Volkswagen has unveiled third model in the ID. family, the ID.6, at the Auto Shanghai. Joining the ID.3 hatchback and ID.4 SUV, the Volkswagen ID.6 is a large, seven-seat electric SUV designed for the Chinese market that will go on sale later this year.
The ID.6 will be offered in China in two different versions. The coupe-styled ID.6 Crozz will be manufactured by SAIC-VW joint venture in the north of China, while the Volkswagens joint venture with FAW will produce the ID.6 X in the southern part of the country.
Like the compact ID.3 and the ID.4, the third member of the fully electric family is also based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB).
“With the new ID.6, we are laying the foundations for at least 50 percent of our cars sold in China being electric by 2030,” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “We are maintaining momentum and gradually increasing our range of MEB cars: By 2023, Volkswagen will have a total of eight ID. models in China, making MEB nationwide there. The economies of scale that we have achieved allow us to offer the latest technology at an affordable price – and thus further expand our electric offensive.”
The ID.6 includes many innovations: The most spacious model of the ID. family to date has gone in the direction of lots of interior space and creates design highlights in lighting and material. Available in four configurations, with a range of up to 588 km (365 miles) (China NEDC) and 225 kW of power, as well as the standard MEB IQ.Drive systems, up to seven people can travel with power, in style and safely in the ID.6.
The two batteries available have a storage capacity of 58 kWh and 77 kWh of net battery capacity, and allow a range of between 436 and 588 km (271 and 365 miles) (China NEDC). The battery is located under the passenger cabin, guaranteeing a low center of gravity. The electric motors of the 4MOTION version produce an output of 225 kW (305 PS) – enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0662 mph) in 6.6 seconds and for a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).
The 4.88-meter ID.6 uses the architecture of Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), partitioning the areas for people and technology innovatively and to the benefit of passengers. With the aid of an additional 30 centimeters in length compared with the ID.4, the ID.6 accommodates a third row of seats.
The features of the ID.6 include 19”-21” rims, a second row of seats that can be adjusted longitudinally and a large panoramic glass roof. A panoramic sunroof that opens is available as an optional extra.
The ID.6 comes without any physical buttons and switches. The operating concept uses a 12-inch display with a touchscreen – and the “Hello ID.” voice control. The innovative ID. Light – a narrow strip light below the windscreen – provides the driver with intuitive support. An augmented reality head-up display is available as an optional extra, which merges some notifications with reality – for example, turn arrows from the navigation system are projected onto the correct lane on the road.
The IQ.Drive assistance systems make driving even more relaxed; notably Travel Assist. The software and hardware of the ID.6 have an innovative architectural design, allowing customers to update their cars after purchase.
Volkswagen’s ACCELERATE strategy: The future of mobility is electric
Volkswagen is approaching the future-oriented topics of digitalization, new business models and autonomous driving with determination. With the ID. family, a new stand-alone product range, Volkswagen recently expanded the brand’s traditional product portfolio. After the compact ID.3 and the SUV ID.4, the ID.6 is the third fully electric model. With the ID.6, Volkswagen will now be represented in the SUV sector, currently experiencing a global boom.
The ID.6 will be produced in the two plants Anting and Foshang in China, and will only be available on the Chinese market in these two variants. As part of the brand’s ACCELERATE strategy, Volkswagen is expediting the electrification offensive on the way to becoming the global leader in e-mobility. The foundation of which is the introduction of a new MEB car each year, aiming to achieve high volumes and cover all sectors. This emphasizes the brand’s target of at least 70 percent of cars sold in Europe being electric by 2030; and at least 50 percent in North America and China.
