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2022 Volkswagen ID.6 is a 3-row electric crossover for China

The next member of Volkswagen’s growing family of ID-badged electric vehicles was revealed on Monday at Auto Shanghai 2021.

Called the ID.6, it’s a mid-size crossover with third-row seats developed to battle the Tesla Model X, and there are actually two distinct versions both tailored for the Chinese market.

One of them, the ID.6 Crozz, features more rugged styling and will be built at a plant in the north of China. The other, the ID.6 X, has sportier styling and will be built at a plant in the south of the country. Neither is destined to be sold outside of China, so don’t look for one to reach dealerships in the United States.

The ID.6 rides on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the automaker’s mainstream EV architecture. It’s the same platform underpinning the smaller ID.4 crossover that just went on sale here. The ID.6 measures approximately 192 inches in length and offers seating for up to seven.

2022 Volkswagen ID.6

Buyers have two battery options and three powertrains to choose from. The available battery sizes are 58 and 77 kilowatt-hours, and the powertrains range in output from 177 to 302 hp. The most powerful version will hit 62 mph from rest in 6.6 seconds and top out at 100 mph.

While the ID.6 won’t reach the U.S., we’ll see some new ID models here very soon. A performance-oriented ID.4 GTX is planned, and a coupe-like ID.4 that will be called an ID.5 is also a good bet for our market.

In 2023 VW will finally launch a spiritual successor to the iconic Microbus based on 2017’s ID.Buzz concept, and a sedan and wagon are also a possibility for our market.

For more news from the Shanghai auto show, head to our dedicated hub.

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April 19, 2021
2022 BMW M3 and M4 Competition xDrive arrive with all-wheel drive for $77,895

The oft-rumored all-wheel-drive BMW M3/M4 is finally on its way.

On Sunday, the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive were announced with an available M-specific all-wheel-drive system, quicker performance numbers, and a $4,000 premium.

2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive

Like other M3 and M4 Competition models, the xDrive versions use the S58 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that makes 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. However, the oiling system in the xDrive cars has been modified to handle the increased load from the extra traction of all-wheel drive. An 8-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties as a 6-speed manual is only available in non-Competition, non-xDrive models.

Like the current M5, the new M3/M4 xDrive models employ a variable, rear-biased all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. An active differential distributes torque in the rear between the two wheels.

All-wheel drive might make the M3 and M4 Competition less fun, but it does make them quicker despite adding about 100 lbs. BMW said 0-60 mph times drop over the rear-wheel-drive versions by 0.4 second to 3.4 seconds. The top speed remains 155 mph or 180 mph with the M Performance package.

Regardless of which mode the all-wheel-drive system is in, the power is routed to the rear wheels in day-to-day cruising. When needed, such as on slippery pavement or during a hard takeoff, power automatically shifts to the front, though BMW hasn’t said how much power can flow to the front wheels.

2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive

The all-wheel-drive system in the M3 and M4 Competition models features three drive modes. The default setting is 4WD, which is all-wheel drive with a rear-bias power distribution. The 4WD Sport mode directs more power to the rear wheels and was developed to be more track-friendly. A mode called 2WD might as well be called Burnout, Donut, or Drift mode, as it requires the stability control and traction controlled to be turned off and then locks power to only the rear wheels.

While the xDrive Competition models share their 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged aluminum wheels with their rear-wheel-drive siblings, the front suspension geometry has been redesigned and the steering ratio was changed from 15.0:1 to 14.6:1 to compensate for the all-wheel-drive system’s heft.

2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive

2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive

2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive

2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive

It will be impossible to decipher whether a 2022 BMW M3 Competition or M4 Competition has xDrive from the outside as the cars have no badges or other visual differences, and the system is completely hidden.

The 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive will cost $77,895 (including destination), while the M4 Competition xDrive will run $79,795 when they arrive at U.S. dealers in August.

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April 18, 2021
2022 Audi Q4 E-Tron, 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Mercedes-Benz AMG One: This Week’s Top Photos

Audi expanded its lineup of electric vehicles with the reveal of the new Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron. The handsome compact crossover duo arrive at dealerships later this year and should offer around 250 miles on a charge.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Another new electric vehicle in the headlines this week was the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS, and it did not disappoint. The svelte electric sedan combines an S-Class grade interior with impressive technology, and this should help it attract well-heeled buyers looking to make the switch from gasoline to electrons.

Nissan GT-R Nismo Special Edition

Nissan is close to launching a redesigned Z, but the automaker’s other sports car, the GT-R, will soldier on in its current form for a little while longer. This week, Nissan introduced a special version of the GT-R Nismo range-topper. It features a unique look and upgraded engine internals.

2021 Volkswagen Arteon

Volkswagen updated the Arteon for 2021, adding new technology and styling tweaks that push the svelte sedan even closer to near-luxury status. This week we posted up our review of the car.

2021 Toyota Supra

Another car we tested was the 2021 Toyota Supra, specifically the 6-cylinder. The car’s got gobs of power, but the same enthusiasts who are eager for this might find the lack of a manual gearbox unforgivable.

Mercedes-Benz AMG One spy shots – Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Development of Mercedes-Benz AMG’s Formula One-powered hypercar is almost complete, with prototypes this week hitting the Nürburgring for the first time. While the One may be delayed, the wait will definitely be worth it for the 275 future owners.

High-riding Porsche 911 prototype spy shots – Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Another car testing on the ‘Ring was a high-riding Porsche 911. Porsche has said such a car would be a good idea, and now it looks like one is coming.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

And finally, Hyundai revealed its 2022 Santa Cruz. The compact pickup truck is related to the Hyundai Tucson, and we’ll see it at dealerships this summer.

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April 17, 2021