Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Fiat Chrysler and PSA complete merger to become Stellantis
      Dacia-Lada business unit will unleash brands' power, Renault execs say
      Russia's new-car sales fall 2% in December
      FCA-PSA merger adds uncertainty to Peugeot's return to U.S., brand chief says
    • Fiat Chrysler and PSA complete merger to become Stellantis
      Dacia-Lada business unit will unleash brands' power, Renault execs say
      BMW aims to double EV sales this year
      EX-VW CEO Winterkorn avoids market manipulation trial but faces tougher test
    • Ford, Audi, Daimler reduce German output on chip supply shortages
      Airline chief to head Swedish bearings maker SKF
      Nvidia CEO says software will soon define the car, drive profit
      LG Magna-MAIN_i.jpg
      At CES, Magna touts new deal with LG
    • Dacia-Lada business unit will unleash brands' power, Renault execs say
      Renault to follow Peugeot, VW in seeking higher transaction prices
      Renault to boost low-volume Alpine brand with 3 EVs
      view gallery
      8 photos
      Dacia Bigster
    • Mercedes badge_1.jpg
      Mercedes meets European CO2 target with late-year surge in EV sales
      EV-only future looks closer than ever in Europe
      VW to link bonuses to social targets
      New EU 'green-washing' rules will force automakers to be transparent
    • Russia's new-car sales fall 2% in December
      FCA-PSA merger adds uncertainty to Peugeot's return to U.S., brand chief says
      Benz plant in Beijing.jpg
      Mercedes, Audi, BMW post record China deliveries
      LUXESALES-MAIN_i.jpg
      BMW defends U.S. luxury crown
    • Airline chief to head Swedish bearings maker SKF
      Renault names former Google exec to run Alpine brand
      Bentley's top designer, Sielaff, to leave; may join Geely
      RTX326BL.jpg
      LeddarTech names former Opel CEO Carl-Peter Forster to board
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Frankfurt Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Latest Launches
    • Analyst's View
    • Segment Analysis
    • Europe By The Numbers
    • EV-only future looks closer than ever in Europe
      European car retailing poised for shake-up as 'agency' model gains support
      How Europe will become an EV battery powerhouse
      VW, Ford stumbles force rethink of how to best use social media
    • Nvidia CEO says software will soon define the car, drive profit
      Tavares: Keeping PSA, FCA merger on track an 'incredible' achievement
      Renault CEO outlines ambitious revival plan
      Why Rolls-Royce boss expects to be profitable despite COVID
    • Veoneer boss expects to reach key milestone this quarter
      How Faurecia aims to become a hydrogen leader
      How Yanfeng gave the car interior a brain
      FCA suppliers in Europe at risk from switch to PSA platform, experts say
    • Arrival Van.jpg
      How Arrival intends to disrupt the delivery van market
      Polestar 2's performance, convenience offset range anxiety
      Chinese EV maker Xpeng outlines Europe rollout plan
      Nio ET7-MAIN.jpg
      Nio debuts first electric sedan
    • BENTAYGAHYBRID-MAIN_i.jpg
      Bentley freshens Bentayga Hybrid
      BMW 4-Series Coupe breaks free from sedan sibling
      Hyundai counts on new Tucson to become its Europe top-seller
      Dacia turns to familiar playbook for all-new Sandero
    • Pandemic forces automakers to focus on brand, conserve cash
      Why prospects for dealer mergers have improved
      Dacia-level price discipline needed to end margin slump in Europe, expert says
      How infotainment systems are taking over the vehicle cockpit
    • Wagons hold market share, but costly EV shift looms
      Electrification gains speed in Europe's key compact segment
      Hybrids beat the market; sales expected to top 1 million in 2022
      Plug-in hybrids set for rapid rise but trouble looms
    • Russia's new-car sales fall 2% in December
      Europe sales by model, Nov. and 11 months: Audi A3, Jeep Compass rise; Toyota Yaris surprises
      Top 10 sellers by market, 11 months: Skoda a top 5-seller in 13 countries
      Russia's new-car sales rise for second straight month
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
    • Polestar 2's performance, convenience offset range anxiety
      Bosch, Continental battle to supply the brain of the connected car
      Why the ID5 is VW's true rival to the Tesla Model Y
      Volvo, Daimler CEOs praised for leading push to computerize cars
    • Understanding the impact of design on marketing, brand and user experience
      Ex-Aston Martin CEO Palmer calls on UK to intensify battery commitment
      Why Apple must target the $230B luxury car market
      Apple car: Who will build it? Magna Steyr possible candidate
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • view gallery
      8 photos
      Dacia Bigster
      view gallery
      8 photos
      Renault 5 concept
      view gallery
      15 photos
      Toyota Mirai 2021
      view gallery
      10 photos
      Fiat Tipo Cross
    • koenigsegg-gemera-front-quarter-passenger-01.jpg
      view gallery
      14 photos
      Koenigsegg Gemera
      view gallery
      21 photos
      Fiat New 500
      view gallery
      11 photos
      Aston Martin V12 Speedster
      view gallery
      13 photos
      Audi A3 Sportback 2020
    • At the Beijing show, sales rebound and EV boom mix with murky outlook
      3BEIJING-MAIN_i.jpg
      Beijing show to highlight competition for local EV makers
      Beijing auto show delayed due to coronavirus
      Maserati will unveil Ghibli hybrid at Beijing show
    • view gallery
      11 photos
      Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS
      view gallery
      11 photos
      Renault Captur
      view gallery
      5 photos
      Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 53
      view gallery
      10 photos
      Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe
    • view gallery
      8 photos
      VinFast Lux SA2.0 SUV
      view gallery
      8 photos
      VinFast Lux A2.0 sedan
      view gallery
      7 photos
      Toyota Corolla station wagon
      view gallery
      9 photos
      Seat Tarraco
    • view gallery
      4 photos
      Nio ET Preview
      view gallery
      7 photos
      Infiniti Qs Inspiration concept
      view gallery
      5 photos
      BMW 3-series LWB
      view gallery
      9 photos
      Mini Clubman
  • Maps
    • E-Car & Component Map of Europe
    • Powertrain Map of Europe
    • Assembly Plant Map of Europe
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress Conversations
    • ANE Shift
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
    • ANE Leading Women
    • Watch Again
      • July 9: EU green deal in the COVID-19 new normal
      • July 16: Assisted or Autonomous Driving
      • July 23: Challenges in Electrification
      • July 30: The Road Ahead for Europe
    • Meet the 2020 winners
    • Watch the 2020 Rising Stars awards again
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Latest Launches
September 23, 2020 11:05 AM

