Overview
Although we haven’t seen any images of it yet, Volkswagen has confirmed a three-row SUV will soon launch on its electric-vehicle architecture. The family-friendly SUV will be called ID.8 and we expect it to share styling with the slightly smaller ID.6 (shown above) that was unveiled for the Chinese market. The ID.8 will be much larger than the ID.4, putting it into contention with mid-size SUVs. It will have three rows of seats and seating for up to seven riders. Rear-wheel drive will likely be standard, but a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive arrangement will probably be optional. It’s currently unclear how big of a battery Volkswagen will offer here, but in China buyers of the smaller ID.6 can choose either a 58.0- or 77.0-kWh pack, with a driving range of up to 365 miles with the larger of the two. Given the popularity of three-row crossovers, VW would be wise to bring the ID.8 to market soon, and we expect to see it as a 2023 model.
What’s New for 2023?
The ID.8 is all-new and will be the largest of Volkswagen’s ID models when it goes on sale. More information should be available closer to the SUV’s on-sale date.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Like the ID.4, the ID.8 is expected to be offered in base, Pro, and Pro S trims and may also be offered in a limited-run 1stEdition model for its first model year. We are estimating the prices above and won’t know exactly how much the SUV will cost or which features will be standard or optional until closer to its launch.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Volkswagen hasn’t released specifics on the ID.8’s powertrain, but we expect the SUV to be offered in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations with one or two electric motors providing propulsion. When we get a chance to test drive the ID.8, we’ll update this story with driving impressions and test results.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
In China, the ID.6 will be available with either a 58.0- or 77.0-kWh battery pack, the latter of which is said to provide up to 365 miles of driving range per charge. The ID.8 that will make it to America will be slightly larger than the ID.6 but may use the same battery packs. Fast-charging technology will undoubtedly be standard, as it is in the smaller ID.4.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Three rows of seats put the ID.8 into contention with the more expensive Tesla Model X and the Rivian R1S as a family-friendly SUV with an all-electric powertrain. All models will likely come with a panoramic glass roof and will offer a large 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen for much of the car’s controls.
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- Infotainment and Connectivity
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
