CUPRA Born enters series production at Europe's largest EV factory

CUPRA’s Born EV undergoing final inspection on the assembly line. Images: Volkswagen

The CUPRA Born is now rolling off the production line at Volkswagen Group’s electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Zwickau, Germany.

The Born is the fifth of six electric vehicles to be manufactured in the Zwickau plant, and follows series production of the Volkswagen ID.3/ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. The sixth model will be Volkswagen’s ID.5 crossover.

Volkswagen plans to eventually move production of the Born to its factory in Marotell, Spain, which also manufactures the Audi A1 Sportback, and a number of Seat models. According to CUPRA CEO Wayne Griffiths, “Producing our first 100% electric model in Europe's largest electric vehicle factory will provide valuable learnings as we look to build electric vehicles in Martorell from 2025 onwards. Our ambition is to produce more than 500,000 urban electric vehicles per year in Spain for different Group brands.”

Sharing its underpinnings with Volkswagen’s ID.3 compact electric vehicle, the Born sits on the MEB modular electric vehicle architecture, and offers customers a more design-focused and sporty option in the compact EV class.

The CUPRA Born is the brand's first model to follow a net CO²-neutral concept, whereby energy from renewable sources is used in the supply chain. Executives within the group are aiming to increase the CUPRA sales mix to 20% of Volkswagen Group’s overall sales and to reach new international markets.

The CUPRA Born will go on sale in November 2021 across Europe. The brand intends to enter the Australian market in 2022, though the Born will likely not arrive down under until 2023.

Volkswagen's ID.Life is a look at the automaker's future entry-level EVs

Volkswagen’s ID.Life is the company’s first front wheel drive MEB platform vehicle. Images: Volkswagen

Volkswagen revealed the cute ID.Life concept car at Munich’s IAA Mobility this week, and despite a striking resemblance to the Honda e, VW’s future city car offering is based on Wolfsburg’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform architecture, resulting in a vehicle with a much larger footprint than Honda’s.

Electric city cars are a perennial challenge for automakers. Development and battery costs can make their business case knife-edge thin, and profitability is certainly not guaranteed in this segment. The ID.Life is the first front wheel drive EV from the brand based on the MEB matrix, and will offer a 172 kW (234 PS) electric motor, drawing power from a 57 kWh battery. Volkswagen claims a WLTP range of around 400km (249 miles), and a zero to 100 km/h (zero to 62 mph) time of 6.9 seconds.

“The ID. LIFE proves once again how uniquely flexible the MEB is. The platform is suitable for vehicles of all types, from small cars to vans,” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development. “It’s the most scalable electrical architecture in the industry. We’re just beginning to tap into the potential of MEB. Performance, charging capacity and range will continue to improve with each new model and software update.”

Volkswagen is trying to improve the sustainability and recyclability of its future products, and the ID.Life offers a clear-coat derived from wood chips and a bio-based hardener. Recycled PET bottles comprise large sections of interior plastics, and in an industry first, bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks are compounds found in the tyres. With pollution from tyres across their whole lifespan — from manufacture, to use and disposal — a critical issue even for EV owners, it’s great to see VW pushing this technology.

Wait, is that the Tesla Model Y Yoke?

On the inside, the hexagonal open-topped steering wheel bears a striking resemblance to that of Tesla’s Plaid Model S, and a touch panel built into the wheel gives the driver access to important vehicle functions. Volkswagen is advertising a multifunctional interior; the ID.Life offers folding front and rear seating, a 230V power outlet, and a projection screen with video game console. This approach aims to be replicating Xpeng’s private cinema option in the P5 sedan.

Volkswagen aims to roll out a production model based on this concept study by 2025, and aims to increase its share of all-electric models in Europe to at least 70 per cent of total vehicle sales, and in North America and China to at least 50 per cent.

View the full image gallery here

Audi Q4 e-tron on road European reviews

The Audi Q4 e-tron is an important car for the Ingolstadt brand, with the luxury crossover segment proves to resonate with potential buyers around the world, and also provide healthy amounts of profit for manufacturers.

Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric architecture, the Q4 e-tron shares its underpinnings with VW’s ID.4, and Skoda’s Enyaq. Available in Europe in e-tron 35,40 and 50 models, battery sizes from 55 kWh and 77 kWh are available.

This is an Audi that provides all the style and quality many associate with the four-ringed brand, in a small (ish) footprint targeting the likes of BMW’s X3/iX3, Porsche’s Macan, and even Audi’s own Q5 range. With the recent release of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and the upcoming EV6, Audi is now being squeezed for market share from new contenders.

We’ve included a couple of recent European reviews below; while Audi has yet to provide a firm release date for Australia and New Zealand, we can hope to see the Q4 e-tron Downunder sometime in 2022.

