VW Targets Tesla Model S With Luxury Electric Phaeton

After the new ID.4 crossover launches in the US this month, VW will continue expanding its electric ID. family with a slew of new models. A few weeks ago, a new report claimed the upcoming ID.6, a production version of the ID. Vizzion concept, will be sold as a sedan or wagon and offer a range of around 435 miles.

Now, Automotive News Europe claims VW is preparing a new mystery luxury electric sedan designed to take on the Tesla Model S. While it will slot above the ID.6, it will be positioned below ultra-luxury electric sedans like the Mercedes-Benz EQS due to debut next year.

VW is leaving the model's main competitor in no doubt, a source told the publication to "think Model S" when referring to rival models. Despite being larger than any current ID. model, the electric sedan will be underpinned by an "evolved version" of the MEB platform shared by the ID.3 hatchback and ID.4 crossover. This will help VW cut costs by not using the more expensive PPE architecture utilised by Audi and Porsche. Production will take place at VW's plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, and could be extended to 300,000 units a year if VW also assembles the electric sedan in the US and China.

Technical details remain under wraps. While the regular ID.6 is expected to offer a range of 435 miles based on Europe's WLTP test cycle (roughly 388 miles in the US based on EPA ratings), the sedan's larger size means it will likely have less range but a more luxurious cabin with increased legroom.

The mystery model doesn't have a name yet, but it could potentially be the electric successor to the discontinued Phaeton that has been rumored for several years. VW's new Tesla Model S fighter is expected to arrive before 2025 as VW labor leader Bernd Osterloh has been calling for an EV to be built in Wolfsburg by then. In the meantime, the ID.6 is expected to launch in 2023.