VW’s third MEB model has been revealed in two formats.

AN electric Volkswagen ID model intended just for China, at this stage, has been revealed.

The seven seat, sports utility-styled ID.6 is built on the MEB electric platform that underpins the ID.4 sports utility that is coming on sale in New Zealand, potentially not before late 2022, and the ID.3 sedan that seems less likely as a distributor-provisioned NZ-new car, though it is here as a grey import.

Essentially a long-wheelbase ID.4, the ID.6 will be built as a 'Crozz' model in North China and as an 'X' in the south of the country. For it to be availed in NZ would require major re-engineering as China is a left-hand drive country.

It is powered by a variety of electric motors and battery packs, with the usable capacity of the latter ranging from 58- to 77kWh; meaning any ID.6 will be able to do between 436 and 588km on a single charge.

With a maximum output of 225kW going through all wheels and 4Motion technology, the model can do 0-100kmh in 6.6 seconds and 160kmh flat out.

ID.6 is 300mm longer than the ID.4, to accommodate a third row of seats to the rear of the passenger compartment. Wheel sizes go from 19 to 21 inches in diameter, while a panoramic roof is standard; as an option, it can also open up to the elements. Inside, there are no buttons and switches, the 12-inch touchscreen display and 'Hello ID' voice commands controlling much of the car's functionality.

Ralf Brandstätter, Volkswagen's chief executive, says ID.6 lays the foundations for at least 50 percent of his brand’s car sold in China being electric by 2030.

“We are maintaining momentum and gradually increasing our range of MEB cars: by 2023, Volkswagen will have a total of eight ID. models in China, making MEB nationwide there.

“The economies of scale that we have achieved allow us to offer the latest technology at an affordable price - and thus further expand our electric offensive."