The ID.6 is a vehicle of immense importance for Volkswagen, considering that, aside from further attesting to the brand’s already stalwart and growing dedication towards electrification, it is also crucial for their ambition to penetrate more deeply into foreign markets outside of Europe and the US. In particular, VW has developed a strategic interest in the Chinese market, where SUVs and electric vehicles are experiencing surges in popularity. Thus, to unlock this enormous avenue of potential consumers, VW has announced its intention to launch eight ID models in China by 2023, with aspirations to ensure that pure electric vehicles account for 50% of their sales volume in the country by 2030.
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As a result, it is by no small coincidence that the ID.6 has been tailored to satisfy the needs of Chinese consumers, in which the vehicle itself is manufactured by one of two joint ventures in China: the ID.6 Crozz is built in Foshan by FAW-Volkswagen, whereas, the ID.6 X is built in Shanghai by SAIC-Volkswagen. However, the ID.6 has not yet been condemned to exclusivity in China and it is very possible that it will be imported to the European and UK markets in some form.
The ID.6 is VW’s largest electric vehicle and utilises the same MEB architecture of the entire ID range. Nevertheless, despite the obvious difference in numbering, the ID.6 is in many aspects near-identical to the ID.4 electric SUV that can already be purchased in the UK, with a longer wheelbase that provides seating for up to seven people. Thus, the ID.6 justifies its existence by offering a copious amount of interior space and generous leg and headroom that should allow even taller adults to be accommodated in both the second and third seating rows with little complaint, which would undoubtedly be welcomed by those drivers accustomed to ferrying family members and other adults.
Much like its smaller sibling, the ID.6 is available in the Crozz and X configurations in China, as previously mentioned, which vary both in their exterior and interior designs, although not significantly enough to confuse them for completely different vehicles. Moreover, due to the use of the same platform as the ID.4, the ID.6 is advanced with either a 177 bhp 58 kWh or 201 bhp 77 kWh battery, as well as in either single or dual-motor variants, with the single-motor versions providing rear-wheel drive and the dual-motor versions boasting all wheel drive capabilities.
According to the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), the range of the ID.6 will lie within the scope of 271 and 365 miles depending on the choice of powertrain. However, these estimates are unlikely to be reflective of actual driving conditions and are expected to be lower in reality. It is also important to note that it is uncertain whether ID.6, if in the event that it manages to infiltrate the UK market, will be accompanied by the same degree of variant choices as it is in China.
Returning to the interior, the ID.6 obeys the minimalist design scheme that is inherent across VW’s ID range and many other electric vehicle sub-brands, while incorporating the same 5.3-inch digital instrument display and 12-inch infotainment touchscreen (which most of the interface is delegated to) that can be found in the ID.4. Different trims of the ID.6 will also likely possess differing assortments of features with the conventional offerings of different interior materials and upholstery; semi-autonomous driving assists; lighting settings; larger wheels; and optional tech and safety packages.
Though the ID.6’s arrival in Europe remains confined to rumors and speculation rather than facts, the vehicle would definitely have potential in both Europe and the UK.
This is because of the lack of competition that it would face in its segment, at the price of between £35,000 and £40,000 that would be expected.
When considering the increasing priority interior space, especially in a family SUV, it is not irrational to assume that VW will launch the ID.6 in the UK at some point in the near future, where it could become an effective complement to the ID.4.