ID.3 from Volkswagen
In the summer, the carmaker is already bringing out the first revision of the electric vehicle.
(Photo: VW)
VW’s entry into electromobility was a bit bumpy. When the Wolfsburg company presented their first model of the newly created ID family, the ID.3, in 2019, the strategists meant a little too well with the savings. As pleasant as the new Stromer was to drive, there was little feel-good atmosphere in the interior. The media and customers mainly complained about the cheap-looking plastic surfaces.
VW quickly followed suit and is now sending the first revision of the ID.3 to dealers in the summer. Not least because the competition offers much more expensive cockpits. The ID family now also includes the ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6 SUV models (only in China) and the ID.Buzz.
ID.7: The Passat successor
At the end of the year, the ID.7 arrives as number six. The hatchback measures an impressive 4.96 meters and is currently the flagship of the Strom models. With the newly developed drive unit, up to 700 kilometers should be possible with one battery charge. The ID.7 will replace the Passat sedan. Only the Variant in conventional design remains here, and it rolls off the assembly line in Bratislava together with its sister model, the Skoda Superb Combi.
In order to make the ID.7 suitable for travel, at least from a technical point of view, the engineers in Wolfsburg worked hard and developed a new and very efficient drive unit for the existing MEB platform. No other ID model has the internally called APP550 technology under the hood.
The permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) has an output of 210 kW/286 hp and develops a torque of 550 Newton meters – as is usual with electric motors from the very first revolution.
ID.7
The hatchback measures an impressive 4.96 meters and is currently the flagship of the Strom models.
(Photo: VW)
The station wagon version of the ID.7 will start in the second quarter of 2024 with the same technology under the sheet metal. It is currently unclear what VW will call this derivative. But Wolfsburg is holding tight. Only this much has leaked out: the traditional Variant name isn’t stuck to the rear.
ID.Buzz is extended
The premiere of the ID.Buzz with a longer wheelbase is already on the agenda for summer 2023. It takes place in the USA because VW is primarily focusing on this market. The length will be just under five meters (plus 25 centimeters compared to the normal version).
ID.Buzz
The premiere with a longer wheelbase is scheduled for summer 2023.
(Photo: VW)
The ID.Buzz LWB offers space for up to seven people (configuration 2-3-2). Accordingly, there should be the larger power storage with 86 kWh from the ID.7. Buzz fans can also look forward to a two-engine GTX version (all-wheel drive), both with the short and the long body shape. Power: 250 kW/340 hp.
ID.8 and ID.9: Possible launch from 2028
At the top, VW still has the designations ID.8 and ID.9 available. At the same time, the Touareg is due to be replaced around 2026, based on the typical cycle of seven to eight years. However, the new SSP architecture (Scalable Systems Platform) may not have been fully developed at this point. VW will no longer convert the Touareg to Euro 7 and will (have to) end production in 2026.
The ID.8 will then follow two years later. The same applies to the ID.9. This is probably the coupé offshoot of the ID.8.
Will the Trinity model become the ID.6?
A segment lower and also in 2028, VW could place its Trinity project. The model was originally intended to be a Tesla Model 3 sedan. But now people are turning towards the Model Y, the Californians’ bestseller. The name ID.6 would be conceivable for Trinity. Today’s China model would be at the end of its life cycle anyway.
One step below the ID.4/ID.5, VW could let the ID.Tiguan roll off the Wolfsburg assembly lines in 2026. Big names in the group want to be integrated into the ID family. Golf, Polo and GTI will later also be included. However, there will not be an ID.Golf before 2030. The ID.3, whose MEB architecture will receive another major update in three to four years, will be phased out at about the same time. The successor is then on the SSP.
ID.2: Inexpensive small electric car
With the ID.2 Life, the Wolfsburg-based company had already given a foretaste of a small electric car at the IAA Mobility in Munich in autumn 2021. However, neither the audience nor the board liked that. At the second attempt, a new design was presented a few weeks ago, the ID.2 All. The study now bears more of the familiar VW handwriting and is intended to appeal to the masses. Price specification for the production version: 25,000 euros.
An extremely ambitious goal that could be achieved through cheaper battery chemistry (lithium iron phosphate) and reduced production costs (Seat/Cupra plant in Martorell/Spain). VW specifies an output of up to 166 kW/225 hp and a range of 450 kilometers for the ID.2. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes. It will not stay with the ID.2 as a hatchback.
ID.2 All
VW specifies an output of up to 166 kW/225 hp and a range of 450 kilometers for the upcoming model.
(Photo: VW)
A lifestyle SUV offshoot is also planned. Probable name: ID.2 X. In a few years, the ID.3 will also bear this letter and thus attract customers in the compact SUV segment. And even in the small car class (A0 segment) there is still room for an ID model. Logical derivation: ID.1.
The development goal here is even a sales price of less than 20,000 euros. Volkswagen would then finally be able to fulfill its original purpose again – and have a car for the people.
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