X

New Volkswagen electric car makes appearance on a Christmas card

It's not the first time VW has previewed a new model via a Christmas card, either.

Volkswagen Christmas card ID EV teaser

In VW's world, Santa drives an electric car.

Volkswagen

is feeling the holiday spirit and gave auto media a little gift as we march toward the end of 2019, and it's none other than a look at another upcoming VW electric car.

Autocar first reported on Thursday on the automaker's latest Christmas card, which shows a hatchback decidedly smaller-looking than the ID 3. VW has admitted to developing a smaller, more affordable electric car, and this is likely our first look at the vehicle.

The company has a track record for this kind of thing, too. In 2018, the firm's Christmas card featured what looked like a Buggy. This year, VW showed off the very rad ID Buggy concept. If history repeats itself, VW may be prepared to show us this car in 2020. VW did not immediately respond to a request for comment and more information.

Volkswagen ID 4 electric SUV steps out in front of the camera

See all photos

The car's sketched shape looks somewhat like a VW Polo, a smaller hatchback sold in Europe below the Golf. We don't see the front end, but it's safe to assume it will wear the ID electric car family's face. The rear features a thin light bar akin to those so many ID concept cars, which further bolsters the argument this is, in fact, another ID electric car.

Autocar quoted VW Chief Operating Officer Ralf Brandstätter as saying this future EV will go 150 miles on a single charge at most. The executive said the automaker imagines this ID vehicle will be a complementary car, perhaps not used as primary transportation. A smaller battery, and thus a lower driving range, will help keep the sale price low.

However, there's no guarantee this model will be for the US. The public here has largely fallen out of love with compact vehicles, which may make this unnamed electric car a tough sell. Instead, VW's first-launched electric car for the US will be the ID 4 SUV next year. We'll then get a version of the ID Space Vizzion concept, which debuted as an electric station wagon.

Watch this: VW ID 3 proves popular at the Frankfurt Motor Show
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on December 19, 2019 at 11:27 AM PST

Our Experts

Written by 
Sean Szymkowski
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.