Volkswagen has officially taken the wraps off its first-ever, all-electric compact SUV, the ID.4!Why is this important? The ID.4 is likely to be the first electric Volkswagen to be sold in SA.

After countless teasers over past few months, the electric ID.4 compact SUV has now been revealed. Measuring 4.58 metres in length, the ID.4 is quite the looker. LED headlights and LED taillights are standard but the look is significantly enhanced with the IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights and 3D LED tail light clusters.

“The ID.4 is an emotional all-rounder which will impress many customers with its efficient electric drive, generous amount of space, modern assist systems and powerful design,” says Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen brand. “As the first global electric car, this model will roll out our modular electric drive matrix platform that has been developed specifically for electric mobility the world over. Volkswagen is thus once again demonstrating its leading role in innovation, technology and quality on the high-volume market.”

Volkswagen will look to invest 11 billion Euros in electric mobility by 2024 as part of the brand's Transform 2025+ strategy and the ID.4 is the brand's first electric compact SUV that follows on from the electric ID.3 hatchback. The ID.4 will rival the likes of the Tesla ModelY.

The Volkswagen ID.4 will be produced in Germany and in China. It will be built on VW's MEB platform and will come to market with rear-wheel drive and with an all-wheel-drive version following later.

The ID.4 is fitted with asingle electric motor over the rear axlewith 150 kW and 310 Nm on offer. With a 77 kWh battery, the ID.4 claims an electric range of 520 km. Zero to 100 kph is achieved in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 160 kph.Anall-wheel-drive ID.4 will come to market later with 2 electric motors and will pack a 225 kW / 450 Nm punch.

As for charging capability, 80% charge, or 320 km, can be charged in 30 minutes using a 125 kW DC quick charging station.

The ID.4 features a clean and uncluttered cabin design.

The interior of the ID.4 takes inspiration from its hatchback sibling, the ID.3, featuring a minimalistic and modern cabin design. A neat digitalinstrument display is fitted along with a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that provides access to both vehicle, entertainment and connectivity functions including "Hello ID" voice control. Furthermore, an augmented reality HUD is optionally available along with an electronic boot lid, roof rails and a tow bar.Interior space is said to be on par with a medium-sized SUV and the load bay is claimed to offer 543 litres, expanding to 1 575 litres with the rear seats folded down.

As for the ID.4's introduction in South Africa, it was previously planned for the end of 2021 but with Covid-19 delaying just about everything, a 2022 arrival date is more reasonable. We will keep you updated as soon as more details become available.

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Further Reading

Volkswagen's EV plans for SA

Volkswagen ID.3 goes official

Volkswagen ID3 R for 2024

Electric Cars: Understanding the Terms