The VW ID.6 SUV is unlikely to make it to the U.S. market [Update]

Update: ‘Sales’ section added.

The VW ID.6 was developed exclusively for Chinese customers, where three-row SUVs are popular and electric vehicle sales are accelerating rapidly. As EV adoption across segments improves, the ID.6, which was launched in 2021, may sail to countries with an increasing demand for large SUVs. Or so it was thought!

Here’s everything you should know about Volkswagen’s three-row electric SUV and the possibility of it becoming a global model:

No plan for the VW ID.6 SUV in the United States

The VW ID.6 was seen as holding potential for the U.S. in 2021, but circumstances and strategies are vastly different now.

Inflation Reduction Act deters manufacturers from importing EVs

With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed into law on August 16, 2022, Volkswagen is unlikely to be interested in test-marketing the ID.6 in limited volumes imported from China and seeing its potential for local production. To be eligible for credits, among other stipulations, the final assembly of EVs have to be in North America.

VW developing EVs for North America

Moreover, Volkswagen has lined up two new electric SUV launches in North America starting in 2026, as announced as part of the USD 7.1 billion investment in the region on March 21, 2022.

One of electric SUVs confirmed for North America (VW ID.8) is expected as a three-row family hauler of the same class as the ID.6, but designed and manufactured for the local audience. It could be a tempting upgrade for customers driving the Atlas.

Scout Motors established for the U.S.

If the aforementioned reasons aren’t enough indications for the ID.6 from not sailing to the U.S., take into consideration the Scout Motors launch. The newly established company’s sole purpose is big, brawny electric models designed for North American customers. The brand has already confirmed that it will launch a large rugged SUV and start production in 2026. The teaser of the Scout electric SUV indicates it will be available with three rows of seats.

What brewed the ID.6 SUV U.S. launch rumors?

The ID.6 is the perfect example of how launch plans are subject to market forces. In 2019, citing Jürgen Stackmann, a report from Auto Express had stated that the ID.6 would be launched in the USA after China. Stackmann is the former BoM member responsible for Sales, Marketing & After Sales of Volkswagen.

Ralf Brandstätter, formerly the CEO of Volkswagen and now Volkswagen Group’s BoM member responsible for China Operations, told Autocar UK in 2020 that “there is a possibility” of the ID.6 for other markets.

In a presentation on March 17, 2021, Dr. Christian Dahlheim, who was then Volkswagen Group’s Head of Group Sales, and currently Volkswagen Financial Services’ CEO, confirmed that the company is viewing the ID.6 as a China-only model, putting an end to the rumors.

VW offers the ID.6 SUV in two different versions – Crozz and X

The VW ID.6 was unveiled in China in six- and seven-seat configurations in April 2021. The VW ID.6 range includes an ID.6 X for the SAIC-VW JV company and an ID.6 Crozz for the FAW-VW JV company. As in the ID.4, Crozz would be the ‘global’ version if and when it is ready to ditch its China-only tag.

VW ID.6 Crozz

The VW ID.6 Crozz differs from the ID.6 X with simpler fascias. Similarly, it has an understated design, which should suit tastes better globally, if it ever goes global. The boxy headlamps provide a cooler styling to what could turn out to be the global ID.6. The upper grille is slimmer for a cleaner look, and unlike in the VW ID.6 X, merges into the headlamps. That said, the front bumper motif looks just weird and out of place.

VW ID.6 X

While the ID.6 Crozz has a ‘simpler’ styling, the VW ID.6 X exudes aggression. It has odd-looking taller headlamps but slightly better-looking fake grilles, along with heavy patterns in the lower portion. At the rear, there’s gloss black plating on the tailgate to mimic the styling of the VW ID.4 X, and the reflectors are horizontal units. It goes without saying that the bumpers are different from the donor model. The design recipe is modified to suit the taste of Chinese customers.

