Volkswagen is pondering an all-electric SUV with off-road credentials known internally as the ID Ruggdzz.
Autocar reports that the German car manufacturer is on the verge of approving the vehicle for production as a rival to the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQB. It would sit alongside the ID.4 in VW’s range of all-electric SUVs but adopt a drastically-different design said to be more fitting of a vehicle with some ‘rugged’ credentials. Consequently, it’s expected to feature a somewhat boxy shape with a horizontal hood, a tall and upright windshield, and a near-flat roof.
Read More: VW Cheekily Tries To Hide 2021 ID.4 Electric Crossover As An… Opel
What’s more, the ID Ruggdzz has reportedly been designed in such a way that it looks as though the C-pillar is translucent thanks to the presence of a small glass panel. Volkswagen designers have reportedly sketched out the vehicle in both five-seat and long-wheelbase, seven-seater varieties, the latter of which will target customers in China and North America. A host of other variants could be offered, including one particularly extreme derivative with roof-mounted spotlights and increased ride height.
Underpinning the vehicle would be the same MEB platform as other Volkswagen ID models. While many key powertrain details remain under wraps, it is understood the Ruggdzz will likely feature two electric motors making for all-wheel drive. It’s claimed that Seat, Skoda, and Chinese marque Jetta could get their own variants of this new model.
If the VW ID Ruggdzz is approved for production, it may hit the production line as early as 2023.
Carscoops has reached out to Volkswagen regarding this report and will update this story if we hear back.
Note: VW ID Crozz pictured
