VW boss Thomas Schäfer revealed that the automaker is engaged on a brand new compact SUV primarily based on the ID.3 that may debut earlier than 2026. The mannequin will slot beneath the ID.4 by way of footrpint and look “dramatically completely different” than the ID.3. Over the following few years, VW plans on providing a variety of EVs whereas firming down its ICE-powered choices.

Each the ID.3 and the ID.4 are underpinned by VW Group’s MEB structure, however the dimension distinction between them means there’s house for an extra mannequin to bridge the hole. Thus, a compact EV crossover is one thing that VW wants with a view to compete on this “fast-growing car section” as famous by its CEO.

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In contrast to different VW Group merchandise that look similar to one another creating a robust household connection, Schäfer means that the ID.3-based SUV can have a definite styling identification. This strategy may very well be adopted by the remainder of the lineup giving extra freedom to designers, though we wouldn’t wager on VW going radical on any of its designs.

As for the title, the brand new mannequin will doubtless undertake the ID.3 X moniker, with VW planning on utilizing the letter “X” for crossovers. Talking to Autocar concerning the upcoming adjustments within the naming technique, Schäfer stated: “It’s one possibility and never an unlikely possibility that the SUV half is an X but it surely’s not 100%. It must be constant throughout the vary, and since our vary remains to be fairly huge and overlapping right here and there, we have to kind it out. Nevertheless it appears to be like as if it will make sense with the numbering and X”.

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As reported by Autocar, the brand new mannequin is without doubt one of the 10 new EVs that can be launched by 2026, giving VW what Schäfer describes as “the broadest electrical portfolio within the automotive trade”, including that “we can have the fitting supply in each section”. All of them can be primarily based on the MEB structure which can proceed with “vital advances” within the vary, efficiency, and different options earlier than being changed by the brand new SSP (Scalable Methods Platform) after 2026.

Among the many upcoming debuts, VW has already confirmed an entry-level EV supermini with a beginning value beneath €25k ($25k) and a closely-related “sporty crossover variant”. These will function entry factors for the VW vary because the EV equivalents of the Polo and the T-Cross.

Transferring up, we already know a facelifted ID.3 is coming in 2023 alongside the ID.3 GTX sporty variant, adopted by the aforementioned ID.3-based crossover. A mid-lifecycle replace of the ID.4 must also be anticipated earlier than 2026 because the mannequin was initially launched in 2020. Lastly, there’s additionally the manufacturing model of the ID.Aero sedan destined to turn out to be Volkswagen’s EV flagship.

Fewer ICE-Powered Fashions

The array of upcoming EV launches can have its toll on VW’s ICE-powered vary, with a few of its fashionable nameplates heading for the axe. Schäfer stated that VW will concentrate on core fashions whereas “noticeably simplifying our mannequin vary and packages over the following ten years”.

Schäfer added that VW needs to reside as much as the “do much less however get it proper” moto in every section they compete in. From the present ICE-powered lineup, our spy photographers have caught the next-gen Passat that can be provided in Variant-only bodystyle when it arrives in 2023, and the next-gen Tiguan set to debut in 2024.

As for the Golf, VW has but to resolve about the way forward for their fashionable hatchback with the present eighth era getting a facelift in 2023. In any case, VW’s future vary of ICE-powered merchandise will slim down by way of accessible trims and powertrain choices in a quest to cut back prices and complexity.