VW prices ID4 electric crossover launch edition below Tesla rival

Christiaan Hetzner
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    The ID4 has 21 cm of ground clearance and a flowing design that gives it a drag coefficient of 0.28.

    FRANKFURT -- Volkswagen will price the first production run of its ID4 full-electric crossover below its rival, the Tesla Model Y.

    In Germany, the ID4 launch edition, called the ID4 1st, will start at 49,950 euros ($58,896) excluding subsidies. The Model Y starts at 58,620 euros. VW will limit production of the launch edition to 27,000 units. 

    The ID4 starts the global rollout of cars built on VW Group's mass-market MEB electric platform. It follows the ID3 compact hatchback, which is currently being launched in Europe.

    Unlike the Europe-focused ID3, the ID4 will be a global model, with the U.S. and China as key markets.

    The ID4's launch is even more essential to the success of VW's electric-car push because it targets the hot crossover segment.

    VW brand CEO Ralf Brandstätter said the ID4 opens the door to a high-volume segment, and his management team forecasts output to hit half a million units annually by 2025 -- a third of the anticipated production of the ID family.

    "The ID4 will take on a central role as the brand's first fully electric SUV and the new global car from Volkswagen," he told reporters during a briefing ahead of the car's unveiling on Wednesday. "It will be delivered to customers before the end of this year."

    VW last month began production of the ID4 in Zwickau, Germany, where the ID3 is also built. ID4 production will start this year at VW's plants in Anting and Foshan, China. U.S. production in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is slated to begin in 2022.

    Fully-functional

    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).

    'Max' version

    Customers will also be able to order the "Max" version for 59,950 euros. This includes extras such as a panorama roof, an augmented-reality head-up display, its Level 2 partially automated Travel Assist feature, and LED matrix headlights for better visibility at night.

    A VW brand spokesman said the base model when it debuts will be available for an as-yet-unspecified amount that will be significantly below 40,000 euros in Germany. The price does not include a 9,000-euro incentive available in Germany.

    Once the 27,000 units of the ID4 1st are sold, the brand will then offer pre-configured models to reduce complexity and accelerate production output from its Zwickau EV plant.

    Next year a more powerful, all-wheel-drive version will go on sale.

    "The ID4 is guaranteed to draw EVs out of their niche existence, I believe," said Thomas Ulbrich, VW brand's board member for EV. "It has the potential to be a game changer."

    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    Share
    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    Fiat Chrysler and PSA complete merger to become Stellantis
    Recommended for You
    Fiat Chrysler and PSA complete merger to become Stellantis
    Fiat Chrysler and PSA complete merger to become Stellantis
    Dacia-Lada business unit will unleash brands' power, Renault execs say
    Dacia-Lada business unit will unleash brands' power, Renault execs say
    FCA-PSA merger adds uncertainty to Peugeot's return to U.S., brand chief says
    FCA-PSA merger adds uncertainty to Peugeot's return to U.S., brand chief says
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • 2020 Media Kit
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2021. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Frankfurt Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Latest Launches
      • Analyst's View
      • Segment Analysis
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Maps
      • E-Car & Component Map of Europe
      • Powertrain Map of Europe
      • Assembly Plant Map of Europe
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress Conversations
        • Watch Again
          • July 9: EU green deal in the COVID-19 new normal
          • July 16: Assisted or Autonomous Driving
          • July 23: Challenges in Electrification
          • July 30: The Road Ahead for Europe
      • ANE Shift
      • ANE Rising Stars
        • Meet the 2020 winners
        • Watch the 2020 Rising Stars awards again
      • ANE Eurostars
      • ANE Leading Women
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us