Despite the relentless onslaught of the SUV, Volkswagen is preparing an all-electric sedan.

The 5th electric car from Volkswagen's ID range will be hitting showrooms around 2023 and it will be a sedan. Unofficially dubbed the Volkswagen ID.6 according to AutoCar, the newcomer is essentially going to be a production version of the Volkswagen Vizzion Concept, but we won't be surprised if we see elements from the ID Space Vizzion Concept either.

Built on Volkswagen Group's modular and scalable MEB platform, the ID.6 promises around 700 km of electric range. The secret to this impressive range is "improved lithium battery cell efficiency, a reduction in rolling resistance and new aerodynamic developments" according to AutoCar. There's also talk of 200 kW fast charging, which will allow about 230 km of range to be loaded in just 10 minutes.

There's a potentiallysportier GTX model with a two-motor setup that will hit 100 kph in about 5.6 seconds. The single-motor derivative should be able to reach 100 kph in around 8.5 seconds.

Why a sedan though? Despite SUV sales still surging ahead, Volkswagen believes the Chinese market will be key to the ID.6's success. Production of the vehicle is likely to take place at the VW facilities at Emden (earmarked for ID.4 and ID.5 in 2022) and Zwickau.

Chinese production will take place as part of the joint-venture deal with SAIC and FAW in 2024. Emden is currently home to Passat and Arteon, and this facility is currently being converted from ICE production to EV production. Volkswagen is bolstering the facilities and by the time the work is complete, there'll be capacity for up to 300 000 electric vehicles by 2023.

Does this mean the end of the road is nigh for the Passat and Arteon? Despite the latter's recent update, sales have been sluggish with the updated Tiguan, T-Roc and T-Cross headlining the sales charts. Given the timings, we suspect the Arteon and Passat will bow out in 2023, to coincide with the launch of the new all-electric range.

Further Reading

Volkswagen Arteon R Headlines Updated Range

Volkswagen Passat TDI (2016) First Drive

Facelifted Tiguan only coming to SA in 2021

Volkswagen T-Roc (2020) Launch Review