Saturday, June 19, 2021

VW introduces iD4 Pro AWD as the least-expensive AWD EV in the US



Volkswagen USA took the wraps off of the iD4 EV folks have wanted, the iD4 Pro AWD (you can also add an S in there, for you know, Sport if you check the right option box). The iD4 Pro AWD has a motor on each axle (the standard iD4 is RWD only) which ups the power to 295 hp with a 0 to 60 that's under 6 seconds. (Pics on this page are of the iD4 Pro S non AWD.) Range is 249 miles for the iD4 Pro AWD and about 240 miles for the S version. Yes bigger tires reduce range. Prices will start at just over $40k not counting any eligible rebates, etc. While it hasn't been announced for the US market, these stats are very similar to the iD4 GTX which is sort of the GTI of iD4s. The GTX version would add suspension tuning and blacked out trim, wheels, sports seats (?), etc. to the mix so here's hopin'. (Click on the link for my GTX post.) All in all, this is good news for EV buyers. More choice and a better (and more expensive) product. Remember that VW is marketing the iD4 to regular SUV/crossover buyers, you know like the folks that buy RAV4s. But this new model is a stronger competitor for EV buyers. If you can find one. I went with a friend to a VW dealer recently and the salesperson admitted that dealers aren't excited to sell EVs cuz they really make their money in the service bay (EVs don't require as much service as do ICE vehicles). Think about that. For more information, click on "read more" to jump to the media release and additional pics.

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics


Media Release:
Volkswagen ID.4 is the most affordable all-wheel-drive electric vehicle on sale in the U.S.

  • ID.4 AWD Pro carries a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $43,675, lower than any other AWD BEV on sale today
  • Dual-motor ID.4 offers maximum of 295 hp and AWD Pro achieves 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds
  • EPA-estimated 249 miles of range on AWD Pro model and 240 miles of range on AWD Pro S models
  • Sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Manager handles all-wheel traction and efficiency
  • Towing capacity 20 percent higher than ID.4 RWD 1st Edition, at 2,700 lbs when using a braked trailer
The new Volkswagen ID.4 AWD electric SUV revealed today will offer Americans yet another reason to embrace sustainable driving. With two electric motors, max 295 horsepower and an estimated 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds for the AWD Pro model, the ID.4 AWD offers performance and all-weather traction at a starting MSRP that no other all-wheel-drive electric vehicle for sale in the U.S. can beat.

“We’re committed to making EVs the default choice for Americans,” said Scott Keogh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen of America. “The all-wheel-drive ID.4 merges the utility and zero-emissions driving delivered by the rear-wheel-drive vehicle with the performance from our sporty vehicles.”

The ID.4 AWD combines the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor on the rear axle of the standard ID.4 with a new asynchronous electric motor on the front axle; unlike a traditional all-wheel-drive system, there are no mechanical links between the axles. The rear unit generates a maximum output of 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, while the front unit has a maximum output of 107 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. Together, the system has a maximum output of 295 horsepower. Each motor connects to the wheels through a differential and a single-speed gearbox.

The variable all-wheel-drive system offers several benefits over traditional mechanical set-ups. The rear motor handles standard driving situations, leaving the front motor to engage only as needed, such as when the ID.4 senses wheelspin at any corner. The motors can react faster than any combustion engine—within a few hundredths of a second—so that the driver never notices the changes.

Both motors are linked to the rest of the vehicle through the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which balances performance and battery efficiency. As in the rear-wheel-drive ID.4, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager works closely together with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and controls when the front-axle motor should engage. It also handles the XDS+ brake-based differential to optimize handling when cornering at speed: it gently brakes the wheels on the inside of the bend, thus turning the car slightly into the radius as required.

Drivers can decide themselves how comfortable or sporty they want the ID.4 AWD to be with the Driving Mode Selection. This influences the steering weight, electric drive motors and offers a choice of five modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom and Traction. Eco mode is designed for efficient driving. Comfort mode ensures high driving comfort, Sport adds a dash of excitement by leaving the front motor engaged, and Custom allows a driver to blend between Comfort and Sport. Traction mode is intended specifically for driving on loose or slippery surfaces and features permanent all-wheel drive up to speeds of around 12 mph.

With its instantly available torque, the ID.4 AWD Pro can reach 60 mph from a standstill in an estimated 5.7 seconds. Towing capacity rises to 2,700 pounds when using a braked trailer, over the rear-wheel-drive 1st Edition model’s 2,200 pounds. The ID.4 AWD comes with a standard tow hitch and electrically heated windshield. All other features of the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 carry over to the AWD model, including its 82 kWh battery pack, spacious interior and IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance technologies. All ID.4 models can also receive over-the-air software updates to add functionality in the future. The EPA-estimated range is 249 miles for the AWD Pro and 240 miles for the AWD Pro S (Statement).

The ID.4 AWD comes in two trims. The starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $43,675 for the ID.4 AWD Pro is the lowest starting MSRP for an all-wheel-drive battery-electric vehicle in the United States. The ID.4 AWD Pro S starts at a MSRP of $48,175. The optional Gradient package (available on the AWD Pro S) adds 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and further design differentiators. Destination for all ID.4 models is $1,195. All ID.4 models are eligible for a potential Federal tax credit of up to $7,500, and include three years of unlimited public DC fast charging on the Electrify America network at no additional cost. The ID.4 AWD is expected to reach dealers in the fourth quarter of 2021, and reservations can be made at vw.com/id4.


About Volkswagen
Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, which is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Volkswagen Group of America’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and a state-of-the-art assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf, Golf GTI, ID.4, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.


VW,” “Volkswagen,” all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

All prices provided are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude destination, taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Maximum horsepower calculated via peak performance of the electric motor(s) at peak battery power pursuant to SAE J2908. Max HP only available under certain limited conditions, including, but not limited to, battery temperature of between 23 and 50 °C (73.4 and 122°F) and a charge level greater than 88%.  Your results will vary. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations. 

Always obey local speed and traffic laws.

Stated towing capacity is maximum tow rating when properly equipped with towing accessories.  Vehicle load, other accessories and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle owner's manual for details.

Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

The potential tax credit discussed above is for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. Any available credits apply only on the original purchase of a qualifying vehicle and are not available in a lease transaction. All persons considering use of available tax credits should consult a tax advisor to determine eligibility based on their specific tax situation. Tax credits are subject to various limitations not within Volkswagen's control and are subject to change without notice.

3 years of unlimited charging on MY21 ID.4 vehicles begins upon vehicle purchase. Non-transferable.  Not available for commercial use, such as ridesharing.  Requires Electrify America account, app, enrollment in ID.4 Charging Plan, acceptance of Plan Disclosure, and $10 deposit to pre-fund Idle Fees.  User is responsible for Idle Fees, which apply beginning 10 minutes after charge session stops or vehicle reaches full charge.  Unused Idle Fee deposit will be refunded when account is closed.  In the event of suspected fraud or abuse or other unforeseen events, Volkswagen of America may discontinue or modify the offer in its sole discretion.  Frequent and consecutive charging can permanently decrease battery capacity, which may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.

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