Volkswagen I.D. Hatchback to go on sale in 2019 – up to 550 km e-range, priced like a modern Golf Diesel

More details on the Volkswagen I.D. Hatch have surfaced. Company board member Jürgen Stackmann has taken to Twitter to reveal some key details of the zero-emissions hatch, including a driving range of 550 km based on the new WTLP test procedure.

However, that figure is slightly less than the 600-km range initially announced. Either way, the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) platform that underpins the I.D. Hatch features scalable batteries for different capacities, so perhaps a longer-range variant could be introduced at a later stage. Details of its charging tech remain scarce, although Volkswagen claims an 80% charge is possible within 30 minutes.

Stackmann also revealed that the I.D. Hatch will be a fully connected vehicle with new innovative interface, and this suite of technologies will likely pave the way for the fully-autonomous I.D. Pilot mode that’s set to be introduced in 2025. In concept, the self-driving mode is activated by touching the VW logo on the steering wheel, which is also capable of retracting for slightly more space within the vehicle. It features over-the-air updates as well.

With the I.D. Hatch, Volkswagen aims to change the purchasing experience of customers. “In the future, Volkswagen customers will be able to choose between models, ranges, colours and specification packages with far fewer clicks. We want to think more like customers, and less like engineers,” said Stackmann.

Pre-booking for the I.D. Hatch will begin sometime next year, and the model’s availability will “mark the start of a new era” for Volkswagen, he said, while adding “I have a feeling this will be a magical for Volkswagen. Vehicles, customers and dealerships are going to be fully connected in the future.”

In terms of pricing, the EV will be sold at prices that are comparable to a modern Golf Diesel. In the UK, the oil-burning Golf carries a starting price of £20,505 (RM109k) for the 1.6 TDI, and goes up to £25,515 (RM136k) for the 2.0 TDI.

The I.D. hatchback will be the first of five new electric models in the pipeline, including the I.D. Crozz coupe-SUV crossover, I.D. Vizzion flagship, I.D. Buzz MPV and I.D. R Pikes Peak racer.

GALLERY: Volkswagen I.D. Hatch concept

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