WOLFSBURG: The ID.4 was rolled out in a digital world premiere on Wednesday, making it Volkswagen’s first fully electrically driven SUV generating zero local emissions and produced with a carbon-neutral balance.
Volkswagen said the ID.4 is an all-round talent that can be driven in a sporty, yet also easy and comfortable way.
The battery stores up to 77 kWh of energy (net) and enables ranges of up to 520km (WLTP). It is installed below the passenger compartment for a low centre of gravity.
The electric drive motor, positioned at the rear axle, generates 150 kW (204 PS) – enough to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 8.5 seconds and deliver a top speed of 160kph. Thanks to the rear-wheel drive’s strong grip and its 21cm of ground clearance, the E-SUV also performs well in gentle off-road terrain.
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At launch, the ID.4 is solely a rear-wheel-drive. A dual motor, all-wheel-drive variant making 302hp/225kW will start selling, come 2021.
For Europe, the ID.4 is available with three electric motor options using either a 52 kWh battery pack or 77 kWh battery. Two variants using the 52 kWh battery have motors producing either 146hp/109kW or 168hp/125kW. The top variant using the 77 kWh battery gets a more powerful motor producing 201hp/150kW for a maximum range of 520km. It sprints from 0-100kph in 8.5s.
For North America, VW will start out with one variant using a 82 kWh battery pack that powers an electric motor that produces 201hp/150kW to offer a driving range of 402km. Note that the motor offers the same output as the European top variant.
The ID.4’s exterior has athletic proportions and high aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.28.
The basic version already features headlights that are almost completely equipped with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) while its tail light clusters have been fully equipped with this technology.
As the top-of-the-range version, interactive IQ.Light LED matrix headlights are even more progressive: they welcome drivers with swivelling lens modules and generate an intelligently controlled main beam.
These headlights have been paired with the new 3D LED tail light clusters. Their tail light is particularly homogeneous and lights up in an intensive red. The ID.4 is fitted with large wheels of up to 21 inches.
The ID.4 with a length of 4.58 metres uses Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) architecture. It divides the space for occupants and technology in favour of passengers. The room available in the vehicle interior is at the level of conventional SUVs in the next category up.
Colours and materials are contemporary while also being homely. Depending on the rear seat backrest’s position, the luggage compartment boasts a capacity from 543 to 1,575 litres. The equipment range of the ID.4 includes an electrically driven boot lid, roof railing and a towing bracket.
The E-SUV’s operating concept does not depend on physical buttons and switches. It is based on two displays – one of which diagonally measures up to 12 inches and features touch functionality – as well as “Hello ID.” natural voice control.
The new ID.Light – a narrow light strip under the windscreen – intuitively supports drivers. An augmented reality head-up display is optionally available to blend a host of displays with reality – for instance, navigation arrows telling drivers to turn off are projected onto the road surface in exactly the right lane.
The Discover Pro navigation system brings We Connect Start online services on board. IQ.Drive assist systems make driving an even more relaxed experience and this particularly applies to Travel Assist. Software and hardware in the ID.4 have been designed as part of a completely new architecture, making it possible for customers to download updates to the car after the purchase.
