2021 Volkswagen ID.4 breaks cover; bookings open in the US market

KUALA LUMPUR: Initially previewed as the ID Crozz concept three years ago, the all-new Volkswagen ID.4 is finally here after months of teasing and spy shots. The electric SUV is the company's second model joining the new ID electric vehicle lineup, the first being the smaller ID.3 hatch came last year.

The ID.4 underpins the brand's EV-specific MEB architecture and measures 4580 mm long, positioning it between the standard Tiguan and seven-seater Tiguan Allspace.

Also read: Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace: First impression

Initially, the SUV will be available with an 82 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor at the rear axle, delivering 201 horsepower. Volkswagen claims a WLTP-verified driving range of up to 520 kilometres and a 0-100 kmph run of 8.5 seconds. A 30-minute charging with 120 kW DC charger can provide the SUV a range of 320 km, while the 11 kW charger can deliver a 53 km range in an hour.

Another version of the ID.4 housing a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup will be joining the lineup at a later date with a maximum power of 301 hp. Its other details like drive range and acceleration are expected to be released in the coming months.

In the standard form, the ID.4 will be available in six colors with a body-colored roof and 19-inch aluminum alloys, while a black roof, adaptive front lighting, and 20-inch wheels will come as options. Inside the cabin, it comes with all digital gauges, voice control, and gesture control. The infotainment screen is a 10-inch, that can be upgradable to 12. It also gets an interior light strip to alert the driver that certain functions are active.

Other niceties are:

• Rain-sensing wipers
• Dual-zone climate control
• Heated steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Keyless access
• Power tailgate
• Adjustable trunk floor
• Apple CarPlay, and in-car Wi-Fi

On the safety front, the new ID.4 comes with forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, travel assist, emergency assist, lane keeping assist, road-sign display, park distance control, and high-beam assist.

"The ID.4 was engineered, loaded and priced to win the hearts of SUV owners who are simply ready to go electric—and fall in love with Volkswagen again," said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. He further added, "It drives like a GTI, it has the packaging of a Tiguan and the purpose of the Beetle. All the best things about VW in one package."

Touted as a mass-market electric vehicle "for the millions, not millionaires," the electric SUV comes as a good option for the customers looking to haul their small family in zero-emissions style. The price of the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $39,995 (RM 166,657), and its reservations are now open in US showrooms; however, there is no information about its arrival in Malaysia.

Also read: Volkswagen teamed up with Wei-Ling Gallery, featuring the Arteon sculptures to be auctioned