Volkswagen's ID.4 launches in the UK, 1st Edition specification priced from £40,800
VW’s ID.4 LANDS IN THE UK, WITH DELIVERIES COMMENCING IN MARCH 2021
Featuring a 77kWh battery with 498 kilometres (310 miles) range (WLTP)
Rear-motor, 150kW/310Nm
Available initially as 1st Edition trim level only
Priced from £40,800 RRP OTR, or approximately £37,800 after Plug-in Car Grant
Available in dealerships from March 2021
VW has launched the ID.4 electric SUV in the UK market, priced from £37,800 after the government Plug-in Car Grant. Initially only available in the 1st Edition trim, the ID.4 features a single rear motor producing 150 kW, with a maximum torque output of 310 Nm.
The ID.4 will be able to rapidly charge up to 125kW. Images: Volkswagen UK
WIth a 77 kWh net capacity, the ID.4 offers an official WLTP range of 498 kilometres (310 miles), however take that with a grain of salt, as real-world driving has shown a 10-15 per cent reduction on this figure. Luckily the ID.4 offers fast charging capacity up to 125kW, allowing ID.4 owners to add around 320km (199 miles) in 30 minutes. The battery pouch cells and pack are manufactured by LG Chem in Poland, featuring the company’s NCM 712 battery cells. These batteries have been in production since 2020, and feature the company’s new chemistry of 7 parts nickel to 1 part cobalt to 2 parts manganese, providing greater energy density, reduced manufacturing costs and a smaller environmental footprint.
The ID.4 is pictured in striking Honey Yellow with contrasting silver-painted roof arch.
Similar to the launch variant of the ID.3 1ST Edition, the ID.4 first edition features special badging, an interior with Artvelours micro-fleece seats with Florence Brown highlights, and a selection of colours including Glacier White, Blue Dusk, Honey Yellow (pictured) and Manganese Grey.
The VW ID.4 features Artvelours micro-fibre seats, and a driver zone and infotainment system from the ID.3 hatchback.
A full suite of safety features are included, with adaptive cruise control, lane assist with blind spot warning, autonomous emergency breaking and front and rear parking sensors. the 10-inch Discover Pro navigation system is included, and is controlled via a rather prominent screen perched on the dash like the ID.3. The nifty ID. Light is also included, which flashes, pulses and changes colour to communicate various information to drivers such as navigation instructions, charging status or responses to voice input.
The ID.4 is based on Volkswagens Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform.
Sadly, There are no plans to bring any electrified Volkswagen model to Australia any time before 2023 according to Car Expert. With little in the way of emissions standards, fuel quality standards or EV incentives, Australia is not seen as a priority for companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz or Kia. While China, the United States and the United Kingdom have strict CO2 emissions requirements for new vehicles, they also offer incentives for the purchase of zero emissions vehicles, providing an ultimatum for automakers to cease retailing internal-combustion engined cars.
