The Volkswagen ID.4 that will come to SA
Following the ID.3, Volkswagen has revealed its next electric vehicle (EV), the ID.4. In Volkswagens electrification plans for South Africa, the ID.4 is an important update since this will be the brand’s first EV to land on our local shores. The car is an electric compact SUV using the firm’s MEB modular platform. If you cannot tell, we are very excited even though there will likely be a delay on launch.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a gorgeous compact SUV.
The ID.4 is definitely a looker with a smooth flowing design. The lights are definitely a standout feature with IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights and 3D LED taillights. If you have no grille to speak of, the lights are the obvious next thing to show off. This all rides atop 21-inch alloy wheels.
As optional addons, buyers of the ID.4 can get an electronic boot lid, roof rails and a tow bar.
Simple, tech-driven cabin interior.
The same minimalistic and modern cabin from the ID.3 features in the Volkswagen ID.4. The materials follow a dual-tone theme and are nicely complemented by mood lighting. As with all Volkswagens in this generation, physical buttons are a thing of the past. Everything you need to see and control about the car can be done through a digital instrument display or the twelve-inch infotainment system. They also feature Volkswagen’s voice control system that turns on when you say “Hello ID.” Fortunately, this is not a phrase we think drivers will say by accident while driving.
If buyers really want to ramp up the digital technology feel, there is an optional augmented reality HUD system.
Good range and more still to come from VW.
The first models of the Volkswagen ID.4 will be rear-wheel drive with a single electric motor. This will be good for 150 kW and 310 Nm of instant torque supplied by a 77 kWh battery. Volkswagen says this will get the ID.4 a range of 520 km while going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds. The top speed in 160 km/h. This won’t be the only option as Volkswagen do plan to produce a two-motor all-wheel-drive ID.4 that will have an improved performance too.
80% charge is the ideal and quickest way to charge while on the go and at a 125 kW DC quick charge station, you can get just that in 30 minutes. That’s just enough to take a bathroom break and buy snacks for the 320 km because that’s the range the ID.4 has at 80%. With a ground clearance of 210 mm, Volkswagen says this car will good with gentle off-road terrain too.
Initial plans for the ID.4 was for it to launch in South Africa in 2021. Due to the current pandemic, we do expect there to be delays even though Volkswagen has not released launch dates yet.
Source & images: Volkswagen
