VW said the ID4 would also arrive fully functional, in comparison to the ID3 that will require the first owners to take their vehicles to an authorized mechanic for a software update.
Much of the ID4 is common with the ID3 because they both share the MEB architecture for compact and midsize EVs.
The ID4 launch edition has a 77-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a rear-mounted electric motor with a 150 kilowatt output, equivalent to 201 hp. The electric motor is positioned over the rear axle.
The range of the ID4 1st is expected to be 520 km (323 miles) under Europe’s WLTP testing standard, less than the ID3’s 549 km, limited in part because of the higher roof and slightly worse aerodynamics that are natural tradeoffs in SUVs and crossovers compared with hatchbacks due to their taller stance. VW declined to provide an estimated EPA range relevant for the U.S. market.
The ID4’s top speed is a 160 kph (99 mph), relatively slow for VW customers used to Germany high-speed autobahn network. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds.
VW is betting the slightly higher range than the Model Y’s 505 km in the standard version and the more affordable price tag will be strong arguments over the Model Y that is both quicker in the sprint and faster overall.
The ID4 has 20-inch wheels as standard, a size not found even on VW’s Touareg midsize SUV in its base version. Nevertheless, the ID4’s turning radius is just 10.2 meters (34 feet).
When hooked to a fast charger capable of providing a load of 125 kW, the vehicle can travel another 320 km after about 30 minutes of charging.
The ID4’s battery pack is composed of 12 modules, each consisting of 24 pouch cells, and weighs 493 kg (1,087 pounds).
VW guarantees that the battery will still have at least 70 percent of its original capacity after eight years or 160,000 km of driving.
While the ID4 is largely based on the ID3, it does offer SUV-specific features such as a 21-cm ground clearance, roof rails and a towing bracket for hitching trailers weighing up to 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs).