Volkswagen is pondering an all-electric
SUV with off-road credentials known internally as the ID Ruggdzz. Autocar
reports that the German car manufacturer is on the verge of approving the
vehicle for production as a rival to the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB. It
would sit alongside the ID.4 in VW’s range of all-electric SUVs but adopt a
drastically-different design said to be more fitting of a vehicle with some
‘rugged’ credentials. Consequently, it’s expected to feature a somewhat boxy
shape with a horizontal hood, a tall and upright windshield, and a near-flat
roof.
What’s more, the ID Ruggdzz has reportedly
been designed in such a way that it looks as though the C-pillar is translucent
thanks to the presence of a small glass panel. Volkswagen designers have
reportedly sketched out the vehicle in both five-seat and long-wheelbase,
seven-seater varieties, the latter of which will target customers in China and
North America. A host of other variants could be offered, including one
particularly extreme derivative with roof-mounted spotlights and increased ride
height.
Underpinning the vehicle would be the same
MEB platform as other Volkswagen ID models. While many key powertrain details
remain under wraps, it is understood the Ruggdzz will likely feature two
electric motors making for all-wheel drive. It’s claimed that Seat, Skoda, and
Chinese marque Jetta could get their own variants of this new model.
If the VW ID Ruggdzz is approved for
production, it may hit the production line as early as 2023.
