Volkswagen’s first-ever electric SUV has been a long time coming but it’s finally here as the all-new 2021 ID.4. The compact SUV’s styling wasn’t exactly a secret as uncensored images surfaced in China as early as June, but now we get to see the 2021 ID.4 in U.S. and European specification. Other than the U.S.-specific side marker lamps, there are basically no differences over China’s VW ID.4 Crozz.
The interior is not a secret either as the
automaker previewed it earlier this month, revealing striking similarities with
the ID.4 electric hatchback and a functionality almost completely controlled by
touch or voice control. The brand’s first long-range EV to be sold in the
United States promises to offer hallmark driving dynamics, bold design, and
advanced technology. Volkswagen Group of America CEO Scott Keogh even goes as
far as saying the ID.4 “drives like a GTI, it has the packaging of a Tiguan and
the purpose of the Beetle.” While reviews will later show if that’s the case,
let’s take a look at the ID.4’s specs.
Based on the modular electric drive
architecture (MEB), the entry-level compact SUV features an electric motor
located at the rear. Driving the rear wheels, it develops 201 HP and 309 Nm of torque. The motor is powered by an 82 kWh
battery pack (77 kWh net) positioned in the underbody, offering an estimated
driving range of 402 km on a full charge on the EPA cycle.
A more powerful, electric all-wheel-drive
variant with an additional motor and 302 HP will follow later
in 2021. In the U.S., the ID.4 will also come with three years of fast charging
with Electrify America for no additional cost. VW did not reveal the 0-60 time
for the United States, but in Europe, the base 201HP RWD model sprints from
zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and delivers a top speed of 160 km/h.
Speaking of charging, the ID.4 can be
charged with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC)
fast-charging capability. The 11 kW onboard charger allows the ID.4 to charge
the battery 53 km in about one hour, “filling up” the battery in
around seven and a half hours at a home or public Level 2 charger. Using a DC
fast-charging station with 125 kW charging, the ID.4 can go from five to 80
percent charge in about 38 minutes.
In terms of size, the ID.4 is 117 mm shorter than the Tiguan, at 4,585 mm in, with a 23 mm shorter wheelbase at 2,766 mm. It is 48 mm lower than the
Tiguan at 1,636 mm and 13 mm wider, at 1,852 mm.
Despite the overall smaller footprint, passenger volume is similar to the
Tiguan, with a total of 2,829 liters. Cargo volume is 858 liters behind the second row, and 1,818 liters with the
seats folded.
Inside, the driver is welcomed by a
5.3-inch ID.Cockpit digital display operated with touch-sensitive controls on
the steering wheel and a 10-inch Discover Pro touch infotainment display in the
middle of the dash panel (12-inch Discover Pro Max with the Statement package).
The configurable screen manages the standard navigation system, all telematics,
entertainment, driver-assistance systems and vehicle settings. Gesture control
and ‘Hello ID.’ natural voice control are standard. When it comes to safety,
the standard IQ.Drive advanced driver assistance technology includes Front
Assist, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist,
Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist.
U.S. pricing starts at US$ 39,995 for the
rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro, available in the first quarter of 2021. Later next
year, the ID.4 AWD Pro will become available from US$ 43,695. The first model
customers will be able to get at launch in early 2021 is the RWD ID.4 1st
Edition for US$ 43,995. This variant brings the Statement and Gradient packages as
standard, as well as unique styling bits. All prices exclude a potential
federal tax credit of up to US$ 7,500. Reservations start today on VW.com with a
fully refundable $100 fee. Once production starts in the U.S. at the Volkswagen
Chattanooga Assembly Plant in 2022, the ID.4 will be offered with a lower
starting MSRP of US$ 35,000.
