Volkswagen announced a series of updates for the European market ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs. Despite looking identical to their predecessors from the outside, the EVs now have an increased range of up to 556 km (345 miles), while benefiting from a power boost of up to 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS), faster charging capabilities, and a new infotainment system.
New 77 kWh Battery And Rear-Mounted Electric Motor
Most of the enhancements, except for the infotainment system, are focused on models equipped with the larger battery pack, as the trims featuring the entry-level 58 kWh unit only benefit from a slightly faster charging capability of 115 kW DC (up from 110 kW). In contrast, the long-range RWD versions get an upgraded 77 kWh battery paired with a more efficient electric motor, allowing for a charging rate of 175 kW.
As expected, these changes have a positive impact on the WLTP range figures. The ID.4 Pro now boasts a WLTP range of 550 km (342 miles), which is an improvement of 17 km (11 miles) compared to the previous version. Similarly, the more aerodynamic ID.5 can travel up to 556 km (345 miles) between charges, or 11 km (7 miles) further than the model it replaces.
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VW ID.4
In addition to its improved efficiency, the rear-mounted electric motor is significantly more powerful and torquey than the previous unit. It now produces 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) of torque, marking an increase of 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) over the previous version. The power boost is slightly less pronounced in the dual-motor ID.4 Pro 4Motion, which gains an extra 20 hp (15 kW / 21 PS) and now matches the combined output of the rear-wheel-drive models.
Regardless of the configuration, all ID.4 Pro and ID.5 Pro models now boast a higher top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph), up from the previous 160 km/h (99 mph). More notably, Volkswagen engineers have fine-tuned the settings of the optional adaptive chassis control (DCC), offering a “greater spread between comfort and dynamics.”
Last but not least, the dual-motor ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX performance flagships now make 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS), which is 40 hp (30 kW / 41 PS) more than the earlier versions. As a result, the 0-100 km/h (0-62) mph sprint is now accomplished in 5.4 seconds, compared to the previous 6.3 seconds, while the top speed remains electronically capped to 180 km/h (112 mph).
More Intuitive Infotainment
The new infotainment system
While the extra power and range are welcome updates, one thing that most buyers will notice is the new infotainment system. All ID.4 and ID.5 trims now come standard with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen, sitting above the touch sliders which are now illuminated. The new infotainment is said to be more intuitive thanks to a revised menu structure while being faster and offering more functions than before.
The digital instrument cluster and the optional augmented reality head-up display have also been enhanced, alongside the voice assistant. The driving mode selector is now separate from the housing of the Digital Cockpit, just like in the ID.7 sedan, allowing more space for the larger touchscreen. Finally, the automaker offers the option of a new Harman Kardon premium sound system with 480 Watts and 10 speakers.
Pre-sales of the improved VW ID.4 and ID.5 have already started in European markets, with prices remaining stable compared to the outgoing versions, starting from €40,335 ($42,786) in Germany. . It is worth noting that similar upgrades have been recently introduced for their closely related counterparts, the Audi Q4 e-tron and Skoda Enyaq vRS.
