First all-electric VW ID.4 SUVs arrive in Aus

VOLKSWAGEN has imported two examples of its ID.4 electric SUV to Australia as part of a register-your-interest program that will go live before the end of the year.

Presented in European specification and trim, the pair includes the 150kW/310Nm ID.4 Pro Performance with 522km of battery range and the 125kW/310Nm ID.4 Pure Performance with a 345km range.

Volkswagen Australia says the highly specified ID.4 Pro Performance will most closely reflect its planned launch specification, while the ID.4 Pure Performance takes on a “key role during discussions with fleet and government agencies”.

Pricing for the electric newcomer is targeted at the ballpark of VW’s own Tiguan 162TSI R-Line, which at $57,690 before on-road costs would make the ID.4 a lot more affordable than the least-expensive version of similar-sized rivals including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y or Volvo XC40 Recharge that all cost upward of $70K.

The ID.4 and its coupe-styled sibling, the ID.5, are both expected to become available for purchase in Australia towards the end of 2023.

Borth are built upon Volkswagen’s MEB dedicated battery electric architecture, which VW says allows designers and engineers to minimise front and rear overhangs, ensuring greater cabin space and cargo capacity (543-1575 litres on the ID.4).

The MEB platform also ensures the heftier kerb weight inherent to BEVs is distributed in a way that benefits steering, ride and handling qualities, Volkswagen Australia says.

ID.4 Pro Performance features an 82kWh battery pack while the ID.4 Pure Performance has a 55kWh battery. In both instances the batteries are located between the vehicle’s floor and between the axles to ensure even weight distribution and to lower the centre of gravity.

The German importer says the ID.4 is targeted at a broad demographic and in Pro Performance guise will offer 125kW DC fast charging capabilities to enable a 10 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 33 minutes, and to 100 per cent in 42 minutes. The ID.4 Pure Performance offers 110kW DC fast charging which due to the smaller battery capacity is seven and 10 minutes quicker over both measures respectively.

Both rear-wheel drive, the ID.4 duo ride on a multi-link rear suspension se- up. VW says the Pro Performance model can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds while the Pure Performance model is 0.5 seconds slower.

Volkswagen Australia will announce specification and pricing for the ID.4 closer to its local launch, but says features including 19-inch alloy wheels, progressive steering, area view camera, augmented reality head-up display, a 12.0-inch infotainment array, and a 450W seven-speaker audio system are likely standard inclusions.

“The clear target is to have the ID.4, along with the ID.5, in Australian driveways by late 2023,” said Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles brand director Michal Szaniecki.

“Strategically the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 represent the most sizable opportunity for Volkswagen Australia in countless years.

“The ID.4 will not set out to charge customers a premium for being a style statement or short-change practicalities in any way for being electric. We know that Australians most love medium SUVs, and the ID.4 combines this versatile body style with enviable Volkswagen engineering including a long range.

“The ID.4 will bring electric performance to a broad customer base with target pricing similar to our most in-demand SUV, the Tiguan 162TSI R-Line. Arriving at the same time will be the coupe-style ID.5 with pricing similar to a Tiguan R, enabling customers to alternatively pick an even more design-focused BEV.”