Potentially as important as the original Beetle, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 has finally been revealed. Joining the smaller Golf-sized ID.3 hatchback, the ID.4 is roughly sized between the Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace and will be the first fully electric mid-size SUV sold globally. Australian sales are yet to be confirmed, however, though an eventual local debut seems likely.
“The ID.4 is an emotional all-rounder which will impress many customers with its efficient electric drive, generous amount of space, modern assist systems and powerful design,” says Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen brand.
“As the first global electric car, this model will roll out our modular electric drive matrix platform that has been developed specifically for electric mobility the world over. Volkswagen is thus once again demonstrating its leading role in innovation, technology and quality on the high-volume market.”
Sitting on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB electric car platform, the ID.4 will initially be powered by a 150kW/309Nm electric motor from a 77kWh battery pack. This variant offers up to 520km of driving range, according to the new WLTP emissions tests. Using a 120kW DC fast charger gives the ID.4 320km of range in around 30 minutes, and performance is reasonable with an 8.5 second 0-100km/h sprint claim.
Later on, the ID.4 will adopt a second variant: a dual-motor all-wheel drive model that’s expected to share its 225kW motor with the new Skoda Enyaq.
The ID.4’s cabin is quite like the ID.3 – minimalist, interesting to look at and fuss-free. A variety of colours and trims will be available to suit ID.4 buyers, and even the colour of the steering wheel will offer a number of options. Centre of the cabin is a 10-inch touchscreen which controls the vast majority of the car’s functions – aside from a few shortcut buttons and the steering wheel and light controls, it’s an otherwise button-free experience.
Both the front and second row of seating look roomy even for taller adults thanks to big windows that contribute to an airy feel. There’s a lot of storage available too, and we especially like the wireless phone charging tray at the front of the cabin. The rear seat features its own climate zone and rear vents as well.
Measuring 4.58m long, the ID.4 fits between the regular Tiguan (4.48m) and the stretched Tiguan Allspace (4.7m) in the Volkswagen SUV lineup. According to the brand, the ID.4’s boot offers 543-litres of space with the seats up, and 1,575L with them folded – less than the regular Tiguan’s 615/1775L figures, though that’s likely due to batteries being located under the boot floor.
Unfortunately thanks to Australia’s lack of modern emissions standards and any incentives to buy electric cars, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is yet to be confirmed for our market. The company has previously stated that 2022 may be the earliest we are able to secure production slots, and with our love for SUVs, the ID.4 is a natural fit for here.
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