Volkswagen Planning ID.3-Based SUV, But Will We Get it?
Volkswagen has made several EV-related announcements in the past few hours. Among others, R-branded performance models will become fully electric by 2030 (Golf R fans have been warned) and its entire European lineup will be gas-free by 2033.
But around the middle of this decade, Volkswagen also plans to launch a small SUV based on the ID.3 hatchback (which we don’t have) and positioned just below the ID.4 (which is generating huge demand on both sides of the Atlantic).
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The ID.3 and ID.4 are built on the same MEB platform, but the former is more than 30 cm shorter than the latter and the company believes there is a void to fill. Acknowledging this “fast-growing vehicle segment,” CEO Thomas Schäfer hinted at a distinct styling identity and attracting a different type of customer.
The new model could be called ID.3 X as part of a revised naming strategy currently being discussed by Volkswagen executives, where crossovers would be identified with the letter X.
Now, let’s not get too carried away. Yes, an ID.3 X would be more appealing to consumers around here than the ID.3. And yes, the Volkswagen Group aims to launch over 25 EV models in North America by 2030 (including a rugged SUV and pickup from the new Scout brand). However, the coupe-style ID.5 and the three-row ID.6 are still not part of the plans (that we know of) even though they would likely find a number of takers.
The next electric Volkswagens slated to come to our shores will be the uber-cool ID. Buzz van and a large sedan called ID. Aero, both in 2024. These models are projected to become flagship models in the future VW lineup.