First look at Volkswagen's upcoming ID.5 GTX electric SUV coupe

Personally, I hate the “SUV coupe” nomenclature that has sprung up over the last few years, but the industry seems to have adopted it with vigour. Traditionally, the term coupe came from a four-wheeled vehicle that could hold two passengers. In the mid-20th century, it came to define desirable, low-roofed sports cars that could carry two passengers comfortably, and four at a pinch.

Are they pointless? Perhaps. after all, the whole point of an SUV is to carry more stuff and more bodies over a wagon or sedan right? Are they going anywhere? absolutely not.

And so it goes with the Volkswagen Group. We’ve seen Audi introduce various Q3/Q5/Q8 sloping-roof-coupe-things to much sales success; Porsche lopped the back off its Cayenne to produce the Cayenne Coupe, and now we have the group’s first all-electric coupe SUV variant.

The ID.5 range will include this range-topping GTX model, sharing the same dual-motor AWD setup as its ID.4 GTX sibling, as well as it’s 77 kWh (net) battery. Volkswagen claims a 250 mile (402 km) range. A single-motor rear wheel drive variant will also be available.

Volkswagen has faced a slow start to sales of its electric ID range in China, however sales in Europe have eclipsed the likes of Kia’s Niro EV, the Skoda Enyaq, Volvo XC40 Recharge and its sister ID.3 electric hatch, and sales in North America must be pleasing Wolfsburg; the ID.4 made up 4.8 per cent of Volkswagen North America’s total sales in Q2 2021.

Autogefühl already has a first drive impression video which you can watch below, and Volkswagen has provided additional exterior driving footage.

Expect a full reveal during Munich’s IAA Mobility 2021 on September 5.

Source: Volkswagen

Volkswagen reveals dual motor all wheel drive ID.4 GTX; more performance EV models to come [Updated]

Volkswagen has debuted the new GTX sub-brand, and headline vehicle the ID.4 GTX. Currently livestreaming, we will update this page with more information.

[Updated] GTX will be a sub brand to follow the nomenclature GTI, GTD and GTE. The ID.4 GTX offers sportier styling with revised front and rear bumpers, and new LED headlights and tail lights. 21 inch wheels give the car character, but likely reduce available range.

The ID.4 GTX offers a 77 kWh battery (same as ID.4) and sports two electric motors with up to 220 kW. Volkswagen claims a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 6.2 seconds, and a WLTP range of 480 km (290 miles).

There’s a 125 kW DC charging speed, and Volkswagen claims 300km (186 mile) range can be charged in 30 minutes. It’s worth noting that Hyundai’s new Ioniq 5 with 400 and 800 volt architecture offers 10-80 percent charge in 18 minutes, with 100km range restored in 5 minutes.

Volkswagen also previewed a camouflaged ID.5 coupe-SUV and announced that it too would receive the GTX treatment:

Volkswagen's ID.4 electric crossover named 2021 World Car of the Year

Volkswagen has taken home the largest prize from the annual World Car Awards overnight, with the Volkswagen ID.4 crossover named 2021 World Car of the Year. 93 international journalists from 28 countries make up the World Car Awards jury panel, and the votes were tabulated by KPMG.

VW’s ID.4 1st Edition in Honey Yellow

Ralf Brandstätter, CEO Volkswagen Cars stated “We are particularly pleased about our ID.4 being named “World Car of the Year”. Not only because it is one of the most important car awards in the world - but because the jury also honored a great idea and a great team. The first ID. Model for the key markets of Europe, China and the U.S. carries our electric offensive around the world. A convincing car, a great idea - and the “World Car of the Year” award? That goes well together for us!”

This year’s winner was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of three finalists as announced on March 30, 2021. The Top Three in the World finalists for 2021 also included another EV, the Honda e, and the Toyota Yaris.

To be eligible for the World Car of the Year award, vehicles must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units/year, must be priced below the luxury-car level in their primary markets, and must be “on-sale” in at least two major markets, on at least two separate continents, between May 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021.

This win should help Volkswagen justify the billions spent on its shift to electro-mobility and assist the company in forgetting the ‘Dieselgate’ era. We’re certainly excited to see more competition in the marketplace, especially in the form of EVs from one of the world’s largest automakers, but Volkswagen still has some issues to iron out if it is to truly achieve mass-market adoption of its zero emissions vehicles.

EV teardown expert Sandy Munro stated that Tesla need not worry about competition from the ID.4 after comprehensively examining VW’s newest EV, and Engineering Explained showed that there are issues with charging the ID.4, even on the DC fast charging network established by Volkswagen, Electrify America.