The two ID.6 models adopt excellent aerodynamic design to achieve improved endurance and energy efficiency performance. The smooth roofline extends all the way to the rear and is connected to the spoiler on the upper part of the rear window, presenting an elegant, streamlined shape. This design can not only further reduce air resistance but also reduce wind noise. At the same time, the waistline design is simple and powerful and outlines a solid and wide side profile, highlighting the recognizable new body proportions of the ID. family models.

Volkswagen Group commenting on the design of the VW ID.6

ID.6 MY2023 update

On November 16, 2022, an announcement from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) confirmed a future VW ID.6 X. It looks like a sporty trim or special edition that is part of the 2023 VW ID.6 line-up. Featuring a red stripe on the bumpers and the rocker panels and roof arches painted in the same contrasting color, it is hoisted on exclusive dual-tone alloy wheels.

Interior

The interior design of both ID.6 models is the same. The production version of the VW ID.Roomzz concept from Auto Shanghai 2019 is internally called ‘VW Lounge SUVe,’ which connotes the space levels on offer. The flagship ID series’s interior is focused on comfort, leisure, and practicality. The cabin space in the zero-emissions family SUV is better than that of the Tiguan Allspace.

Specifications

The VW ID.6 measures 4,876 mm (192.0 in.) in length, 1,848 mm (72.8 in.) in width, and 1,680 mm (66.1 in.) in height. The wheelbase is 2,965 mm (116.8 in.).

VW ID.6 vs. VW ID.4

Parameter	VW ID.6 Crozz Specs (China)	VW ID.4 Specs (USA)	Difference
Length	192.6 in.	180.5 in.	+12.1 in.
Width	72.8 in.	72.9 in.	-0.1 in.
Height	66.1 in.	64.4 in.	+1.7 in.
Wheelbase	116.8 in.	108.9 in.	+7.9 in.

Volkswagen sells the ID.6 in multiple configurations with 58 kWh standard-range and 77 kWh extended-range battery pack options. The 58 kWh unit can deliver a range of up to 436 km (271 miles), while the 77 kWh unit allows a maximum range of 588 km (365 miles). Both range figures are as per China’s NEDC rating method. The VW ID.6 can be configured in single-motor rear-wheel drive and 4MOTION two-motor all-wheel drive configurations. 132 kW, 150 kW, and 225 kW are the power levels, and 220 Nm and 310 Nm are the torque levels.

The most performance-focused ID.6 variant with 4MOTION twin-motor all-wheel drive and 225 kW power packs a punch. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.6 seconds and attain a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). The ID.6 with the 150 kW motor, presumably an RWD configuration, takes 9.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph. The VW ID.6 with the 132 kW motor is a little slower, taking 9.3 seconds to accomplish the same.

Features

On the outside, the ID.6 features IQ.Light matrix LED headlights with a connecting light strip, 21-inch alloy wheels, panoramic roof, and LED tail lights with X-shape graphics and a connecting light strip. Interior highlights include a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD), 12-way adjustable seats with massage function, and 30-color ambient lighting.

Price

The ID.6 SUV costs almost the same in both versions. The prices of the VW ID.6 X, which SVW-Volkswagen launched in June 2021, start at CNY 239,888 (USD 35,369). The prices of the VW ID.6 Crozz, which FAW-Volkswagen launched in July 2021, start at CNY 239,800 (USD 35,356).

Sales

Between January and December 2022, Volkswagen sold a total of 269,800 ID. EVs worldwide, with the ID.6 comprising 37,400 units. The company has four ID. models in its line-up: ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6. In its update dated January 12, 2023, Volkswagen disclosed the sales figures of each ID. model, with the ID.6, given its positioning and price, ranking last.

TopElectricSUV says

The VW ID.6 SUV, while holding potential in the global market, is likely to remain a China-only model, where it has to up the ante for the brand to catch up with local manufacturers and Tesla. The U.S. should get newer ID. products, ones that are designed keeping in mind the needs and tastes of local customers from the outset.

VW ID.6 SUV FAQs

Featured Image Source: Volkswagen Group