Volkswagen ID.6 Debuts in China – Preview of Global Model?
By Edward A. Sanchez – April 17, 2021
Over the weekend, Volkswagen unveiled its largest member of the ID family yet, the ID.6 crossover, at Auto Shanghai in China. The seven-passenger EV crossover is slated only for the China market for the time being, but VW is being non-committal about a similar offering in other markets. Close followers of Wolfsburg may remember the I.D. Roomzz concept was also unveiled two years ago in Shanghai which, aside from the sliding rear doors and typical concept car flair, closely mirrors the production version of the ID.6.
Mechanically, the ID.6 shares some of its hardware and specifications with the smaller ID.4, such as 58 kWh and 77 kWh net capacity battery packs, and a 225 kW (302 hp) power output for the dual-motor version. VW claims a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 6.6 seconds for the dual motor version, with a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). Using China’s NEDC standard as a yardstick, the ID.6 is rated at 436 km (271 miles) for the 58 kWh version and 588 km (368 miles) for the 77 kWh version. As with the WLTP figures, the NEDC ratings are typically quite a bit higher than EPA ratings.
The recently unveiled ID.6 lineup could be a sign of things to come for VW’s North American EV strategy.
The 192.1-inch-long ID.6 approaches the size of the Audi e-tron SUV, and makes it slightly larger than the Tesla Model Y, putting it in the same realm size-wise as models such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.
Although no interior photos of the ID.6 were initially released, Volkswagen is claiming the ID.6’s cabin “comes without any physical buttons or switches.” The interior of the ID.6 is characterized by a voice control system, and 12-inch touchscreen display.
Volkswagen is claiming the ID.6 is “tailored specifically to the needs and wishes of Chinese customers in terms of space, functionality, design and, in particular, user experience.” However, its size and packaging make it a prime candidate for the North American market, where mid-size SUVs are a popular and lucrative market segment.
In typical concept car fashion, the ID. Roomzz that was revealed in 2019 showcased numerous wild features. The essence of the car, however, now lives on.
Certainly, VW’s EV ambitions are bold and big, with the company targeting 50% of its sales being fully electric by 2030, and having eight EV models on sale in China by 2023. The company is targeting 70% EV sales in Europe by 2030, and 50% in North America by the same date.
Although we may not see exactly the same version of the ID.6 in the U.S., you can bet it’s a matter of when, not if, we will see some vehicle close to the size and market segment of the ID.6 in North America.
(Images courtesy Volkswagen)
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