Volkswagen EV Convertible could join ID.3 range according to CEO

VW CEO shares concept sketches of possible future electric ID.3 variant

Volkswagen’s CEO, Ralf Brandstätter appears keen on a drop-top variant of the electric ID.3 hatch, after sharing the following text and sketch image on Linkedin:

“An ID.3 convertible? Sounds quite appealing: enjoying nature with the top down, with the instant, but silent electric punch. This could provide an entirely new, extraordinary feeling of freedom. I admit: a very tempting idea. We are still pondering how to turn this attractive concept into reality. Just in case, our design team has already sketched out some initial ideas. The most exciting question: what do YOU think? Would electric driving and an open-air-experience make a perfect match?”

Of course, any new model has to go through a rigorous design and approval process; most manufacturers spend five-plus years developing a new model, meaning that this is a tease in the true sense of the word and that the ID.3 convertible is already a fait accompli for the brand in the coming years, or Brandstätter could genuinely be gauging public interest before the board gives the project a green light.

We’re a fan of Volkswagen convertibles with a Mark VI Golf cabriolet currently in our extended family. These ID.3 convertible sketches capture the blunt rear and deep sides of the early Golf cabriolets (though sadly without the roll-over hoop) whilst maintaining the ID.3 hatchback’s agressive, snub-nose front.

The ID.3 convertible has an uphill battle ahead though, with cabriolet and roadster sales on the decline in recent years, as more and more consumers around the world purchase SUVs (much to our chagrin). Mercedes-Benz has cancelled the SLC roadster, Mini has stated that the Mini Cooper cabriolet won’t make it to the next generation of vehicles and it could be last drinks for Audi’s iconic TT roadster.

If the ID.3 convertible does indeed make it to market, then it will be the first four-seat all electric vehicle on sale. When you think about it, an EV drivetrain is perfect for open top motoring: Zero noise means passengers are able to enjoy the sounds of nature as they whizz through the Schwarzwald or along the Côte d'Azur, and zero emissions results in a healthier driving experience.

The ID.3 hatch and ID.4 SUV are scheduled to arrive in Australia from 2023.

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Inside the design of Porsche's Taycan Cross Turismo EV wagon. Watch the world premiere here

The Taycan Cross Turismo. Images: Porsche

Porsche releases insight into Taycan Cross Turismo Design

• Taycan Cross Turismo range set to be unveiled on March 4 2021 at 16:00 CET

• Powertrain and battery options likely to remain as per Taycan sedan

• Pricing likely to be USD$4-6k more than Taycan sedan based on Panamera Sport Turismo pricing

Porsche is playing coy with its more practical variant of the Taycan range, the Cross Turismo wagon. Although still under camouflage wrap, we can be reasonably confident that Porsche will keep many of the design elements of the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, combining the space and versatility of a wagon with the Taycan’s stellar performance, handling and 800V electrical architecture.

The Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo

The Taycan sedan was criticised by many for its lack of interior and boot space, despite its long wheelbase and body. For all the nitpicking we as media and public alike perform over each and every new vehicle release, often we don’t consider just what it takes to design a car to please everyone.

In the video below, Klaus Bernhard, team leader for PMU, DMU and concept cars takes us inside the Package Functioning Model (PFM) workshop, where the ergonomics of every new Porsche are honed. Bernhard discusses how much thought, engineering and design goes into the smallest details, and often how challenges arise when different product design departments have to bridge competing interests, like fitting new computing and electrical systems into the car whilst maintaining excellent packaging.

The Taycan Cross Turismo will debut below at 16:00 CET on 4/3/2021.

Volkswagen's electric ID.6 SUV revealed in documents filed with Chinese government

VOLKSWAGEN TO DEBUT chinese built full-size id.6 SUV

Leaked images of Volkswagen’s new ID.6 full-size electric SUV have appeared online thanks to regulatory filings with the Chinese government. Based on the 2019 I.D. Roomzz concept premiered at the Shanghai Auto Show, The ID.6 is expected to have an 82kWh battery with 150KW charging and 450km range (WLTP) Power in the concept car was rated at 225 kilowatts (302 horsepower) from a pair of electric motors, and Volkswagen estimated acceleration to 100 kilometres per hour (62 miles per hour) in 6.6 seconds.

The VW ID.6 is the third vehicle to be based on the company’s MEB platform architecture, and share’s many design cues with the ID.3 and ID.4. At this stage it appears that it will be produced exclusively for the domestic Chinese market. While one might expect countries such as the USA, Australia and South Africa to be a perfect fit for the ID.6, it’s likely that Volkswagen is using the upcoming ID.4 to test the waters of the electric SUV market.

The ID.6 will likely debut at Auto Shanghai on April 21 2021.

Source: Autocar

The VW ID.6 is based on the 2019 I.D. Roomzz concept, and at this stage is China-only. Source: Volkswagen AG

The VW ID.6 has evolved into a more conservative form, with fewer sweeping curves and trick details from the concept car.

A broad, imposing rear profile, the VW ID.6 is a large SUV that Volkswagen is no doubt considering for the US market.

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.