The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 has been revealed in full. This, in case you missed all the teasers, is the second production-ready member of VW's all-electric ID family. The ID.4 is referred to as an SUV by its maker and its first electric car to be sold globally. Irish buyers get to see the ID.4 in early 2021 and prices are expected to start from €42,995.
The 'world's largest market segment'
Volkswagen tells us that the ID.4 will compete in what it calls the 'world's largest market segment', the compact SUV class. To put its size into perspective, the ID.4's 4.58-metre length places it between the regular VW Tiguan and the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace, though the ID.4's wheelbase is very close to that of the longer Tiguan, despite only housing seating for five. That should ensure a spacious cabin - and the images of the rear certainly back that up. Incidentally, the ID.4 is a little wider than the Tiguans as well, adding weight to Volkswagen's claim that the electric newcomer can seat three child seats side-by-side in the back. And the boot holds 543-1,575 litres of luggage. Incidentally, the ID.4 is a little more compact than the Skoda Enyaq it shares its underpinnings with, and it can tow up to 1,000kg of braked trailer.
ID.4 '1st Edition' models to start with
For the first few months of sales, the ID.4 will be available in '1st Edition' specifications only - and those are the only models detailed by Volkswagen as yet. They get the same rear-mounted 150kW electric motor as in the Volkswagen ID.3, which sends 204hp and 310Nm of torque to the rear wheels. The 0-100km/h sprint is quoted as 8.5 seconds and the top speed is limited to 160km/h. Of more interest, perhaps, is the 77kWh energy capacity of the lithium-ion battery pack. That's considerably bigger than the item fitted to the ID.3, which enables VW to quote a range for the ID.4 of up to 520 kilometres. It's possible to recharge the battery at up to 125kW and Volkswagen guarantees that the battery will still have at least 70 per cent of its original capacity after eight years or 160,000km.
High specification and more to come
While Irish-market specifications have yet to be confirmed, it's understood that the ID.4 1st will start from €42,995 when it arrives early in 2021 - assuming nothing changes about the VRT rebate and SEAI grant in next month's budget. Standard equipment is expected to include roof rails with a 75kg capability, LED lighting all-round, parking sensors, keyless start, ambient lighting and the same 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system as found in the ID.3.
The ID.3 1st will get 20-inch alloys, Discover Pro satnav, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a rear-view camera, tinted rear windows, adaptive cruise control and a sound-insulating heated windscreen.
For €11,400 more, buyers get the ID.4 1st Max, with 21-inch wheels, a 12-inch touchscreen, augmented reality satnav, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, dynamic chassis control and a lot more besides.
At a later date in 2021, the VW ID.4 range will expand with cheaper options, expected to start at less than €35,000. They will get a 58kWh battery pack and 340km range. At the other end of the scale will be a higher performance variant with all-wheel drive.