Volkswagen Has Weird Intentions for a Baby SUV

We don’t have to speak about the crossover and SUV boom; you know all about it. BUt not a lot of them are electrified yet. However, Auto Express has reported that Volkswagen is planning to introduce an entry-level crossover under its upcoming I.D lineup. The SUV will be roughly the size of the T-Cross and will slot beneath the I.D. Crozz.

Volkswagen Is Taking Big Strides

Volkswagen has been vocal about its electrification plans. The versatile MEB platform is another hot topic that the German has spoken about a lot. Well, not much is known yet, but top-heads are planning to introduce a crossover that measures a little over four meters in length. Even though it is expected to have similar dimensions to the T-Cross, this new crossover could have more interior room, thanks to the MEB architecture.

Another Automaker To Go After Tesla

Like I mentioned earlier, Volkswagen is very serious about the I.D. lineup. Recently, Herbert Diess, Volkswagen boss, suggested that the company could be in a position to offer such a vehicle early next decade. He said that Tesla is the benchmark and Volkswagen has set its eyes on Musk’s company. “In 2020, we will have vehicles that can do everything that Tesla can, yet cost half as much,” Diess said.

The I.D. Line-Up Includes...

Talking about the I.D. range, Volkswagen currently has four cars under it – I.D., I.D. Crozz, I.D. Vizzion, and I.D. Buzz. Other than the corny monikers, the EVs are actually quite exciting. I.D is a concept car that grabbed a lot of attention for its retractable steering wheel. Volkswagen says the car can be driven in full auto mode in the very near future. It will feature a futuristic cockpit and an anticipated range of 370 miles on a single charge.

It can charge from 0 to 80-percent in just 30 minutes and will most likely have a top speed of 110 miles per hour. The I.D. Crozz is expected to hit the roads in 2020.

Speaking of the I.D. Vizzion, this is not a driver’s car – quite literally. It is similar to the Audi Aicon and comes with an acclaimed range of 400 miles in a single charge and without a steering wheel! No pedals, no steering wheel, no driver. With cars like this ready to take us over, will the DMV also shut down? After all, who will need a license?!? The I.D. Buzz is perhaps the cutest of the lot. This little retro-shaped electric bus will come with a mile-range of 369 miles and will reach showrooms in 2022. Herbert Diess, Volkswagen Chief, said, “The iconic car of the electric age must be a Volkswagen.” Seeing this, we have no doubts it will.

Speculations About The Baby SUV

The MEB has been designed with three sizes of battery pack in mind, the smallest being a 48 kWh battery pack. However, it should be good enough for a range of 205 miles, according to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure).

It goes unsaid that Volkswagen’s electric crossover would only be two-wheel drive. But what’s interesting is that the single electric motor present here would power the rear wheels instead of the front ones due to the MEB architecture. I would say this is a blessing in disguise because this would become a strong selling point for the crossover. As far as the launch is concerned, this idea is still a seed that is about to germinate. So, expect it to take at least 2-3 years to hit the roads. It would reportedly be built at Volkswagen plant at Emden, Germany, where the Passat and Estate are being manufactured currently.

Our Take

From what it’s worth, the idea of an electric baby SUV is exactly what Volkswagen did not do with its traditional range. A couple of years back when pseudo-SUVs were taking over the market, Volkswagen was nowhere to be seen. It finally took the plunge with the T-Cross SUV that is yet to be released. Fortunately, they are not making the same mistake with the electric range.

Although a far-fetched thought, but do you think this baby SUV will become the cash-cow for the I.D. line up? I would say yes because this is the safest option when compared to the unorthodox cars within the I.D. brand. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.