New Volkswagen ID8 confirmed: everything we know so far
July 16, 2021 by John Tallodi
Car changing is a big deal
Volkswagen’s growing ID electric-car range will soon be getting a full-sized SUV called the ID8. Read on for more on this exciting new model.
- VW ID8 SUV confirmed
- Likely to be based on existing electric cars
- Will be the largest ID SUV yet
- Seven-seat model possible
- All-wheel drive variant likely
- Advanced self-driving features
- Should be released before 2025
Volkswagen CEO, Herbert Diess, confirmed in a strategy presentation this week that the ID line of electric vehicles will be joined by an Atlas-sized SUV called the ID8.
This model will top the current line-up which already includes the Golf-sized ID3 and larger ID4 SUVs. This larger variant, possibly with three rows of seats will be an alternative to the likes of the Tesla Model X and upcoming BMW iX and Audi e-Tron models.
New VW ID8 design
There is like to be a strong family resemblance between the various ID SUV models so you can expect the ID8 to borrow styling cues from the existing ID4 and upcoming coupe-styled ID5.
This could mean similar LED headlights and brake lights with a thin full-width LED connecting strip, flush-mounted door handles and a smoothed off front grille. It will be similar in size to the US-specific three-row Atlas SUV.
New VW ID8 interior
As with the exterior, the new Volkswagen ID8’s cabin design will most likely be a development of the ID4’s sharp new layout.
A large central touchscreen (perhaps two for the ID8) and a digital driver info display will be complemented by the bare minimum of physical buttons and switches.
New VW ID8 batteries and range
If the new ID8 is indeed based on VW’s existing electric-car underpinnings (called the MEB platform) it could share plenty of components with the current Volkswagen ID4. That model is available with between 148hp and 204hp in rear-wheel-drive guise and 299hp in the all-wheel-drive, dual-motor GTX models.
The larger and heavier ID8 will most likely utilise the more potent motors and could be paired with the ID4’s 77kWh battery pack which offers around 300 miles of range that car. The larger ID8 could also allow for even larger battery capacities in the future.
When will the new VW ID8 go on sale?
There is no official release date yet for the VW ID8, but it should be announced well before 2025 to meet VW’s goals to offer a comprehensive fleet of EVs by that date.
Judging by the prices of the ID3 and ID4, you can expect the ID8 to cost around 20% more than the current US-spec Atlas SUV. If this model were to be offered in the UK, it could be priced from £70,000.
Can’t wait for this new car to appear in showrooms? Check out the latest VW ID4 deals available through carwow or compare the latest offers on the best SUVs and best electric cars on sale now.
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