Volkswagen to introduce ID.4 SUV
Volkswagen has announced its follow-up to the ID.3 hatchback with the Volkswagen ID4 in a bid to compete with the Skoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y. This new Volkswagen Electric SUV will be a five-seat model that shares size similarities with the existing - and already popular - Tiguan. The ID4 is Volkswagen’s first all-electric SUV, and it will go on sale later this year.
The Design
If you are familiar with the ID.3, you will likely see some themes and elements present in the ID.4. Primarily, this is the exterior, which includes clean lines and headlights with interactive IQ technology. There is also a full-length LED bar as well as a blunt front end, with the absence of a grille that, as an electric model, is something you would expect.
The ID.4 also boasts a large glasshouse, and the windscreen stretches right up to the front axle, providing exceptional visibility that is often required when driving an SUV. However, despite its similarities with the ID.3, there are several distinctions, too.
The full-width LED lights mean a different tailgate, and there is also wheel arch cladding with an out-sticking window at the back. This shouldn’t put you off, though. Instead, it creates a more standard, boxy SUV design that is highly appealing.
Finally, it measures 4,580mm, which sits it between the two versions of the Tiguan: the standard and the seven-seater, while the boot is 543 litres, which increases to 1,575 when the backseats are lowered.
The Tech and Interior
Before all the gadgets, the most critical piece of tech to consider with the ID.4 is the battery. There are two confirmed battery sizes; the 52kWh and 77kWh. At first, however, it will only be the 77kWh that will be released, with the smaller battery coming in 2021.
The larger battery has a range of 323 miles, a top speed limited to 99mph, and the always-essential 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds. Conversely, the entry-level model has a range of 224 miles on one charge, with just half an hour charge required to reach 80% battery.
The battery is found under the floor, which makes the interior spacious and comfortable. You may also find the dashboard familiar, as it is borrowed from the ID.3, and there are cup holders, angular vents, and 10 - 12-inch infotainment screen that you can control with a Hello ID voice command system.
Furthermore, there is also an augmented heads-up display that projects on the windscreen to guide you to the correct lane when approaching a roundabout or coming off at a junction.
The Price and Release
There is no information regarding how much UK customers will pay for the ID4 once it is released in Britain. However, what we do know is that German customers will pay around €50,000 (or £46,000) when the vehicle goes on sale in Volkswagen’s native country.
One useful positive thing to remember when considering purchasing your first (or next) electric vehicle is that the UK government will apply a £3,000 ‘plug-in grant’ to incentivize drivers to switch from fuel-based cars to electric models. With this in mind, the ID4 becomes slightly cheaper, costing around £43,000 upon launch, although these are mere speculations for now.
Contact Sinclair Volkswagen today for more information.
