It was just 8 months ago that Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) launched its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the XC40 Recharge, and in doing so, it was also the first company to assemble a BEV locally. At that time, VCM said that it will launch one new Recharge model (the name given to BEVs) each year during the coming 5 years.
However, even before 2022 has ended, it has already launched the second Recharge model – or perhaps this is considered the one for 2023 (so there won’t be a new model next year). It’s the C40 Recharge Pure Electric and like the XC40 Recharge, it is also assembled locally at the oldest vehicle assembly plant in Malaysia, located in Shah Alam, Selangor. The plant is a regional production hub for Volvo, from which it exports various models around ASEAN.
Only one version of the C40 Recharge is currently assembled and even with tax exemption, it is priced at RM288,888 (without insurance), RM10,000 more than the XC40 Recharge. Still not mass market pricing but then again, this is a premium brand and the technology is expensive too.
Volkswagen has revealed another member of its all-electric ID family and this one’s a SUV coupe. The idea of a coupe-like SUV was introduced by BMW with its X6 in 2008 (although some feel the honour should go to the SsangYong Actyon of 2005) and has provided those who like coupes with something that can also double as a SUV.
Debut in concept form first
Volkswagen’s version will be the ID.5 GTX which will make its international exhibition debut next month – as a disguised concept – at the IAA Munich Motor Show. ‘GTX’ represents the Volkswagen brand’s new athleticism, continuing the tradition of the GTI, GTD and GTE models and transferring it to the world of electric mobility.
It will be the second model in the GTX line, joining the ID.4 GTX, and will give the company’s ACCELERATE strategy another boost. The goal is to increase the share of all-electric cars in Europe to 70% of Volkswagen‘s sales by 2030, on the way to becoming net carbon neutral by 2050.
Two motors for all-wheel drive
Full technical details are not available yet and for now, the company is only providing an overview. As with all the electric models, its first SUV coupe will sit on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform. It will have 2 electric motors – one on each axle – to give all-wheel drive. The motors will receive energy from a large lithium-ion battery pack between the axles. The projected range with a fully charged pack is expected to be up to 497 kms.
The sporty profile of the ID.5 GTX has short overhangs and big wheels. At the front are the IQ.Light LED matrix headlights which generate an intelligently controlled high beam. The light strip that tapers towards the Volkswagen logo has been combined with three powerful, illuminated honeycomb elements on both the driver and passenger side. They complement the signature of the low beam and convey the athletic character even while stationary.
The flat sloping A pillars positioned right near the front give the roofline an elegant flow. It stretches low over the body and tapers out in an integrated rear spoiler. At the rear, horizontal lines accentuate the width, with the light strip attracting the most attention. The LED rear lights have a 3D design that provides a visual signature for the model.
ID.6 – largest model on MEB platform
The roll-out of ID models is not sequential (by the numbers) and an ID.6 has also been revealed for the Chinese market. This is a 7-seater SUV (shown below) based on the ID. Roomzz concept. It will be the largest model using the MEB platform with an overall length of 4880 mm.
ID.6 for the Chinese market is the largest model using the MEB platform for electric vehicles.
