Volkswagen has debuted its ID. Aero concept car in China, the brand’s first global fully-electric sedan. The future model will be positioned in the premium mid-size sedan segment. The production version for China is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2023, and Volkswagen is also planning to start production of a European series version in Emden, Germany in 2023.

The concept vehicle is almost 5 meters (approx. 16.4 ft.) long and achieves a drag coefficient of 0.23, Volkswagen says. The company says its modular electric drive matrix (MEB) additionally permits short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an exceptionally spacious vehicle interior. The ID. Aero is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a net energy content of 77 kWh. Thanks to the interaction of the efficient drive system and the excellent aerodynamic properties, the ID. Aero achieves ranges of up to 620 kilometers (approx. 385 miles).

The production version of the ID. Aero will be the fourth fully electric model series in China, with expected availability in the second half of 2023. Two versions are planned there – one for each Volkswagen joint venture. Based on its regional strategy, Volkswagen says it is aiming to become the leading supplier of sustainable vehicles in China. As early as 2030, it is planned that at least every second vehicle sold in China will be an electric vehicle, Volkswagen says.

The company says the ID. Aero’s MEB architecture can be used across segments – from compact crossover or SUV and minibus through to sedan. With the ID. Aero, the MEB therefore allows the ID. family to enter the mid-size sedan segment.

It is expected that the production version of the ID. Aero for Europe will roll off the assembly line in the Emden plant in 2023. With volume production of electric vehicles, Emden will be one of the first Volkswagen plants of this kind in Lower Saxony and will make a decisive contribution to electrifying the model range and reducing the CO₂ emissions of the overall new vehicle fleet.