Volkswagen took the stage at Auto Shanghai 2021 today to unveil its third ID electric vehicle: the ID.6. Measuring in at almost a foot longer than the ID.4 and available in two versions, the ID.6 CROZZ and the ID.6 X, it has been designed specifically for the Chinese market.
Thanks to that extra length, the ID.6 can
fit up to seven passengers inside. At 4.8 meters long, the
electric crossover makes good use of its space. However, despite being 8 cm shorter than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, it comes with a third
row of seats thanks to its electric drivetrain.
Speaking of the drivetrain, it is part of
the same MEB platform that underpins the ID.3 and the ID.4. In this case, it’s
available with either a 58 kWh or a 77 kWh battery. According to China’s NEDC
test cycle, the EV has a range between 436 km and 588 km of range. America’s EPA test cycle rates the 77 kWh battery as being
good for 418 km in the smaller ID.4.
The ID.6 has one electric motor at each
axle for a combined output of 301 hp. That is enough to get up to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 160 km/h.
Inside, Volkswagen is promising an
interior completely devoid of buttons and users will be able to operate the
car’s various functions via the 12-inch infotainment screen. The ID.6 is also
available with an augmented reality heads-up display system that transposes
information onto the windshield. That makes arrows and other navigation aids
appear as if they’re on the road, helping you get to your destination.
Over-the-air updates will also be possible, while the ID.6 will use voice
controls, which can be activated by saying “Hello, ID.” Speaking of the ID.6‘s
many backseat passengers, it will feature a panoramic glass roof to keep them
bathed in natural light; a panoramic sunroof that opens will be available as an
option.
Outside, the new SUV is offered with 19-
to 21-inch wheels. The ID.6 CROZZ (the orange car in the pictures) appears to
sit a little higher off the ground than the ID.6 X (blue) and features some
more rugged plastic trim as well as differently styled headlights and front
bumper. Both versions of the ID.6 will be made in the People’s Republic. The
CROZZ will be put together exclusively at the brand’s northern China factory,
while the X will be built only at its southern China factory. VW has no plans to sell either version of the ID.6 in North
America.