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Volkswagen debuts fully electric ID.4 SUV

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Volkswagen has taken the initial wraps off the ID.4, an all-electric small SUV slotting in above the ID.3 hatchback.

While major details are scarce, we know the 4 will be available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions and will ride on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform.

Power will be sourced from a single electric motor initially, meaning RWD, with the dual-motor all-paw version following within the first 12 months of sales.

The ID.4 is based on the Crozz concept, which means we can expect the single-motor version to offer up to 147kW and 310Nm. Adding the second motor will bump total system output to 222kW/450Nm.

This is the ID.4, the second member of the ID family thus far. Confusing, we know.
This is the ID.4, the second member of the ID family thus far. Confusing, we know.

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There aren
There aren't many major details but rumour has it the top-rung ID.4 will come with a 500km battery and a 222kW/450Nm powertrain.

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Battery options will peak with an 83kWh unit, rumoured to offer as many as 500 kilometres per charge. A fast charging system will be included that can juice the battery from zero to 80 per cent in half an hour, when plugged into a 125-150kW charger.

Volkswagen hasn't completely revealed the model yet, with the version shown online wearing a two-tone blue camouflage livery. We can still make out some of the styling details, many of which are shared with the ID.3 hatch. According to Autocar UK, VW was originally preparing to launch the SUV at the New York Motor Show in April but is now aiming for the Detroit show in June.

Finally, the Tiguan-esque ID.4 will be joined by a coupe-like sibling, which could be badged ID.5. This model will be revealed at a later date.

As for New Zealand, the local arm has confirmed it is considering bringing the ID.4 here but doesn't expect it until the end of 2021 at the earliest. Meanwhile, the ID.3 is confirmed but timings are yet to be finalised.