VW plans entry-level ID

The retro design, subtly reminiscent of the VW 181 ("The Thing" in the USA) and the original Golf, is now not coming as planned. Instead, VW's Chief Designer Jozef Kaban and his team are working on a new, decidedly modern design "that is also intended to captivate young customers in terms of multimedia and connectivity." What exactly this means for the new electric VW entry-level model remained unclear. In any case, it is meant to remain a five-door hatchback in the Polo format, offering similar interior space to a Golf. The ID.2 will thus definitely be larger than the current e-Up, which it replaces.

Despite the re-conception, the targeted market launch in 2025 and the model designation ID.2 are to be retained, according to Kacher. The model could gain the additional designation "Urban"—in contrast to the ID.2 X, which is to round out the lower end of the VW lineup as a small SUV starting in 2026.

But Kacher is said to have already learned new details about other ID models as well: The previously named Aero-B concept, a lower-built electric sedan in the Passat format, is expected to be presented as a near-production show car at the auto show in Beijing in April. The ID counterpart to the Passat is then set to go into production in 2023 as the ID.6. And since the Passat works much better as a station wagon than as a sedan, the ID.6 is likely to be later joined by a station wagon or shooting brake version. The final model designation of the luxury model "Trinity" is also still undecided. It could go into production as the ID.7 or under a different name, similar to the ID. Buzz, especially since it is not based on the MEB platform. The ID.8 is likely to be a large SUV positioned alongside the Atlas and Touareg.

What does this mean?

Building a small attractive affordable electric car is an art form. And it's not that easy, which is why VW seems to have gotten cold feet with the ID.-Life. Instead, a differently designed Mini is to be introduced. One can be curious about what it will look like, as the problem is that the popular and timeless e-Up has set a very high standard and is already becoming a "classic" in the lineup.