A spy shot of the 2021 Volkswagen ID 4

A prototype of Volkswagen's electric crossover SUV based on the 2017 ID Crozz concept car was spotted.

Volkswagen is going full speed ahead with the development of its new ID family of electric vehicles. The first to appear is the Golf-sized ID 3 hatchback, which debuted at the Frankfurt International Motor Show last September, but unfortunately will not be sold in the U.S. The SUV is scheduled to debut at the New York International Auto Show in April.

All of the ID cars are based on the Volkswagen Group's modular EV platform for its flagship models, called MEB, and are assembled in part at Volkswagen's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The SUV is confirmed to begin production in Chattanooga in 2022.

The SUV will be called the ID 4 (previously thought to be the ID 4X) and is confirmed to be introduced in the US in 2020. The first models will be built at a plant in Germany, followed by production in Chattanooga.

In some photos, the ID 4 can be seen testing alongside Hyundai's Nexo fuel cell crossover. But its main rivals will be fellow battery-electric small SUVs like the Tesla Model Y and an SUV version of the Chevrolet Bolt EV.

The latest photos clearly show that the designers are making the most of the MEB platform. Since there is no need to mount the engine in the front, the designers have kept the front overhangs very short and the hood very low. They also brought the base of the windshield forward and tapered it back at an acute angle to create a smooth, streamlined form. Also, unlike the coupe-like Crozz concept, the ID 4 features a flat roof and a more orthodox tailgate. It also has a roof-mounted spoiler.

Specifications have not been revealed, but are likely to be similar to those of the ID 3. The electric hatch will be powered by 45-, 58-, and 77-kilowatt-hour batteries, with a single electric motor in the rear that delivers 205 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque; WLTP cycle ranges of 205, 260, and 341 miles, respectively; EPA (environmental and fuel economy) ratings would be lower than this; the ID Crozz concept had 302 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a range of 300 miles. This probably reflects the range-topping variant.

We also know that the VW Group's MEB platform is capable of fast charging. For example, the ID Crozz concept can recover 80% of its charge in 30 minutes via a 150 kW DC charger.

In addition to the ID 3 and ID 4 of VW's ID family of electric vehicles, there is also known to be a van that will produce both lifestyle and commercial versions. It is slated for 2022 and is supposed to be the modern successor to the iconic VW Microbus. Also planned is a mid-size sedan based on the 2018 ID Vizzion concept, which could replace the slow-selling Passat (a wagon variant is also expected); a mid-size SUV based on the 2019 ID Roomzz concept will also be introduced.