The new ID.4 – Volkswagen starts presales of its first fully electric SUV

Klaus Zellmer, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “The ID.4 is our zero-emission response to the unbroken SUV trend and the next step on our way towards offering climate-neutral mobility for each segment. The ID.4 impresses in terms of its function, design, price and sustainability. I am confident that we will spark a passion in customers around the world with our first electric SUV.”

Redefining the SUV. For the very first time, Volkswagen is offering a fully electrically driven SUV, the ID.4, generating zero local emissions. The ID.4 also merges all benefits customers appreciate about SUVs. Its clear-cut, flowing design inspires at first glance. The sporty and powerful electric vehicle also boasts an impressive acceleration. The high-voltage battery installed in the floor of the body guarantees a centre of gravity that is ideal for driving dynamics and balanced handling. The modular electric drive matrix (MEB) grants ample space in the vehicle interior with compact exterior dimensions. Colours and materials in the vehicle interior are both modern and homely. The luggage compartment volume is 543 to 1,575 litres, depending on the rear backrest position.

Modern and simple: operation and connectivity

The cockpit has been clearly structured and is almost exclusively controlled by touch functions and the intelligent Hello ID. voice control. Optional features include an augmented reality head-up display, which combines the displays with the actual surroundings. The Discover Pro navigation system brings We Connect Start online services on board while IQ.Drive assist systems make driving even more masterful. Software and hardware have been designed in a new architecture that makes it possible to transfer updates to the car after having purchased it.

Two variants upon the order launch. ID.4 1^ST and ID.4 1^ST Max edition models have a battery with an energy content of 77 kWh (net) on board – enough to cover a range of around 490 km (WLTP). It is situated under the passenger compartment, thus shifting the car’s centre of gravity downwards. The electric drive motor at the rear axle generates 150 kW (204 PS). The ID.4 sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds while its top speed has been limited to 160 km/h. 21 centimetres of ground clearance and the large wheels underline the sporty and powerful character.

Very comfortable: the ID.4 1^ST

The ID.4 1^ST has 20-inch Drammen design wheels. The Exterior Style package and the tinted rear windows lend it a very stylish appearance. Front seats, multifunction steering wheel and the windscreen can be heated. The background lighting can be adjusted in 30 colours, stainless steel pedals feature Play & Pause design. A 2-zone Climatronic air conditioning system rounds off the range of convenience features. The Discover Pro navigation system is on board, as are vital assist systems – Front Assist, ACC stop & go adaptive cruise control and the Lane Assist lane keeping system. A rear view camera system helps when manoeuvring. The ID.4 1^ST additionally features a highly energy-efficient heat pump that boosts the range in low temperatures as well as a towing bracket as standard.

Leaves no wishes unanswered: ID.4 1^ST Max

The ID.4 1^ST Max includes almost the full range of available equipment: in addition to the scope of the ID.4 1^ST it includes further features. Interactive IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and 3D LED tail light clusters especially catch the eye on the exterior. 21-inch Narvik wheels sharpen the handling in conjunction with progressive steering and adaptive chassis control DCC.

In the vehicle interior, the ID.4 1^ST Max boasts superior comfort. It includes electrically adjustable seats, a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, acoustic glass, 3-zone Climatronic system and an electrically operated boot lid as standard. The top-of-the-range model also comes perfectly equipped in terms of operation, connectivity and driver assist systems: the augmented reality head-up display, central 12-inch display, Comfort mobile phone interface, Travel Assist, Side Assist and Emergency Assist are all on board.

An ID.4 Pro Performance model is additionally available to order in Germany. It delivers identical, technical key data: 150 kW (204 PS), 77 kWh battery, a range of 522 km (WLTP) and a price starting at €44,450. An even more reasonably priced ID.4 entry-level model will be added to the product line at the beginning of 2021. At this point the ID.4 Pure will be available to order throughout Europe, offering a range of up to 340 kilometres (WLTP) at a price of under €37,000.

The comfortable ID.4 1^ST comes with a price tag of €49,950 while the ID.4 1^ST Max is available for €59,950. All models fully qualify for environmental grants: in Germany the net grant amounts to €9,000 each. The limited-edition models are restricted to 27,000 units. Once they have sold out, they will be followed by the pre-configured models. They bundle the most in-demand equipment options as part of appealing packages.

Carbon-neutral balance: production and operation of the ID.4

The ID.4, which is produced at the Zwickau plant,is carbon-neutral along the entire value chain. Volkswagen is launching a comprehensive package on the market called We Charge which makes it possible for customers to charge their electric vehicle in a sustainable, connected and convenient way. At home, the ID.4 1^ST and ID.4 1^ST Max can be charged with Volkswagen Naturstrom from renewable sources and along motorways customers can charge with direct current supplied by suitable charging stations. Thanks to an output of 125 kW this is done speedily: it takes a mere 30 minutes to recharge the energy to cover the next 320 km (as per WLTP).

Global car – electric mobility on key markets in Europe, China and the USA

As of late, Volkswagen has been supplementing its traditional product portfolio with the ID. family, a new, independent product range. Following the compact ID.3 model, the new ID.4 is the brand's second, fully electric model. Five plants on three continents will be producing the new, electric SUV: series production has already kicked off in Zwickau, in Saxony. Production will also launch at the Chinese plants in Anting and Foshan before the end of the year. The production launch in Chattanooga (USA) and at the plant in the German city of Emden is planned for 2022.