2023 electric Volkswagen Aero B spotted testing in Germany

• 435-mile range is a possibility
• Expected to rival the Tesla Model 3
• Design similar to VW’s ID range

The latest spy images of the newest all-electric vehicle from Volkswagen, known as the Aero B, provide the best look yet of the vehicle’s styling. Expected to make its public debut in 2023, the newcomer will be a rival for the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4, as well as the forthcoming Hyundai Ioniq 6.

As the pictures show, the headlight design is similar to the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV, but there’s a shorter and lower nose to further aid aerodynamics. Although the grille area is camouflaged in these images, it will likely be much smaller than it appears. Looking down the side of the vehicle it’s possible to see a distinctive crease line that mirrors that already seen on the Volkswagen ID.5.

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The new Aero B will be constructed on the MEB platform, the same as Volkswagen other electric cars, and is likely to be named in line with the current ID range of vehicles. Previously it was claimed that the Aero B would be able to achieve 327 miles of range, but the longer wheelbase should make it possible for a larger battery (likely 84kWh) to be fitted to the Aero B, increasing the range to 435 miles.

Both Estate and saloon versions of the Aero B will be available, with standard examples getting rear-wheel drive. A faster all-wheel drive model that may be badged as a GTX is also likely, with a 0-62mph of roughly 5.6 seconds possible, compared to an estimated 8.5 seconds for the standard version. Volkswagen claims 200kW charging will be possible, allowing 145 miles of range to be added to the battery in just 10 minutes.

The interior is expected to take its cues from the design of existing ID models, with a digital dashboard and the possibility to upgrade a standard 10-inch infotainment screen to a 12-inch display.

The Aero B will be constructed at the Emden Factory in Germany alongside the Arteon and Passat. The factory is currently undergoing a redevelopment that will increase its capacity to 300,000 electric vehicles per year. Volkswagen is going to start manufacturing the ID.4 and ID.5 electric vehicles at the Emden facility this year, before the Aero B joins the production line in 2023.

Check out our list of our 10 best electric cars here.