Shanghai Auto 2021: VW presents ID.6 - but only for China

The ID.6 provisionally crowns VW's electric SUV program. It is supposed to offer a range of up to 588 kilometers according to the Chinese test cycle and deliver 225 kW (305 hp) in the all-wheel-drive version. This allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds if needed. The top speed is limited to 160 km/h. With a smaller 58-kWh battery, the ID.6 is expected to reach up to 436 kilometers. Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, explains:

“With the new ID.6, we are laying the foundation for at least 50 percent of our sales in China to be electric by 2030.”

Even in China, VW wants and needs to sell more fully electric vehicles in the future to meet CO2 targets. Therefore, Brandstätter explains:

“We are keeping up the pace and gradually expanding our range of MEB vehicles: By 2023, Volkswagen will bring a total of eight ID. models and thus also the MEB comprehensively to China. With the achieved economies of scale, we can offer the most modern technology at an affordable price – thereby further expanding our electric offensive.”

New standards in the interior – but for now only for China

The ID.6 is designed to meet the needs and desires of Chinese customers in terms of space, functionality, design, and especially user experience – a large ID-SUV above the ID.4 is still pending for Europe. The ID.6 also comes without physical buttons and switches. The operating concept relies on a 12-inch diagonal touch display and natural voice control "Hello ID." The innovative ID. Light – a narrow light strip under the windshield – intuitively supports the driver. An optional augmented reality head-up display seamlessly merges some indicators with reality – for instance, navigation turn arrows are projected precisely onto the road. The IQ.Drive assistance systems make driving even more relaxed, especially the Travel Assist. The software and hardware of the ID.6 are designed in a completely new architecture, allowing the customer to get updates into the car after purchase.

The ID.6 is built in the two plants in Anting and Foshang in China and sold exclusively in its two variants on the Chinese market. As part of the Accelerate brand strategy, Volkswagen is speeding up the electrification offensive on its way to becoming the world market leader in e-mobility. The basis for this is the introduction of a new MEB vehicle annually, with the goal of achieving large production numbers and covering all segments. According to the brand's own statements, this underscores their claim that by 2030 at least 70 percent of sales in Europe will be electric; in North America and China, at least 50 percent.

What does that mean?

The ID.6 rounds out the Chinese ID program expansively upwards. It will be interesting to see which model VW has in mind for Europe. Because the ID.6, with three rows of seats, can also serve as a minivan.