The faux Opel mask didn’t work last time
our spies caught up with a black prototype of Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.4
electric crossover, and neither did it now with the white-bodied tester.
Perhaps, third time’s a charm? Who knows. The only new thing we’ve learned
about the ID.4 since our previous encounter is that VW has postponed its world
debut for June.
One can easily notice the fake Opel grille
and headlight extensions that should throw onlookers off course. Mind you, if
you were following the news lately, you’d know that this is a VW ID.4 since its
design matches both previous test prototypes and the ID.Next Concept recently
revealed in China.
The VW ID.4 will be based on the MEB
modular electric architecture, just like the ID.3. However, it will be larger
than the electric hatchback, with a length of around 4,600 mm.
That means it’s sized between the short-wheelbase Tiguan and the long-wheelbase
Tiguan Allspace, but should have a slightly longer wheelbase than both. This
will allow for a roomier interior than the Tiguan, expecially considering the
more efficient packaging allowed by the all-electric drivetrain.
Compared with the ID.3, the VW ID.4 is
expected to pack an additional electric motor for a total output of 306 PS and e-AWD. The front-mounted motor will reportedly deliver 110 PS while the rear-mounted one should be shared with the range-topping
ID.3, producing 204 PS and 310 Nm of instant
torque.
The VW ID.4 is also expected to share its
battery pack options with the ID.3, offering 45-kWh, 58-kWh, and 77-kWh units
with driving ranges of 330 km, 420 km and 550 km respectively. VW’s first-ever electric crossover will enter production
next year in Europe, but will also be made at the company’s Chattanooga plant
in Tennessee, USA from 2022.
