Volkswagen Unveils First All-Electric SUV ID.4... Launching in Europe Within the Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Volkswagen has unveiled the brand's first pure electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), the ID.4, to the global market. The compact electric SUV ID.4 is scheduled to officially go on sale starting with the European market within this year.

As part of the group's 'Transform 2025+' strategy, the Volkswagen brand plans to invest a total of 11 billion euros in the electric vehicle sector by 2024, and aims to launch up to 75 pure electric vehicles by 2029, with plans to sell 26 million electric vehicles during that period.

Volkswagen will offer the ID.4 First Edition in two models: ▲ID.4 First ▲ID.4 First Max, with a limited sale of 27,000 units in the European market by the end of this year. The launch prices are 49,950 euros and 59,950 euros respectively in Germany (with an expected subsidy of about 9,480 euros in Germany). Once sales of these models are completed, Volkswagen plans to release models that bundle the most popular options in the market as packages one after another.

Ralf Brandst?tter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said, "The ID.4 is our first global pure electric SUV, produced based on the MEB platform targeting the global e-mobility market." He added, "This once again proves that Volkswagen is a manufacturer leading innovation, technology, and high quality in the volume market."

Volkswagen Pure Electric SUV ID.4

ID.4's Bold Body Lines... Spacious Interior

Measuring 4.58 meters in length, the ID.4 reveals a distinctive presence with bold yet simple lines. While maintaining the masculine and solid lines of a traditional SUV, it achieves excellent aerodynamics with a low drag coefficient of 0.28.

Since the ID.4 is powered by an electric drivetrain, it does not have a traditional radiator grille. The latest headlights and the signature light connecting them complete a modern front design. The overall body of the ID.4 is sleek yet solid, and the large wheels add a sporty feel.

The widely opening doors allow drivers and passengers to board comfortably, and the high seating position enables more comfortable seating and movement. The door handles located below the door surface operate electrically.

Volkswagen Pure Electric SUV ID.4 Exterior

Thanks to the short overhangs and a long 2.77-meter wheelbase, the ID.4 offers an interior space as spacious and comfortable as higher-class SUVs. Like other Volkswagen ID. models, the interior is designed in an 'open lounge style.' It features a panoramic glass roof, and the center console is separated from the dashboard, creating a clean interior.

The trunk capacity is 543 liters, which expands to 1,575 liters when the rear seats are folded down. The ID.4 First Max is equipped with an electric 'Easy Open & Close' system that allows the trunk to be opened with a simple foot movement. Using an optional tow bracket, it can tow trailers up to 1,000 kg (with brakes operating on a 12% incline).

Intuitive Control System... Enhanced Safety with Drive Assist

The ID.4 features an intuitive control concept that enhances driver convenience. The dashboard panel has no physical buttons or switches, delivering a futuristic feel. Drivers can view important vehicle information at a glance on a compact display controlled via the multifunction steering wheel.

Volkswagen Pure Electric SUV ID.4 Interior

In the center of the dashboard panel is a touch display for navigation, phone, media, assist systems, and vehicle settings. The display size is 10 inches for the ID.4 First and 12 inches for the ID.4 First Max. The standard voice control feature, 'Hello ID.', operates at two levels of functionality.

The various driving assistance systems installed in the ID.4 are integrated under the concept called 'IQ.Drive.' The parking alert function is integrated with an automatic braking system, and it includes lane-keeping systems such as ▲Lane Assist, front collision warning system ▲Automatic Braking Front Assist, traffic situation recognition, stop and go functions with ▲Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. The ID.4 First Max comes standard with ▲Travel Assist, a semi-autonomous driving technology that controls the distance to the vehicle ahead and keeps the car centered in the lane.

204 Horsepower Electric Motor System... Driving Range of 520 km

Both models' motors deliver 150 kW (204 PS) of power and provide 310 Nm of torque immediately upon start. The top speed is 160 km/h, and the zero to 100 km/h acceleration time is 8.5 seconds. In 2021, a top model with higher output and all-wheel drive will be released.

Both ID.4 First Edition models are equipped with a 77 kWh battery weighing 493 kg, boasting a driving range of up to 520 km (WLTP standard). Volkswagen guarantees that at 8 years or 160,000 km, the battery will retain at least 70% of its initial capacity. The ID.4 can be charged at fast (DC) charging stations with up to 125 kW power, reaching a charge in 30 minutes, which allows for 320 km of driving after fast charging. In public places, it can also be charged with AC using a Mode 3 cable.