Passat electronic alternative: Volkswagen showcases concept car ID

The technical basis for the pioneering electrical energy identifier .Aero is again the Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB). (Photo: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen is expanding its electric ID family and preparing customers for ID 6. As a fifth model alongside ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.Buzz, it will become the electric variant of the Passat from 2023, the manufacturer announced. With ID.Aero Concept, VW gives a first look at the design A large mid-size sedan.

The nearly five-meter-long model is called the Aero for two reasons, according to Volkswagen. On the one hand, it offers a very airy interior, where the rear seats should sit comfortably as on the previous flagship Phaeton. This is ensured by electrical engineering integrated into the undercarriage and above-average wheelbase. On the other hand, the upcoming ID.6 is particularly simplified and has a Cd (flow resistance) value of only 0.23.

The technical basis of the electric vehicle is again the modular electrification array (MEB). This means that it is possible to have one or two engines, rear or all-wheel drive and a maximum power of 299 kW / 400 hp. Additionally, the MEB should enable short overhangs and a long wheelbase. VW planned a 77 kWh battery for ID 6. This should allow a record 620 km range. According to Volkswagen, the production version of the ID.Aero for Europe should roll off the assembly line at the Emden plant in 2023.

The electric offensive from Wolfsburg is not over yet with the new top model: by the middle of the decade, Lower Saxony also plans to have the youth at the other end of the range and wants to offer two entry-level models with ID.1 and ID.2. In China, there will be two variants of the production version of the ID.Aero, which is expected to be available in the second half of 2023 – one for each joint venture of VW. With the help of the regional strategy, Volkswagen wants to become the leading supplier of sustainable vehicles in China. By 2030, every car sold in China should at least be an electric car.