Volkswagen has unveiled its updated ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs, promising more power and efficiency from the revamped cars. Officially, the ID.5's maximum range has risen to up to 556km (the ID.4's maximum is now 550km) as a result, while the most powerful GTX models have been boosted from 299hp to 340hp. And it isn't just the powertrain technology that has been tweaked. VW has also revamped the touchscreen infotainment tech.
Upgraded interior
Externally, the ID.4 and its coupe-inspired ID.5 sibling haven't changed very much, but the interior has been altered considerably. VW says the update focuses on "intuitive operation," giving the ID models a new touchscreen that has grown to 12.9 inches from corner to corner. That's combined with a new menu structure, while the digital instrument cluster and the optional augmented reality head-up display have been updated, too.
The touch sliders in the ID.4 and ID.5 cabin have been tweaked with backlighting, while there's new operating logic for the steering wheel controls. Volkswagen has also removed and separated the drive selector from the digital instrument display housing, making space for the larger touchscreen in left-hand-drive models.
More power
According to Volkswagen, the most important new feature of the updated ID.4 and ID.5 models is the new high-efficiency powertrain. That comprises a new rear electric motor and a new-generation battery, which allows the manufacturer to increase power and efficiency at the same time. As a result, rear-drive Pro models now have 286hp - an increase of more than 80hp compared with their predecessors - and 545Nm of torque, which represents a 75-per-cent increase on the old models.
A similar improvement has also been made to the top-end, high-performance GTX models, which has been updated with 340hp from its two electric motors - an increase of 41hp on the outgoing models. As a result, both the ID.4 and ID.5 GTX models can get from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds.
Longer range and faster charging
Despite all that, the ID.4 and ID.5 models now also come with more range and greater charging speeds than before. The most efficient version, the ID.5 Pro, can now cover up to 556km on a single charge on the official economy test, while all-wheel-drive GTX versions can now charge at 175kW, rather than the previous 135kW limit.
Irish pricing for the new ID.4
Volkswagen Ireland has confirmed that Irish buyers can place their order for the updated ID.4 and ID.5 from 23 October, with first deliveries in January 2024. Prices start at €53,930 after incentives for the ID.4 Pro.