ID.6, Volkswagen electric SUV
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Volkswagen has revealed its third production electric vehicle based on the MEB platform, and after ID.3 and ID.4, we can now see ID.6, which is the brand's largest electric vehicle to date.
As for ID.6, the German carmaker is focusing first on the Chinese market and has decided to unveil the electric SUV at the Shanghai Auto Show.
Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, commented on the revelations: With the new ID.6, we're laying the foundations for at least 50 percent of our cars sold in China to be electric by 2030. We are maintaining momentum and gradually increasing the range of MEB cars, Volkswagen will have a total of 8 ID cars in China by 2023, and the economies of scale we have achieved allow us to offer the latest technology at an affordable price, thus expanding our electric range.
The MEB platform is very flexible when it comes to vehicle size, as it can accommodate small hatchbacks, such as the ID.3, and large SUVs, such as the ID.6. VW ID.6 is about 4.88 meters (192 inches) long, which is about 30 cm longer than ID.4.
With the launch in China, Volkswagen has released specifications for the Chinese version of the electric SUV, which is offered in two battery pack sizes ID.6 Crozz and ID.6 X. The company offers up to four ID.6 configurations, including a three-row and seven-seat model.
The base models get a 58 kW battery, while the basic 77 kW battery pack is optional, and the two batteries allow a range of 436 to 588 km. The battery is located underneath the passenger compartment, ensuring a low center of gravity. The ID.6 is available with single or double electric motors, the two-wheel-drive version will go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.6 seconds, while the top speed is 160 kilometers per hour.
The car comes without any physical buttons and switches and has a 12-inch touch screen information display with Hello ID voice control. Other high-tech features include an augmented reality display and China Travel Assist, which regularly checks for air quality updates and traffic violations.
IQ. Drive assistance systems make driving more comfortable, and ID.6 software and hardware features an innovative architecture, allowing customers to update their cars after purchase. VW ID.6 will begin production at two plants in China later this year.
The German carmaker is focusing on the Chinese market at the moment when it comes to the new electric SUV, but the car is expected to hit other markets later.