It conceals the production look underneath a body-colored mask.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 isn’t the only one chasing the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2, as Volkswagen is finishing up the Aero B. The fully electric sedan (or liftback?) is unlikely to be the final name. It’s been a long wait. It was initially called the ID. The Vizzion concept was presented at the Geneva Motor Show four years ago before the ID Space Vizzion, a more practical wagon, was introduced in 2019.
VW teased a concept closer to production a few months back that would be presented at the 2022 Beijing Motor Show. Due to the resurgence of coronavirus cases, the event was delayed indefinitely. Although it is not clear when the car’s evolved design will be revealed, our spy team has captured a prototype of the production body.
The test vehicle is a little strange because the camouflage layers are white to match its body. VW is sneaky in many ways, considering that the “taillights”, which are stickers meant to imitate the Jetta’s rear lighting, are actually stickers. The electric prototype features dual exhausts, which are silver tape attached to the rear skirt. This proves that Germans can have a sense for humor.
VW attempted to hide the headlight design using another set Jetta-inspired stickers. They even copied the front grille of the compact sedan. The bumper’s black foil is intended to imitate the gas-powered saloon’s air intakes. The side profile shows door handles that were inherited from the ID.4 & ID.5 and China’s larger three row ID.6 SUV. It is missing the badge that will denote trim level on the front fender.
Overall, the ID Aero gives us the impression that it is a less-strenuous ID.5. This should result in higher efficiency and a lower drag coefficient. The coupe-SUV’s Cd is 0.26, which is significantly higher than its MEB-based sibling the Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe (0.23). The prototype shown here, just like the rest of the models on the dedicated electric vehicle platform, has rear drum brakes.
VW stated that it will begin deliveries of the electric vehicle in the second half 2023, first in China. The Aero B could one day replace the Passat. The ICE-powered midsize sedan was discontinued worldwide, except in China, where it is still produced locally.
VW confirmed the next-gen Passat, but reports indicate that it will only be available in wagon form. Since prototypes have only been seen in Variant form, spy shots show the same thing. The Aero B will replace the three-box Passat if an ICE sedan isn’t planned.