Volkswagen ID.8 Confirmed as a New Full-Size Electric SUV

author: Manish Kharinta   

Automaker Volkswagen recently revealed its "NEW AUTO" strategy, which will help the Wolfsburg-based company to better embrace electric mobility and become a software-oriented automotive brand. 

The Chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen, Dr. Herbert Diess discussed many aspects of the automaker's new strategy during an event last week. Among the announcements, Diess confirmed that Volkswagen will be introducing a new full-size electric SUV called the ID.8, which will sit above the mid-size ID.6 in VW's future EV lineup.

Interestingly enough, Diess pointed out that the smaller ID.6 crossover can potentially replace VW's Passat models, which has now been confirmed, as the automaker announced it will no longer make the Passat sedan after the 2022 model.

The electric ID.8 SUV will be the largest ID model, and will likely offer an all-wheel-drive powertrain with a dual-motor setup.

With its large dimensions, the ID.8 will be similar in size to VW's flagship gas-powered Atlas SUV. However, the ID.8 will offer more cabin and cargo space than the Atlas, thanks to its electric platform and flat floor. It might also get a seven-seat option that will help it better compete with other three-row electric SUVs like the BMW iX, Tesla Model X, and Audi e-tron.  

Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen, speaks about the company's NEW AUTO strategy.

The German automaker refrained from divulging any technical details about its future model. As of now, there is no official information regarding ID.8's battery pack size and capacity. But we assume it will be built on Volkswagen's MEB electric vehicle architecture. 

Volkswagen revealed that it is developing its battery cell technology down to the very chemistry and raw materials. Currently, the automaker's largest lithium-ion pack (77 kWh) is used in the ID.4. But the ID.8's battery will offer a higher capacity. 

As far as style, it's expected that the ID.8 will sport the same design language as the rest of the ID family of EVs. The headlight and taillight clusters of the ID.8 will probably be similar to the LEDs on its smaller sibling, the ID.4. 

The ID.8 is expected to launch ID.4 by 2025, as the automaker has already disclosed its intentions to lead the electric vehicle segment by then.

In addition to the forthcoming ID.8, VW may also have other plans to revamp its product portfolio. Like Ford Motor Co did with its new Bronco SUV, the German automaker also wants to capitalize on the growing popularity of rugged off-roaders, crossovers, and SUVs by introducing new models.

With Volkswagen's recent commitment to software, don't be surprised if the ID.8 comes jam-packed with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced autonomous driving features.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.