Volkswagen is advancing its electric vehicle plans with the unveiling of the ID.6 electric SUV at the Shanghai Motor Show.

The ID.6 is the first model in the ID family developed specifically for a single market; it will only be sold in China

As with the existing ID.3 electric hatch and ID.4 SUV, it’s based on the brand’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) but it’s the first model in the ID family developed specifically for a single market; it will only be sold in China.

It will have a key role in the local market for the brand. By 2023, Volkswagen will have a total of eight ID. models in China and the plan is for at least 50% of VW’s cars sold in China to be electric by 2030.

Two different bodystyles will be available; the coupé-styled ID.6 Crozz that will be produced in the north of China and the more rugged ID.6 X that will be manufactured in the south.

Both will have up to seven seats and are tailored specifically to Chinese customers. The ID.6 uses a long 4.88m wheelbase, giving an extra 30cm of length compared to the ID.4 and enabling a third row of seats. The ID.6 will also get second row of seats that can be slid forwards and back, and a large panoramic glass roof.

The ID.6 will either be equipped with a 58kWh or 77kWh net capacity battery, giving a range of 436-588km (271-365 miles) on the Chinese NEDC cycle.

Power stands at up to 305hp in the top-spec 4Motion all-wheel drive version, giving a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h (99mph).

The interior brings a dashboard free from physical buttons and switches; instead the ID.6 uses a 12-inch display with a touchscreen and “Hello ID.” voice control. An augmented reality head-up display is available as an optional extra, and there are a range of IQ.Drive assistance systems, including Travel Assist.