Currently reading: Next Volkswagen ID concept will be an SUV

Following from the ID hatchback and ID Buzz MPV, the third electric Volkswagen concept will be an SUV, as the brand expands its EV presence

An SUV concept is likely to be shown next as part of Volkswagen's planned future family of electric vehicles, design chief Klaus Bischoff has hinted.

Speaking at a preview event for the new VW ID Buzz concept at the Detroit motor show, Bischoff said: "Just because we haven't shown a CUV [crossover] or SUV yet, it doesn't mean we don't do it..."

Read about the Volkswagen ID Buzz concept here

VW's new electric vehicle range, which will launch in 2020 with an electric hatchback previewed by the ID concept from the recent Paris motor show, is targeting sales of one million units by 2025.

The ID Buzz previews an electric MPV inspired by the Microbus concept that will go into production in 2022 should a business case be proved for it.

An SUV is understood to be being prepared to be shown as the next concept car, with a saloon and possibly a sports car set to follow it.

Read more about this year's Detroit motor show here

Bischoff said VW's range of electric cars "would have a different design language to our internal combustion engine models". He said the platform allowed for a longer wheelbase with shorter overhangs, and would allow a Volkswagen Golf-sized model to have the interior space of a Volkswagen Passat. The models would also be extremely aerodynamic, and would each get their own 'face' with different light designs at the front instead of a family grille.

The interiors would be made with recycled and recyclable materials, and buttons reduced to a minimum. There will be just one floating touchscreen and much key driving info would be projected onto the windscreen. The dashboard will also be moved 150mm further away from front passengers to free up more interior space.

The ID hatchback is coming first to signify the fact it's intended to be as iconic and significant for VW as the original Volkswagen Beetle and Volkswagen Golf models.

Could the ID Buzz concept be the one to resurrect the VW Microbus?

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Mark Tisshaw

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Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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