Volkswagen is gearing up to introduce its first electric vehicle (EV) in India with the Volkswagen ID.4, a premium electric SUV crossover. This will be Volkswagen's maiden entry into the Indian EV market, and the ID.4 is expected to arrive as a completely built unit (CBU), likely in a single well-equipped variant. The global version of the ID.4 features a 77kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of over 500 km (WLTP).
Launch Timeline and Details
At its annual conference, Volkswagen India announced that the ID.4 is slated for launch by the end of 2024. This EV will be a premium offering, imported as a CBU. The ID.4 is expected to come packed with features and technology, making it a significant addition to Volkswagen's lineup in India.
Exterior Design
The Volkswagen ID.4 boasts a sleek and aerodynamic design. Its front fascia is characterized by a prominent Volkswagen logo, surrounded by wraparound LED headlights. Dynamic elements like air scoops and a honeycomb air dam enhance the car's aerodynamic profile. Despite its crossover status, the ID.4 features clean lines and sharp edges, giving it a refined and futuristic look. The car's dimensions are impressive, slightly shorter and lower than the Volkswagen Tiguan SUV, with rugged styling elements and a low drag coefficient of 0.28 for increased range.
Interior Features
Inside, the Volkswagen ID.4 offers a futuristic and tech-savvy cabin. Most functions are operated through touch or voice commands, with a 5.3-inch digital display providing key information. The gearshift is replaced by a large rocker switch, and a large touchscreen handles navigation and entertainment, with customizable options.
Features and Technology
The ID.4 comes loaded with comfort and convenience features, including dual-zone climate control, power tailgate with Easy Open & Close, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, AR heads-up display, wireless mobile charging, wireless App-Connect, and connected car technology. Safety features include six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).
Battery, Range, and Performance
Internationally, the ID.4 is available in several variants with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. It offers different battery-pack options, with ranges varying based on the variant. The ID.4 supports DC fast charging of up to 135kW, which can top up the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes.
Price and Competition
Upon its launch in India, the Volkswagen ID.4 is expected to be priced around Rs 65 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and the upcoming Skoda Enyaq in the premium electric SUV segment.