Volkswagen ID.Aero – Breaking the Crossover Curse

By Edward A. Sanchez — June 29, 2022

For a period, it seemed that the crossover body style was becoming the de facto definition of “car” globally. The traditional “three-box” sedan was being unceremoniously shoved aside in favor of the utilitarian form factor of the crossover, a more civilized, approachable variant of the truck-like SUV. Thankfully, with the reveal of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, and now the Volkswagen ID.Aero, as well as the Buick Wildcat Concept, the tide may be turning on the relentless march of utilitarian uniformity.

As has been the case for much of the last five years, the ID.Aero is being targeted primarily toward the China market, which has been one of Volkswagen’s largest by volume for the last several decades. However, VW did specifically mention Europe and the U.S. as markets for the production version of the ID.Aero.

VW calls this concept’s design “close to production” and gives a few clues to its overall size and specifications. The ID.Aero is more than 16 feet (192 inches) long, solidly placing it in the “large” category. VW claims the ID.Aero will have a Cd of 0.23, one of the slipperiest in the industry among production models. Like the rest of the MEB family, the car will be centered around a 77 kWh net-capacity battery, which VW claims will enable a WLTP range of close to 620 km (385 miles). Factoring in the usual inflation factor of the WLTP, figure a realistic EPA range in the low-to-mid 300 mile range.

Sporting a low coefficient of drag and long range, the ID.Aero checks many of the right EV boxes.

Although not explicitly stated in the release, based on the body cutlines and the overall profile, we’re thinking the ID.Aero is a five-door lift-back, rather than a conventional four-door notchback. But these days, it’s anyone’s guess, as there are plenty of sedans whose profiles would suggest they’re five doors, when they’re really just swoopy four doors with a mail slot trunk opening.

The existence of VW’s own Arteon gives us hope that the ID.Aero follows suit with at least a nod toward practicality to go along with its suave styling.

Of course, we’re still waiting for the ID.Buzz to land in North America, and bracing for a premium price tag (we’re expecting a starting price in the U.S. in the neighborhood of $60,000 for the ID.Buzz). Hopefully, the ID.Aero’s starting price will make it slightly more attainable for those looking for a stylish EV sedan with a little added practicality for weekend trips to Ikea or the flea market.

Volkswagen claims the production version of the ID.Aero will begin in 2023 at its Emden plant.

Is the ID.Aero’s design bland, or a refreshing turn from crossovers?

While we’ve come to accept that the crossover may have in fact become the de facto “car” body style of the 2020s, we’re glad that at least a few brands are allowing the freedom that comes with the “skateboard” architecture of EVs to break away from convention and allow themselves a little artistic license with the “top hats.”

We hope the ID.Aero isn’t the last non-crossover we see from a mainstream brand in the years ahead.

(Main image courtesy Volkswagen)

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