The new D segment
Today we are introduced to the Peugeot Inception Concept, earlier this week with the Volkswagen ID7. Both cars operate in a segment that seems to be developing strongly, that of the electric ‘streamline sedan’. Time for a first comparison!
The sedan, or at least the sedan-like car, is coming back. At least it seems that way, now that one manufacturer after another is coming up with a streamlined, low electric car. Logical, as we concluded earlier, because this shape is ideal for obtaining the lowest possible consumption and therefore the largest possible range. Tesla has known this for a long time. It is not for nothing that one of the most successful and simply best EVs for years has been the Tesla Model 3, also a streamlined sedan.
However, there are more privateers on the coast in this class, which we will refer to as ‘the new D-segment’. While traditional Passats, Mondeo’s and Insignia’s haven’t sold for a long time, the extra smooth and electric descendants of those cars seem to have the future. A striking example of this is the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which underlines its streamlined shape with a rather controversial design. It has already been fully presented and the first customers will receive their ‘6’ this spring.
Later this year we can also take a first look at the Volkswagen ID7, which premiered earlier this week in camouflaged form. Unlike the Tesla and Ioniq, the Volkswagen seems to be getting a large hatchback hatch, which would make it a bit more practical than a proper sedan.
The Peugeot Inception Concept has no tailgate at all, because this is really a concept car. According to Peugeot, it is more of a general view of what we can expect from the brand, but we aim for Peugeot to also come up with an electric 508-like (508-ish?).
Not everything is known yet about the Volkswagen and the Peugeot, but we still enjoyed comparing the four models mentioned. We will now limit ourselves to these four, as these seem to be the more affordable options in this new class. A little above we also know the BMW i4 and – even higher – Mercedes-Benz EQE, but we will not consider them for that reason.
| Tesla Model 3 | Hyundai Ionic 6 | Volkswagen ID7 | Peugeot Inception Concept | |
| Hatchback or sedan? | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback* | Neither |
| Dimensions (lxwxh) | 4.69 x 1.85 x 1.44 m | 4.85 x 1.88 x 1.50m | nb | 5.00xgox1.34m |
| Wheelbase | 2.88m | 2.95m | 2.97m | Go |
| Number of electric motors | 1 (rear) or 2 | 1 (rear) or 2 | 1 (rear) or 2 | 2 |
| max. power | 325 to 513 hp* | 151 to 325 hp | go | 680 hp |
| Battery capacity | 57.5 to 75 kWh | 53 or 77.4 kWh | 58 to … kWh* | 100 kWh |
| Fast charging capability | Up to 250kW | Up to 233 kW* | nb | go |
| Range | 491 to 602 km | 429 to 614 km | 700km** | 800km** |
| Price | From €52,993 | From €45,895 | nb | na |
| Available? | Now | Shortly | 2024 | “Elements” in 2025 |
go=no assignment
* Supposedly
** Maximum, according to manufacturer
At a later stage, more will undoubtedly become known about the models, and we will probably also be able to add columns for cars that have not yet been presented. Now we are especially curious which of these four ‘streamliners’ you would prefer to park in your driveway, and why.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl