Volkswagen officially unveils the all-new, all-electric ID 4

Just as the Beetle and the Golf were defining new vehicles for Volkswagen, the new ID 4 EV could be VW's most important vehicle launch yet. Whether folks want to hear it or not, we will all be driving battery-electric vehicles of some sort in the future. The planet is screaming at us, with fires, record-breaking heat, and increasingly violent storms pointing out that we must begin to take care of our planet or it will take care of us. While on first viewing of the media release, I was a bit upset that the ID 4 was not "best-in-show" but I realized that it wasn't meant to be. The ID 4 isn't competing directly with Tesla's Model Y, it is competing against the Rav'4, CRV, and the Foresters of the compact SUV/crossover segment providing (that) class-leading performance, utility, and efficiency. The ID 4 has it's batteries below the floor for space efficiency and a lower center of gravity for improved handling. The rear-mounted electric motor produces about 201 hp and 238 lb./ft. of immediate torque. The EPA-rated range is 250 miles and 80% charging can be accomplished in just over 30 minutes although I would imagine most will charge at home over night (currently a majority of EV owners do that). But to "sweeten" the pot, VW has made a deal with Electrify America for ID 4 owners to receive free charging for 3 years. If you live in a condo or apartment that isn't currently wired, no problem go to the Electrify America charging site near you (more and more are added every day). Pricing for the ID 4 starts at $39,995 before state and federal rebates (VW still qualifies for the $7,500 rebate, others do not) which is competitive with top trim levels of the ID 4's competition. Several trim levels will be available at launch like the limited First Edition and First Edition Max (sold out) and the Performance and Pro models.  All ID 4s will be built in Germany until production starts in Tennessee in 2022. An all-wheel drive version with two motors and 300+ hp will be available early next year. While a lot of VW's tech is standard or available, the ID 4 is not a rolling technology suite, but there are a few nice touches like the light bar below the window that can assist with navigation or tell charge info. For more info, check out the media releases and additional pics (including the ID 4 in gold) after the "read more" jump. Oh, and did I mention that the ID 4 is terrific looking as well. Go to VW's website and build and reserve your ID 4 today.

Check out the global reveal video in the next post.

Source: Volkswagen - Pics & media releases

Media Release:
The new Volkswagen ID.401 –
World premiere of the fully electrically driven SUV

• ID.4 launches into the world’s largest market segment, the compact SUV class
• Electric motor with 150 kW (204 PS), achieving a range of up to 520 km
• Powerful design, large vehicle interior, pioneering operating concept
• View the video clip in the next post.

Presenting the ID.4, which is celebrating its digital world premiere. This is Volkswagen’s first fully electrically driven SUV generating zero local emissions and is produced with a carbon-neutral balance. It will be launching into the world’s largest market segment, the compact SUV class.

“The ID.4 is an emotional all-rounder which will impress many customers with its efficient electric drive, generous amount of space, modern assist systems and powerful design,” says Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen brand. “As the first global electric car, this model will roll out our modular electric drive matrix platform that has been developed specifically for electric mobility the world over. Volkswagen is thus once again demonstrating its leading role in innovation, technology and quality on the high-volume market.”

SUVs are very popular with an increasing number of customers. They are the most popular vehicle segment in the USA and China as they offer good levels of visibility, safety and comfort. In Europe and Germany market shares are also continuously on the up and especially compact models are booming. With the ID.4, Volkswagen is offering a fully electrically driven SUV for the very first time. It offers the space, flexibility and all benefits customers appreciate about SUVs.

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 520 km (WLTP). It is installed below the passenger compartment which guarantees 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 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and deliver a top speed of 160 km/h. Thanks to the rear-wheel drive’s strong grip and its 21 centimetres of ground clearance, the E-SUV also performs well in gentle off-road terrain.

Dynamic appearance. The ID.4’s exterior has athletic proportions for an ultra-modern appearance. Its clear, flowing design is inspired by nature and guarantees very good aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.28.Its basic version already features headlights that are almost completely equipped with light-emitting diodes 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 large wheels with a diameter of up to 21 inches underline the vehicle’s character.

Spacious concept: long wheelbase, plenty of room for passengers and luggage
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 a completely new way 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.

We Charge: charge at home, when out and about and on long journeys
Together with the ID. models, Volkswagen is launching on the market a complete package for convenient, connected and sustainable charging of electric cars under the name We Charge. This offers the ideal solution for any situation – whether you are at home, out and about or on a long journey. The ID.4 can be recharged with direct current to cover the next 320 km (as per WLTP, at 125 kW) at a DC quick-charging station in around 30 minutes.

In parallel, Volkswagen is establishing an ecosystem of sustainable electric mobility surrounding ID. models. ID.4 customers will receive a vehicle that has been produced with a carbon-neutral balance. And if it is charged using sustainably produced electricity – like Volkswagen Naturstrom – it will remain carbon-neutral on the road too.

Volkswagen’s strategy: the future of mobility is electric
As of late, Volkswagen has been supplementing the brand’s traditional product portfolio with the ID. family: a new, independent product range. Following the compact ID.302, the ID.4 SUV is the second fully electric model. In the future, Volkswagen will be competing in the globally booming compact SUV segment with the ID.4. The ID.4 will be gradually turned into an electrically driven, global car with plans to produce and sell the E-SUV not only in Europe, but also in China and later in the USA. On a whole, Volkswagen brand will be investing eleven billion euros in electric mobility by 2024 as part of the Transform 2025+ strategy.

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

• ID.4 1ST and ID.4 1ST Max edition models available at the start
• Electric engine with 150 kW (204 PS), 77 kWh battery for a range of up to 520 km03 (WLTP)
• Extensive equipment: ID.4 1ST Max with energy-efficient heat pump, augmented reality head-up display, sporty running gear and new lighting technology

The new ID.4 has arrived – with the versatility of an SUV and the sustainability of an electric vehicle. Presales of Volkswagen’s new, electric SUV are simultaneously launching in Germany and further European countries only one day after its world premiere. There are two preconfigured edition models to choose from: the ID.4 1ST and ID.4 1ST Max. Both generate an output of 150 kW (204 PS), feature a battery with 77 kWh and very generous equipment. The ID.4 is launching in the world’s largest market segment, the compact SUV class.



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 1ST and ID.4 1ST 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 1ST

The ID.4 1ST 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 1ST 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 1ST Max

The ID.4 1ST Max includes almost the full range of available equipment: in addition to the scope of the ID.4 1ST 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 1ST 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 Performance03 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 €44,45004. 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 Pure05 will be available to order throughout Europe, offering a range of up to 340 kilometres (WLTP) at a price of under €37,00004.

The comfortable ID.4 1ST comes with a price tag of €49,95004 while the ID.4 1ST Max is available for €59,95004. 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 1ST and ID.4 1ST 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.306 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.