Volkswagen's electric ambitions have accelerated to full pace with the launch of the new ID.4, the brand's first global EV and a car that slots into the world's fastest growing automotive segment. The tailpipe-free compact SUV, which is slightly smaller than Tesla's Model Y, is entering all of VW's largest markets later this year, with production split across Europe, China and the US. Initially, it'll get a 204hp version of the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) which also underpins the ID.3 hatch, with a claimed range of 323 miles.
With an estimated starting price of less than £40k in Britain, the significance of the new model can hardly be overstated. The affordable SUV segment is arguably primed for a big name EV to start hoovering up demand, and by equipping the ID.4 with a fairly conventional body and interior, the manufacturer appears to have played it safe with those buyers specifically in mind.
The MEB platform here stretches to a 2.77-metre wheelbase, meaning the ID.4 is smaller than Tesla's SUV but larger than the Hyundai Kona Electric. Or, if you prefer, it's 89mm longer in the wheelbase than the Jaguar E-Pace. Thanks to the packaging of its skateboard architecture, VW claims that the ID.4's cabin offers space more comparable with the class above. Indeed, it has 543 litres of boot capacity that can be increased to 1,575 litres with the rear seats down, so it does seem to bridge the gap between the segment's classes.
That's all-important stuff for an SUV no matter the method of propulsion, as is the ID.4's ability to tow braked trailers weighing up to a metric tonne with the standard-fit towing bracket. That figure is not class leading (and it's about half a tonne less than the £45k Model Y can manage), but it's certainly competitive. As are the quoted performance stats for the 77kWh battery, rear-motor, one-speed ID.4 at launch: 204hp, 229lb ft of torque and an 8.1sec 0-62mph time alongside a 99mph top speed. Modest in the EV segment - but probaby right on the money for a family SUV buyer upgrading from an oil burner.
As for battery top up, VW claims that a 125kW DC fast charger will add 199 miles of range in around 30 minutes. It hasn't revealed how long a full charge will take, but it does confirm the obvious: that AC domestic and public chargers are compatible. No less important will be Volkswagen's guarantee that the ID.4's battery will still have 70 per cent of its original capacity after eight years or 100,000 miles of use. Naturally, a more powerful version with a denser battery, higher range and all-wheel drive (from a two-motor layout) will follow in 2021. But like the launch car, it'll stick with a lithium-ion cells located between the axles.
No matter the spec, each ID.4 will come with adjustable energy recuperation, which allows drivers to opt between high resistance or free-rolling settings. Like the Honda e and Nissan Leaf, when set to its most aggressive recovery setting, the ID.4 is said to be capable of dealing with most urban scenarios without the use of the actual brakes. That's something that sounds odd until you try it; one pedal driving is remarkably easy to adapt to, especially in cities. Adding to the promise of easy urban use is a hatchback-aping 10.1-metre turning circle, and 210mm of ground clearance.
You do, of course, also get familiar features like Dynamic Chassis Control, configurable via the driving profile function as usual, progressive electric power steering and a cabin bearing VW's digital tech. The dash screen is 10-inches across, or 12-inches in higher-grade models. Voice control - this time you say "Hello ID" - is standard and said to understand more casual terms, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are default features. Where you'd normally find an instrument cluster is now a smaller screen, displaying all the essentials, and VW's latest touch sensitive buttons are found on the wheel and dash centre. It looks tidy and unoffensive. This is no e-tron, though; it's a mid-spec Volkswagen, so there are cloth seats as standard, although leathers and suedes will be on the option list.
We don't know the exact trim specifications yet as VW has only announced two launch models for Germany, the ID.4 1ST and ID.4 1ST Max, priced at €49,950 and €59,950 respectively once the country's €9,480 subsidy is applied to each. They're both based on the ID.4 Pro Performance variant that's to come, if you're wondering, so the aforementioned performance stats will be carried over. As for the lower and higher grade versions, we'll have more details when the range launches properly later this year.
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