ID.4

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
SUV

The Volkswagen ID.4 (and overseas-only ID.3 hatchback) may be the German automaker's first-ever all-electric vehicle from the ground-up, but it certainly won't be the last. Along with a production version of the retro ID Buzz, a certain other ID concept has reportedly just received the production green light. VW's CEO of the Passenger Cars division, Ralf Brandstatter, has just announced on LinkedIn, via Automakret.ro, that the production-spec ID Space Vizzion concept will hit the market in 2023 with a range of up to 435 miles. Additional details remain mostly unknown, other than the EV will have a high-tech premium interior.

With its shooting-brake styling, there's currently nothing else on the battery-electric market quite like it. Its sleek design helps minimize the drag coefficient that not only aids in overall range capability but also gives the vehicle its own unique design attitude.

Currently codenamed Aero B by VW, the production version is likely to have an 82-kWh battery pack and possibly two electric motors, one at each axle. The concept version had only one electric motor at the rear. The additional motor makes sense because it would contribute towards a combined output of 360 horsepower. The ID.4, to compare, has a maximum available output of 302 hp with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model. The rear-mounted motor version makes 201 hp.

But the big question we really want an answer to is whether this all-electric wagon will be sold in the US? Unfortunately, Brandstatter's post made no mention where it'll be sold.

Wagons/shooting brakes have retained their popularity in Europe despite the crossover craze, but the segment is quite niche in North America. The Subaru Outback is the exception, though more upscale players have recently arrived, like the Audi A6 allroad, Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain, and Volvo V90 Cross Country. None of them offer a pure battery-electric powertrain option, however.

If VW chooses to enter the wagon market, we can't think of a better way to do so than with an EV. VW might even have the EV wagon segment entirely to itself.