VOLKSWAGEN ID 6 X

Chinese-built EV is essentially an extended-wheelbase, seven-seat version of the ID4

- MARK ANDREWS

The new ID 6 was intended to be a China-only member of Volkswagen's rapidly expanding electric car portfolio. However, that might well be about to change, because rumour has it that this car the German brand's biggest EV so far - is heading for Europe as an import.

The ID 6 is essentially an extended-wheelbase version of the ID 4, designed to seat seven people. In every other dimension, the two SUVs are very similar, the ID 6 being not quite 40mm taller or 30mm longer. In fact, in the metal, the only easy way of visually differentiating the two is by the badges on the bootlid and the ID 6's larger rear window.

Two variants exist: the ID 6X tested here and the stockier ID 6 Crozz, with each being made by one of Volkswagen's Chinese joint-venture partners (SAIC Volkswagen builds the former in Shanghai, FAW-Volkswagen the latter in Foshan).

Various powertrain configurations will be offered in China. There are single-motor, rear-wheel-drive cars with a 58kWh or 77kWh battery and 177bhp or 201bhp; and a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive range-topper with 302bhp and the 77kWh battery.