around $8,000 per month.” The publication notes that consumers and auto critics alike enthusiastically praised the compact car for its roominess, handling, high velocity, and rapid acceleration, exclaiming, “beloved It”.
Notwithstanding, the manufacturer’s claim continues, “That’s when it ran, which apparently wasn’t sufficient.” The publication had initially praised the Rabbit, ranking it as its top-rated compact car; however, owners have consistently reported significant issues with their vehicle.
In 1985, Volkswagen rebranded its second-generation model, renaming the Rabbit to the distinctive Golf moniker.
There are reports that Volkswagen is considering bringing back its iconic Rabbit model as a fully electric vehicle (EV) specifically for the US market.
Although the Rabbit had regained popularity in the US market with its 2006 reintroduction, it was subsequently discontinued again in 2009. The Volkswagen Golf is available in an agile and compact trim. Despite this, refrain from dismissing it hastily, for it may reappear within a predictable timeframe.
As Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles, recently shared a seemingly innocuous video of a rabbit on his LinkedIn page, accompanied only by the enigmatic statement: “At Volkswagen, we love the rabbit.” The countdown is on! Keep Tuned.”
The surprise debut of several models on the Wolfsburg market was met with excitement, according to a prominent German automotive publication.
According to various studies, Volkswagen is expected to introduce an electric variant of its iconic Rabbit model, dubbed the E-Rabbit, as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to transition its product portfolio towards electric powertrains.
Volkswagen has already introduced the ID.3, an electric compact car that replaced the e-Golf in 2020. Unfortunately, it’s currently unavailable in the United States.
Electrek’s Take
A fresh take on the iconic VW Rabbit could help the brand recapture market share in the US by introducing a budget-friendly, engaging electric vehicle that appeals to environmentally conscious and adventure-seeking consumers alike.
While Volkswagen hasn’t officially confirmed whether its next model will be electric or powered by internal combustion, market trends suggest it could capitalise on the growing demand for EVs.
The possibility also exists that the Rabbit will be introduced as a more performance-oriented variant of the ID.3. We’ll uncover more in just seven days at the IAA Mobility press conference in Munich, where VW has scheduled a major announcement.
