Stylish and environmentally friendly
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a mid-size electric SUV manufactured by Volkswagen (Germany) since 2020. It is one of the models belonging to the electric ID family, which also includes the ID.3 hatchback and the new ID.6 SUV (as of 2021).
The new Volkswagen ID.4, the first production Volkswagen electric SUV and the second model in the electric range of the German brand after the ID.3, is expected to be released on the European market at the end of February 2021. 23,500 European buyers have already ordered it. The start of sales is being prepared in China (own production has been established there) and in America, where electric cars are supplied from Germany. The company plants to annually sell 150 thousand ID.4 SUVs worldwide. Prices in Germany start at 37 thousand euros, whereas the Pro Performance version costs from 44,450 euros. Currently, the SUV is not supplied to Israel, but, just in case, we decided to explore its capabilities in advance and share information with you.
The new model has turned out to be environmentally friendly in compliance with all modern global environmental trends. At the same time, the ID.4 is equipped with very powerful electric motors, providing excellent driving characteristics. The SUV is well-equipped, has all the advanced safety and driver assistance systems. It is very comfortable and convenient even for long trips. Plus, thanks to its eye-catching and noticeable exterior, you cannot miss this vehicle on the road. The new ID.4 electric SUV is aimed primarily at young car enthusiasts who value advanced technology and innovation, as well as care about the environment. The number in the index denotes belonging to the size class, and the company proposes to decipher the letters ID as ‘Intelligent Design and Identity. ”
The first generation
It has been produced from 2020 to the present (as of 2021). Despite being the first production Volkswagen electric SUV, the Volkswagen ID.4 became the second model assembled on the VAG MEB modular platform, created specifically for electric vehicles. The ID.4 lost the first place to the Skoda Enyaq iV, which was released 3 weeks earlier. Besides the platform, these electric vehicles still have a lot in common. The ID.4 SUV looks similar to the ID.3 hatchback in terms of design, but technically it is much closer to the electric Skoda. The suspension of the electric car is typical for SUVs, featuring the MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension.
The German SUV has turned out to be somewhat shorter, narrower and lower than the Czech one. It is 4,584 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,612 mm high. The trunk volume reaches 543 liters (also slightly less than that of the ‘Czech’). The ID.4 is quite aerodynamic, but has a slightly worse drag coefficient than the Enyaq iV (0.28 versus 0.27). The wheelbases of both cars are the same 2.77 meters. Despite the fact that the rear-engine ID.4 has no four-wheel drive, the 21-centimeter ground clearance on light off-road should be enough for it. This speaks of the excellent cross-country ability of the newcomer, especially in four-wheel drive trim levels. In the off-road conditions, this version is able to show such results that even some real modern SUVs cannot boast of.
Exterior
The first thing that immediately catches your eye when looking at the new Volkswagen ID.4 is the absence of a typical radiator grille. Instead, the SUV has only a thin chrome decorative strip that connects the narrow LED headlights. The taillights are decorated in the same style. The body looks quite voluminous, and the original design of the front bumper makes it look more embossed. Along the bottom of the body is the black plastic body kit characteristic of the majority SUVs.
Interior and equipment
The SUV can boast of a sufficiently roomy interior, which is ensured by the electromobile layout of the MEB platform units, which, among other things, allows you to get rid of the massive central tunnel. The second row passengers will be very happy. More expensive ID.4 versions offer front seats with pneumatic sections and massage, upholstered in artificial leather and synthetic microfiber, 20% of which is made of recycled plastic bottles. The ID.Light contour adaptive interior lighting can change color (up to 30 options to choose from). At the base of the windshield there is an ‘interactive’ light strip that changes color depending on the sound system mode or the traffic situation (when any systems are triggered, it will inform the driver about this by switching on).
The interior of the 2020/2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is minimalist and is almost completely devoid of analog keys, only those responsible for the windows and alarm signals have been kept. All other elements are touch-sensitive, including the keys on and around the steering wheel. Transmission modes are switched by a rotating knob on the right end of the dashboard display. The virtual dashboard has a 5.3-inch display (included in the basic equipment). The Discover Pro multimedia system comes with a 10-inch screen and voice control. For a surcharge, you can order the optional Discover Pro Max infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen.
Moreover, depending on the market and the trim level, the 2021/2022 Volkswagen ID.4 will receive conventional LED or matrix headlights, 19, 20 or 21 inch wheels, adjustable suspension, a driving mode selection system, a panoramic roof, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable seats with the massage and memory functions, all kinds of online services, driving assistants IQ.Drive, at least six airbags, the Travel Assist complex, which includes adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition and many safety systems. Just as the case with the ID.3, the ID.4 software is updated over the air, so some options can be purchased after you buy a vehicle itself.
Engines and modifications
In 2021, the new Volkswagen ID.4 is offered in three versions, all equipped with one electric motor and rear-wheel drive. Modifications:
- The base Pure version comes with a 148 hp engine and a 52 kW/h battery, with a declared driving range of 345 km (WLTP cycle).
- The Pure Performance is equipped with the same battery, but the engine produces 170 hp, while the driving range amounts to 343 km.
- The top-end Pro Performance version comes with a 204 hp engine and a 77 kW/h battery, with the driving range of 508 km. Acceleration to 100 km/h occurs in 8.5 seconds.
The most powerful version of the SUV should appear in the near future. Its capacity with two powertrains can reach 306 hp. With the first three electric motors, the vehicle will be only rear-wheel drive, and the version with two motors will be four-wheel drive.
The SUV will have versions designed for different categories of drivers. Therefore, everyone will definitely find their own ID. 4. Despite the fact that the vehicle is mainly intended for the city and the highway, it can also be used off-road. Considerable ground clearance and the imminent appearance of all-wheel drive modifications will contribute to this. But it is unlikely that such a stylish and high-tech vehicle will be used like that.
