Latest news with #VWID
ArabGT
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
VW ID Dropped in Favor of Traditional Names for EVs
Volkswagen is officially retiring the VW ID naming strategy, marking a pivotal change in its approach to electric vehicles. This shift signals the brand's intent to move away from sterile alphanumeric codes and embrace the emotional pull of traditional model names that resonate with drivers. The VW ID lineup, launched in 2017 with the ID.3 concept, once symbolized the company's electric future. It quickly expanded to include models like the ID.4, ID.5, ID.6 (exclusive to China), ID.7, and the nostalgic ID. Buzz. But despite the initial momentum, VW is now reevaluating its strategy. According to Martin Sander, a Volkswagen Board Member overseeing Sales, Marketing, and After Sales, the company plans to drop the VW ID names in upcoming production vehicles—starting with the ID.2all and concepts, which will adopt different monikers when they launch. Sander confirmed, 'The cars will get proper names again,' hinting at a return to the kind of iconic labels that helped define Volkswagen's history—like Golf, Polo, and Beetle. This reversal mirrors moves by other automakers. Audi abandoned its plan to organize EVs by even numbers, BMW now reserves the 'i' for electric models only, and Toyota simplified its cumbersome bZ4X to simply 'bZ.' Across the industry, the trend is clear: consumers want clarity and familiarity, not abstract codes. For VW, retiring the VW ID nameplate isn't just about branding—it's a strategic reset. Future electric vehicles, such as the ID.2 slated for 2026, may reintroduce names like Polo in honor of its 50th anniversary. The ID.1, expected in 2027, could see a revival of classic names like Lupo, Fox, or Up!. Meanwhile, development continues on an all-electric Golf and T-Roc SUV, both of which could carry their legacy names into the EV era. VW is also using this transition to update its current lineup. A comprehensive facelift for the VW ID models is planned for 2026, coinciding with the naming overhaul. The challenge lies in clearly differentiating these next-gen EVs from their combustion counterparts, which will continue for several years. Despite the naming shift, VW ID models are still driving strong sales. The ID.3 remains in high demand, while the ID.7 has already surpassed the Passat in European markets. In the U.S., the retro-styled ID. Buzz is gaining traction and cultural relevance. Looking ahead, the upcoming ID.2all and around €25,000 and €20,000 respectively—aim to deliver affordable EV options as battery costs decline and new production efficiencies take hold. China poses another key battleground for the VW ID strategy. Models like the ID.7 face intense competition from low-cost local brands. However, VW remains focused on sustainable growth rather than quick wins, planning to launch a new wave of China-specific EVs in 2026 while gradually hybridizing its combustion lineup. By phasing out the VW ID name and embracing classic badges, Volkswagen is leaning into its heritage while refining its EV identity. It's a calculated move to strengthen emotional ties with consumers and simplify its electric transition in an increasingly crowded market.
Engadget
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Engadget
The Lucid Gravity is the coolest three-row EV on the market
As people continue to move away from sedans to larger vehicles , the distinction between SUVs, crossovers and MPVs has become even blurrier. But make no mistake, if you're looking for a big car with tons of power, excellent handling and a true seven-person capacity, the Lucid Gravity might be the coolest three-row EV on sale today. Just don't call it a minivan. Not that you would be incorrect. Between its extra-long dimensions (198 inches, three inches longer than a LWB VW ID. Buzz ), a smooth, sloping front end and an emphasis on aerodynamics, the Gravity certainly looks more like a Chrysler Pacifica than a brawny Rivian R1S . But as one Lucid representative told me, minivans have gotten a bad rap in recent times, due to their focus on basic practicality while eschewing anything in the way of engaging driving dynamics. This makes slapping the minivan tag on a car feel almost like a death sentence, even if the biggest difference between the Gravity and some of its cross-category rivals is the lack of sliding doors. Sam Rutherford for Engadget With the Gravity's Grand Touring spec (which starts at $94,900) packing a whopping 828 horsepower along with fancy features like standard air suspension and optional rear-wheel steering, this thing is anything but pokey. And that's before you consider a 0 to 60 time of just 3.4 seconds, which puts most sports cars (especially gas-powered ones) to shame. So despite how it looks, there's no doubt the Gravity offers better performance than any minivan on the planet. The speed continues when it's time to charge. Thanks to its 926 volt architecture, the Gravity can suck down up to 400 kW of juice, which makes this the fastest charging EV outside of China. Lucid's charging tech is also capable of adding 200 miles of driving distance in under 11 minutes. When combined with up to 450 miles of range, this vehicle is almost single-handedly upending the idea that electric cars are bad for long road trips. The sky was cloudy that day. