The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first all-electric SUV and the brand’s first global EV. Built on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle architecture—the modular electric drive matrix—it marries the strengths of a purpose-built EV with performance, packaging and value, features that have marked the brand for decades. The ID.4 competes in the world’s largest market segment—compact SUVs—and is currently produced in Germany and China; in the future, it will also be assembled in the United States.
At launch in the U.S., the 2021 ID.4 offers an 82kWh (gross) battery and a rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The EPA-certified range for the Pro S (Statement) and 1st Edition models is 250 miles ( 470Km's )
Battery and charging
The battery is comprised of 288 pouch cells in 12 modules. It is positioned in the underbody to create a low center of gravity for optimal driving dynamics as well as extremely well-balanced weight distribution.
The ID.4 can be charged with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) fast-charging capability. All ID.4 models are equipped with a CCS (Combined Charging System) socket, which allows for both home and public charging. The 11 kW onboard charger allows the ID.4 to charge to full in as little as seven and a half hours at a home or public Level 2 charger.
At a public DC fast-charging station, with 125 kW charging, the ID.4 can go from five to 80 percent charged in about 38 minutes. The 2021 ID.4 comes with three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America DC fast chargers at no additional cost, helping to inspire range confidence. Volkswagen customers will be able to manage their charging plan through the Electrify America app.
Interior
Volkswagen’s first fully-electric SUV features a modern, airy interior design with meticulous attention to detail. This begins right in front of the driver, with an innovative digital display replacing the traditional instrument cluster. The 5.3-inch ID.Cockpit is attached to the steering column, so that it’s always positioned ideally in the line of sight, and the traditional gearshift is replaced by a large rocker switch on the right. The dash panel appears to float, as it is not connected to the center console. Its front section drops down towards the interior in steps, while decorative trim separates the top and bottom halves.
Running between the front seats is a long, spacious center console. Both the front portion, with cupholders, and the rear, with a roller shutter, are modular in design and can be reconfigured with adaptable inserts. Inside the rear compartment is an illuminated wireless charging pad for compatible mobile phones and two USB-C ports. On the backside are two more USB-C charging ports for rear-seat passengers.
Tech and Infotainment
The interior of ID.4 mirrors the futuristic look of the exterior, with functionality almost completely controlled by touch or voice control—there are very few actual buttons. The ID.Cockpit display in front of the driver is operated with touch-sensitive controls on the leather-wrapped multifunction heated steering wheel which provide haptic feedback. Up to three tiles show the most important information, with the display for battery status and range underneath. A control panel to the left of the steering wheel integrates the lighting functions, including the automatic headlights and defrosters.
A 10-inch Discover Pro touch infotainment display is located in the middle of the dash panel, angled slightly towards the driver. This screen can be configured to driver preference, and manages the standard navigation system, all telematics, entertainment, driver-assistance systems and vehicle settings; it is upgraded to a 12-inch Discover Pro Max infotainment display on Pro S models. Menus can be moved using gesture control, simply swiping one’s hand in front of the screen. Sliders for volume and temperature adjustment are located on the inclined surface below the display.
“Hello ID.” natural voice control is standard in the ID.4. The car follows the instructions spoken by the driver and passengers and is capable of understanding many commands from everyday language, such as “Hello ID., I’m cold” to turn up the heat.
Safety
Driver Assistance Technology
Volkswagen is rolling out IQ.DRIVE® advanced driver assistance technology, featuring hands-on semi-automated capability. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE alerts you to surprise obstacles in front of you, and keeps an eye around you to make driving safer.
With its full equipment package, the ID.4 utilizes a front radar, front camera, two rear radars and eight ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor (Side Assist); Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist); Travel Assist; and Emergency Assist. In addition to IQ.DRIVE, the ID.4 includes Dynamic Road Sign Display; Park Distance Control; and High Beam Control (Light Assist).
Travel Assist enables Level 2 partially-automated hands-on driving from 0 to 95 mph. Travel Assist can be activated by a button on the steering wheel, and uses the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (Lane Assist) features to help steer as well as accelerate and brake the vehicle in response to traffic and center the vehicle within lane markings. This allows the driver to observe driving tasks while using minimal force on the wheel. It is the driver’s responsibility to continuously monitor the system, remain alert, and maintain control of the vehicle at all times. To ensure this, Travel Assist monitors the capacitive steering wheel to make sure the driver has their hands on it.
Front Assist is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).
Pricing starts at $39,995US ($A47,913 at today’s rates). ID.4 Pro before potential $7,500 Federal tax credit in the US only
The Compact SUV will launch with rear-wheel drive 201-hp 82 kWh models; all-wheel-drive 82 kWh configuration available later in the year.
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