Volkswagen Group Australia has confirmed that it will launch no less than five electric vehicles locally before 2025, including the updated ID.3 hatchback, ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs and even both the passenger and cargo versions of the ID.Buzz electric van. Thanks to our lax emissions standards and a lack of electric car incentives – something that has only changed in the past few years – Australia was placed down the list of production for Volkswagen’s first electric cars. But that situation has turned around with a change of government and orders are due to open this year.
“Just as Australians have long expected that a Golf or Tiguan will lead their segment for premium feel and the most enjoyable driving characteristics, we’re ensuring the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 launch with these same attributes top of mind,” Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles director, Mr Szaniecki said.
“Upgraded product such as the more premium ID.3 and a 500km-plus range for ID.4 and ID.5 will gel with our ability to sell these vehicles nationwide, no matter which dealership is closest to you. This is an advantage that not all start-up companies are able to match. We can confirm the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 will both start production and go on sale next year, so our message for customers thinking about switching to a BEV is this – we’re here in 2024, and here in a big way.” he said.
Which electric cars is Volkswagen going to sell in Australia?
ID.3 hatchback
The ID.3 was recently updated with a more premium interior and lightly revised styling for an overall more expensive look and feel. For now, a single motor is offered: a 150kW unit driving the rear wheels with either 58kWh or 77kWh batteries offering up to 550km of range on the WLTP cycle. A higher-performance GTX model with up to 200kW is rumoured to be in the pipeline too, which will likely be sold in Australia given our love for performance cars. The ID.3 is the Volkswagen version of the Cupra Born, which has just gone on sale in Australia.
ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs
The electric Volkswagen model that will undoubtedly sell the most is the Tiguan-sized ID.4, which uses the same platform as the ID.3 but is larger in every direction. Pricing is yet to be announced, but Volkswagen has previously stated that the ID.4 will start at a similar pricepoint to the Tiguan 162TSI R-Line, which is priced from $57,590 plus on-road costs. The coupe-styled ID.5 is likely to start higher than that – we predict around $65,000 plus on-road costs.
In Europe, there are a variant of models and specifications but the same 51kWh and 77kWh batteries as the ID.3 are on offer, as is both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. European versions offer above 350km of range (WLTP), but the Australian press release states 500km+ of range, suggesting that Volkswagen Australia will offer only the larger battery size. Up to 220kW of power is on offer in the ID.4 and ID.5 in the performance GTX models, while lesser versions with the bigger battery also currently push out either 128kW or 150kW. Up to 170kW DC fast charging is available.
ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo
The final piece of the initial Volkswagen Australia electric car puzzle is the ID.Buzz and its Cargo twin. Using the same platform as the ID.3, ID.5 and ID.5, the ID.Buzz is a retro-styled take on the iconic 1950s Volkswagen Kombi van that’s available in either passenger or cargo van forms. Under its body are the same drivetrains as the ID.4 – currently a 150kW motor powers the rear wheels and uses a 77kWh battery, though more versions are planned for the future.
Beyond these first electric vehicles, Volkswagen has a number of EVs in the pipeline, including the ID.2 – recently revealed in concept form – and the ID.7, which is a Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2-sized sedan and wagon due to be revealed in the next year or so.
The first electric Volkswagen products will arrive in Australia in 2024, with timing, pricing and specifications yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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