[ad_1]
Volkswagen has launched the new ID.4 electric crossover, just as it begins deliveries of its smaller stable companion, the ID.3 electric hatchback.
As the largest market segment in the automotive industry, the transition from SUVs to electric powertrains has greater potential for reducing transportation-related emissions than smaller hatches and even sedans.
Volkswagen is betting the VW ID.4 will hit the mark with families, and is the first in the German automaker’s all-electric ID series that is tied to Australia.
First, however, it will be released to dealerships in Europe in late 2020, priced at € 49,950 ($ A82,551 converted) and € 59,950 ($ A99,078 converted) respectively for two first edition models. These will be followed by a basic version next year for around 37,000 euros ($ 61,149 converted).
After the ID.3, the ID.4 is VW’s second electric car based on the automaker’s Modular Electric Transmission Kit (MEB).
Unlike the ID.3, the ID.4 is intended for a global market, built first in Germany, then China, and then the US.
“The ID.4 is an emotional all-rounder that will impress many customers with its efficient electric drive, generous amount of space, modern assistance systems and powerful design,” says Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand in a statement.
“As the world’s first electric car, this model will deploy our modular electric propulsion matrix platform that has been developed specifically for electric mobility around the world. Volkswagen is once again demonstrating its leadership role in innovation, technology and quality in the high-volume market.
Volkswagen intends to produce a total of two million units of the ID.4, calculated over a seven-year life cycle. Internally, the electric SUV represents something of the “strategic milestone” of the Group’s electronic offensive.
The VW ID.4 will be available in various powertrains and battery capacities, as will the ID.3.
Battery capacity will be available up to 77 kWh (usable) to offer a driving range of up to 520 km based on the WLTP cycle, with two more anticipated options of 45 kWh (for an approximate driving range of 300 km) and 58 kWh (for an approximate driving time of 400 km). rank).
At launch, the ID.4 has the same engine that Volkswagen offers in the ID.3: a 150 kW (204 hp) and 310 Nm of torque electric motor, housed in the rear axle (space saving) to accelerate from 0 to 100 km. / h in 8.5 seconds for a top speed of 160 km / h.
Thanks to the MEB platform, the ID.4’s wheelbase is longer than that of vehicles of the same size (2.77 m), and Volkswagen says that from 2021 the ID.4 will be offered with a twin-engine version with 4WD trailer hitch. although he did not add how much he could throw away.
The electric ID.4 has a maximum charge rate of 125kW, also like the ID.3, which can be achieved with DC fast chargers when out and about and adds a range of 300-320km in around 30 minutes.
It can also be charged at home with a maximum AC charging rate of 11 kW for daily driving.
The ID.4 is 4.58m long, but thanks to its electrical architecture it offers much more space inside than is usually the case in this class.
Add to that the expansive panoramic glass roof (an optional extra), and the sense of space is even more pronounced.
The ID.4 scores points when it comes to cargo space too, thanks to the battery that sits under the floor and leaves plenty of room in the rear – 543 liters indeed, and with the rear seatbacks folded down, up 1,575 liters.
As is now standard in this segment, the tailgate can be opened electrically or with a swivel foot. There is also a luggage net, a net partition and a variable load floor.
At the front, the luminous signature of the ID range is displayed with an entourage of lights found in a stripe in the logo. The taillights echo the signature of the headlights, unlike the ID.3, which is content with a “half band”.
The profile is sleek and of course larger than that of the ID.3, with a metal arch marking the curvature of the roof to find a contrasting black section that hides the imposing rear pillar.
The interior, as in the ID.3, bundles the functions around the minimalist center dash that is clear, uncluttered and dominated by the large touchscreen in the middle of the dash.
Volkswagen grants a warranty of eight years or 160,000 kilometers on the battery; If it loses more than 30 percent of its original capacity, it will be replaced.
VW says it plans to market the ID.4 in China, Europe and the United States, however VW Australia has also signaled that it has its sights set on a local launch.
The commercialization will take place at the end of this year 2020 with two special launch series: Volkswagen ID.4 1st and 1st Max, with 27,000 units planned. Other finishes and engines will be unveiled during 2021, Volkswagen says.
Production in Europe will take place at VW’s now fully electric Zwickau factory (with the ID.3), while in China it will take place at Anting and in the United States, Chattanooga.
Bridie Schmidt is a lead reporter for The Driven, Renew Economy’s sister site. She specializes in writing about new technologies and has been writing about electric vehicles for two years. She has a strong interest in the role zero-emission transportation should play in sustainability and is a co-organizer of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum.
[ad_2]
