The ID. AERO, the first all-electric limousine for the Chinese market, has been released in unique design sketches by the Volkswagen brand as it looks to the future.
The new concept focuses on having exceptional aerodynamics, an ‘attractive’ appearance combined with ‘ample’ room. The pre-production model will have its digital world premiere on Monday, 27 June 2022.
Volkswagen is amping up its electric efforts in China as part of its ACCELERATE plan, as part of their attempt to become China's top provider of environmentally-friendly vehicles.. The ID. AERO will be the fourth fully-electric model series in China after the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.6 when it goes on sale in the second half of 2023. There are two variants proposed, one for each joint venture with Volkswagen. At least every second vehicle sold in China will be an electric vehicle by the year 2030, according to Volkswagen's proposed plans.
The ID. AERO will feature Polar Light Blue Metallic paintwork and colour pigments that should produce a golden shimmer look in the right lighting settings. To contrast with the car's body, the roof will be painted a high-gloss black colour.
The almost 5-metre-long concept car was built with aerodynamics at its core, with the roof's coupé-style slope to the back helping the vehicle achieve a drag coefficient of 0.23. Additionally, Volkswagen's modular electric drive matrix (MEB) enables extended wheelbases, reduced overhangs, and in their words, “unusually roomy interiors''. A lithium-ion solid battery with a net energy content of 77 kWh is included with the ID. AERO gives a potential range of up to 620km, which is achievable and would make it ideal for long-distance trips.
The ID. AERO is the first saloon in the premium mid-size sector to be applied to the ID. family's aesthetic. The front end and roof of the vehicle were constructed to ensure the best possible airflow across them. The separating edge and gently drawn-in rear end are designed to quiet the airflow across the vehicle. The 22-inch two-tone wheels have a turbine-inspired design, and illuminated touch surfaces in place of traditional door knobs designed to significantly reduce drag.
"With the ID. AERO show car, we are revealing a preview of the next member of the ID. family. A car with an emotional and aerodynamic design, a range of over 600 kilometres, a great amount of space and a premium interior," said Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. "With our ACCELERATE strategy, we are intensively driving forward the electrification of our model range. Following the ID.4, this model will be our next global car for Europe, China and the US."
The ID. AERO production model for Europe is anticipated to leave the Emden plant's assembly line in 2023. Emden is one of Volkswagen’s first to produce EVs in volume, and it should significantly contribute to electrifying the model lineup and lowering the CO2 emissions of the entire new vehicle Volkswagen fleet.