2021 VW ID.4 EV Offers 250 Mile-Range, 201HP RWD Powertrain For $39,995

Volkswagen’s first-ever electric SUV has been a long time coming but it’s finally here as the all-new 2021 ID.4.

The compact SUV’s styling wasn’t exactly a secret as uncensored images surfaced in China as early as June, but now we get to see the 2021 ID.4 in U.S. and European specification. Other than the U.S.-specific side marker lamps, there are basically no differences over China’s VW ID.4 Crozz.

The interior is not a secret either as the automaker previewed it earlier this month, revealing striking similarities with the ID.4 electric hatchback and a functionality almost completely controlled by touch or voice control.

Base 201HP RWD model with 250-mile EPA range, 302HP AWD variant available

2021 VW ID.4 1st Edition in European specification

The brand’s first long-range EV to be sold in the United States promises to offer hallmark driving dynamics, bold design, and advanced technology. Volkswagen Group of America CEO Scott Keogh even goes as far as saying the ID.4 “drives like a GTI, it has the packaging of a Tiguan and the purpose of the Beetle.” While reviews will later show if that’s the case, let’s take a look at the ID.4’s specs.

Based on the modular electric drive architecture (MEB), the entry-level compact SUV features an electric motor located at the rear. Driving the rear wheels, it develops 201 HP (150 kW / 204 PS) and 228 pound-feet (309 Nm) of torque. The motor is powered by an 82 kWh battery pack (77 kWh net) positioned in the underbody, offering an estimated driving range of 250 miles (402 km) on a full charge on the EPA cycle.

2021 VW ID.4 1st Edition in U.S. specification

A more powerful, electric all-wheel-drive variant with an additional motor and 302 HP (225 kW / 306 PS) will follow later in 2021. In the U.S., the ID.4 will also come with three years of fast charging with Electrify America for no additional cost. VW did not reveal the 0-60 time for the United States, but in Europe, the base 201HP RWD model sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds and delivers a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h).

Speaking of charging, the ID.4 can be charged with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) fast-charging capability. The 11 kW onboard charger allows the ID.4 to charge the battery 33 miles (53 km) in about one hour, “filling up” the battery in around seven and a half hours at a home or public Level 2 charger. Using a DC fast-charging station with 125 kW charging, the ID.4 can go from five to 80 percent charge in about 38 minutes.

Smaller than the Tiguan but equally roomy for both passengers and luggage

In terms of size, the ID.4 is 4.6 inches (117 mm) shorter than the Tiguan, at 180.5 (4,585 mm) in, with a 0.9 in (23 mm) shorter wheelbase at 108.9 in (2,766 mm). It is 1.9 in (48 mm) lower than the Tiguan at 64.4 in (1,636 mm) and 0.5 in (13 mm) wider, at 72.9 in (1,852 mm). Despite the overall smaller footprint, passenger volume is similar to the Tiguan, with a total of 99.9 cubic feet (2,829 liters). Cargo volume is 30.3 cu ft (858 liters) behind the second row, and 64.2 cu ft (1,818 liters) with the seats folded.

Inside, the driver is welcomed by a 5.3-inch ID.Cockpit digital display operated with touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and a 10-inch Discover Pro touch infotainment display in the middle of the dash panel (12-inch Discover Pro Max with the Statement package). The configurable screen manages the standard navigation system, all telematics, entertainment, driver-assistance systems and vehicle settings. Gesture control and ‘Hello ID.’ natural voice control are standard.

Yours for $39,995 – or $35,000 if you wait until 2022 for U.S. production to start

When it comes to safety, the standard IQ.Drive advanced driver assistance technology includes Front Assist, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist.

U.S. pricing starts at $39,995 for the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro, available in the first quarter of 2021. Later next year, the ID.4 AWD Pro will become available from $43,695. The first model customers will be able to get at launch in early 2021 is the RWD ID.4 1st Edition for $43,995. This variant brings the Statement and Gradient packages as standard, as well as unique styling bits. All prices exclude a potential federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Reservations start today on VW.com with a fully refundable $100 fee.

Once production starts in the U.S. at the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant in 2022, the ID.4 will be offered with a lower starting MSRP of $35,000.