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget) Meanwhile, for those who want to travel in luxury, the Gravity has more creature comforts than minivans too, even for a class of vehicle that can often be judged by its number of cupholders. Not only are the front and second row seats heated, Lucid's glass panoramic roof runs nearly the entire length of the car. That means unlike most rivals where the driver is stuck without a view, all you see is sky when you look up from behind the wheel. There's even a screen for second row occupants to control music and climate (among other things). Lucid also makes great use of the Gravity's length. While I wouldn't want to ride back there as an adult all the time, it has one of the most spacious third rows I've ever sat in. Alternatively, if you need extra cargo space, the rearmost seats fold into the floor, providing you with a flat load space featuring 56.2 cubic feet of room (and that's with the second row still up). And while it's not something you'll use all the time, I love the company's optional folding cushion that transforms the frunk into a loveseat — complete with cupholders on each side. It's a fun little feature that makes me sad that drive-in movie theaters are becoming extinct. Sam Rutherford for Engadget The most enchanting contradiction about the Gravity is what it feels like to drive. After getting into the pilot's seat, you're greeted by a massive 34-inch 6K OLED display. And unlike some of its competitors, it's not two or three screens sandwiched together. It's all a single panel that's an absolute treat to look at. This expansiveness is only reinforced by Lucid's squircle-shaped wheel. It's a touch smaller than you might expect on a vehicle this size, but it also gives you increased visibility at its giant infotainment system. The hard thing to wrap your head around though, is that for a long SUV with three rows of seats, it doesn't drive like a big car. The cabin is spacious and airy and it feels like you could fit a pickleball court between its mirrors. And yet, thanks to features like the optional rear-wheel steering on my demo vehicle, it almost felt petite during a quick drive around New York City. Sometimes I wish Lucid would delete all the shiny metal or chrome accents on the Gravity. Now, I will admit that my route down the West Side Highway wasn't the best place to really test out its driving dynamics. But there were a few spots where I got a sense of how good the Gravity will be on the open road. For example, I had to make a U-turn down near Battery Park and I thought there was no way I was going to make it without committing to a three-point maneuver. But to my delight, it just darted around the divider in a way that defies its dimensions. Lucid's suspension is also a work of art. For a car that weighs around 6000 pounds (depending on spec), it doesn't lumber or bounce when it goes over bumps. It just kind of floats. You can still feel the road, but it's just more of a gentle reminder that its surface texture is constantly changing rather than a jolt up your backside. Granted, my test vehicle was equipped with Lucid's Dynamic Handling Package, which includes three-chamber air suspension instead of the standard two. But, honestly, that extra $2,900 feels well worth it, especially when that option also adds the rear-wheel steering. Sam Rutherford for Engadget I also appreciate how the car automatically hunkers down when you set it to sport mode to improve performance. Even without room to get it up to top speed, it's impossible to escape the feeling of immense power the car gets from its dual motors (a single-motor RWD is slated to come out later). The Gravity might just have the best ride quality of any EV SUV currently on sale. However, I do have some complaints. The most obvious one is that this thing ain't cheap at just shy of $95,000 for the initial Grand Touring version. And even when the base model eventually comes out at around $80,000, that's still a far cry from mainstream affordability. It really makes me wonder why Lucid didn't jump straight to making its rumored (and almost certainly more affordable) mid-size SUV . Sam Rutherford for Engadget I don't love Lucid's current color options either, which seem aimed more at boomers than younger, more EV-friendly drivers. (Though I guess that's where the money is.) The most vibrant paint choice is either a brownish bronze or a faded olive green. I was hoping that the company had learned something from the stunning blue it uses on the Air Sapphire and carried over some of that styling to the Gravity. But here we are. Finally, Lucid won't have its version of Dream Drive 2 Pro hands-free driving tech available at launch. Furthermore, the company is running into issues sourcing components for its HUD system, which means you'll have to wait a bit longer for that option. The good news is that when (or if) Lucid eventually figures out its hand-free tech, all the hardware needed to support it will already be in the Gravity, so all you'll need is an OTA update to turn it on. Regardless, as Lucid continues ramping production throughout the year, the Gravity already feels like the coolest big EV SUV on sale today and an immediate top contender for anyone looking for a luxurious three-row people carrier.
