Volkswagen's electric car offensive will begin with the ID hatchback, which has been confirmed to enter production in November 2019.
The all-electric five-door hatchback will be the first model in Volkswagen's upcoming ID family. The German automaker has developed a new modular electric drive (MEB) platform that will underpin not only the ID hatchback but also other upcoming vehicles in the lineup, such as the ID Buzz Microbus and the ID Crozz SUV.
In line with the production schedule, the Volkswagen ID hatchback is expected to arrive in the market in 2020. The ID hatchback will essentially serve as a more capable replacement for the current Volkswagen e-Golf, which has a range of 186 miles.
The ID hatchback will be based on the ID concept car that was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2016. The ID concept car features a 168-horsepower electric motor that enables a range of between 249 to 373 miles. The electric vehicle will have a rear-wheel-drive system.
In terms of design, the ID hatchback will have a short front overhand, a heavily raked windscreen, an extended roofline, a prominent rear spoiler, a glass tailgate, large wheel arches and 20-inch wheels.
It will also be the first to feature design cues that are expected to be adopted by Volkswagen's future electric vehicles. This includes a sleek, minimalist front fascia with an illuminated badge so that it is easily identifiable as a Volkswagen.
There will also be interactive LED headlamps that can mimic the actions of a human eye. The headlamps can close and open depending on the ID hatchback's state of operation. There are also illuminated strips all over the ID hatchback's body that can pulsate to show the flow of energy that is being used to power the vehicle.
Inside, the ID hatchback will have open space that will facilitate communication between the passengers. The cabin will feature advanced technologies such as an augmented reality head-up display. The ID hatchback is also expected to come with sensors and cameras to facilitate autonomous driving.
At this time, specific features have not yet been finalized. However, Volkswagen is planning to launch the ID hatchback with an "attractive price."
