2020 VW ID.4 electric SUV gets range of 323 miles

Hot on the heels of the first deliveries of its new ID.3 electric hatchback, Volkswagen has lifted the wraps from its second all-electric model; the ID.4 SUV. Similar in size to VW’s popular Tiguan, the five-seat electric SUV will go head-to-head with the likes of the Tesla Model Y and the Skoda Enyaq.

To put the ID.4’s size into perspective, at 4,580mm in length it slots in between the standard Tiguan and the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace. As for luggage space, you can comfortably pack 543 litres of goodies in the boot when all the seats are in place. That jumps to 1,575 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Built on VW Group’s versatile MEB platform, the ID.4 will be available with a choice of two battery packs; a 52kWh unit and a larger 77kWh. From launch though, only the larger battery pack will be offered; the smaller, cheaper 52kWh models will arrive later in 2021.

Ok, but tell me about the ID.4’s range

First-up, the ID.4 models fitted with the larger power unit will have a range of 323 miles on a single charge. With its 201bhp from the electric motor being channelled to the rear axle, VW says the SUV will cover 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds, and carry on to a restricted max of 99mph.

This model will also be offered with a less powerful 177bhp motor. Of perhaps more significance is the fact there will also be a range-topping all-wheel drive version. It’s likely to be badged ID.4 GTX. Expect an output of around 302bhp, with performance 0-62mph figures of 6.2 seconds.

The lesser-powered entry-level 52kWh models have a shorter range of 224 miles on a single charge. The electric motor though is available in two forms of tune, either 146bhp or 168bhp. Again, power goes through the rear wheels.

And what about charging?

It’s likely three levels of charging will be available. Though unconfirmed, it’s expected the entry-level 52kWh ID.4 will default to a 50kW standard; that would mean an 80 per cent charge from empty in around 60 minutes.

What has been confirmed though is 100kW charging. Not surprisingly, that would double that baseline speed. Expect it to be available as an option. ID.4 models fitted with the larger 77kWh battery will be made available with 125kW charging. That will deliver a range of 199 miles in 30 minutes.

It certainly has the look of a larger ID.3

Yup. As you would expect, there are strong family styling elements which have morphed into the exterior of the ID.4. Designers have naturally evolved many of the lines and looks of the ID.3 hatchback into new electric SUV.

Like the hatchback, the core look is one of clean lines. There’s a large glasshouse, dominated by the windscreen which stretches far towards the front axle. And while the ID.4 has a similar shoulder line to the hatch, the SUV benefits from a different tailgate which incorporates full-width LED tail lights.

The blunt, grille-free front end of the ID.4 is dominated by a full-width LED lighting bar. Wheel-arch cladding gives the model a traditional SUV-look, an image further enhanced by more protruding rear window.

What’s it like inside the cabin?

Interior space in the ID.4 certainly isn’t a problem. In fact, VW claims the all-electric SUV has almost as much room as cars from the segment above it. In part, that’s down to a wheelbase of 2,700mm, allied to the clever under-floor packaging of the battery and the rear-axle mounted electric motor.

Again, not surprisingly, the dashboard — which is is defined by angular vents and lines — carries over much from the ID.3. Driver and passenger are separated by a thin centre console with cupholders and storage spaces, which sits low between them.

And what’s the tech like?

The space is dominated by two screens. The largest — 10-inches as standard, 12-inches on top spec models — is centrally mounted and carries the infotainment system. This is supplemented by a smaller digital screen directly in front of the driver. Both can be commanded through the new “Hello ID” voice control system.