Volkswagen has indicated that it is working on an off-roader as part of its ever-growing I.D. family of all-electric models.

In the lead-up to the Shanghai Auto Show, VW design boss Klaus Bischoff told Autocar the I.D. family will continue to grow in response to a question about an MEB-based 4×4 hitting the assembly aline.

“Maybe one of the next ID family members is a more rugged thing than we have seen,” he said.

The vehicle being referred to probably isn’t the I.D. Buggy presented at the Geneva Motor Show, as that vehicle was more as a proof of concept of what types of EVs Volkswagen could produce. Instead, it would likely take the shape of an SUV, perhaps one inspired by the I.D. Crozz but outfitted with beefed-up components to make it more capable off the beaten path.

However, Bischoff conceded that building a true off-roading electric vehicle will present certain challenges. “The higher and more boxy you go, the harder the aerodynamics are – it’s the biggest hurdle. You can lose 60 km of range by doing this,” he said.

The most recent addition to the I.D. family is the Roomzz, which was presented at the Shanghai Auto Show and is already confirmed for production in 2021. It will slot above the I.D. Crozz and offer more interior space thanks to its 2,965 mm (116.7-inch) wheelbase and sliding doors. In fact, VW claims that the vehicle offers more interior space than a Touareg thanks to its clever packaging.