“We are working very hard with partners in government agencies and with our colleagues in HQ, and have put together a product portfolio, including exports and EV production from next year on.
“This (Audi Q7) is only the first step with MHEV (mild hybrid) to bringing in more PHEV (plug-in hybrids) and then completely EV in the following years,” she said.
Although she was tight-lipped on the specific models in question and which countries these would be exported to, a slide was shown depicting an ID.4 EV (which was officially previewed in Malaysia years ago) and the flags of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
“We’re not going only for volume; we want to strategically extend and expand our portfolio, and suggest everyone to go electric step-by-step. We need to train people for new technologies to prepare the way for electrification,” Susanne said.
There’s the 3, 4, 5, 7 (6 for now is China-only), the unique Buzz, GTX versions and possible 1, 2 and 8 in the future. With so many IDs to choose from, which do you think is/are most suitable for Malaysia?
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially previewed the all-electric ID.4 SUV at the VW Fest public event this weekend. The pair of EV SUVs are currently in the country to undergo real-world tests, and VPCM MD Erik Winter has said that the company is working hard to bring it to the market “as soon as possible.”
The EVs are shown here in ID.4 Pro Performance guise, featuring a 204 PS electric motor powering the rear wheels (0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds), a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery (82 kWh gross) and a range of up to 519 km on the WLTP test cycle. It takes up to 11 kW AC (7.5 hours for a full charge) and 125 kW DC (38 minutes from 5% to 80%) charging.
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Equipment highlights on the display cars include 19-inch alloys, LED matrix headlights, 3D LED tail lights, Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and the full array of active driving assist systems inclusive of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop and go, Travel Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist.
The ID.4 measures 4,584 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,636 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. As a comparison, that’s a very similar size to both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, two EVs already on sale in Malaysia that are priced between RM208k and RM301k.
Between the three all-electric SUVs, which one would you choose, and why? Discuss below. If you want to check out the ID.4 in person, head onto Sentul Depot this weekend.
The Volkswagen Fest returns this year and will take place from October 15 to 16, 2022 at Sentul Depot, following previous editions which were held in 2019, 2018 and 2017, and right off the bat with this teaser from the official Volkswagen Malaysia Facebook and Instagram posts we now know that the German brand will be officially showing the ID.4 fully electric crossover at the upcoming event.
Beyond the sports and live music segments that have been teased to be run at this year’s edition of Volkswagen Fest, other details about the fully electric ID.4 remain under wraps, though judging from the most recent sighting last month it appears that the presence of a Pro variant is likely.
This specification packs a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery (82 kWh gross) that powers an electric motor for the rear wheels, rated at 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h.
Official Volkswagen information for this version of the ID.4 states a range of 520 km on the WLTP testing protocol on a full charge. Recharging the ID.4 via AC with a Type 2 connection can go up to 11 kW, while DC fast charging through a CCS2 connection enables a maximum rate of 125 kW.
The official word of the ID.4 preview in Malaysia comes after Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) MD Erik Winter said in March this year that the company is “doing their level best to introduce BEVs (battery electric vehicles) in Malaysia,” with the company initially saying that there were no immediate plans to that effect at the time.
Measuring 4,584 mm long, 1,852 mm wide, 1,636 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm, the Volkswagen ID.4 is smaller in exterior dimensions compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is 4,635 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, 1,605 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.
The Volkswagen ID.4 has been spotted in Malaysia yet again, this time in SS14, Subang Jaya. This example is finished in a different colour compared another unit sighted last month, but the badging reveals it to also be a Pro variant.
In Pro guise, the electric vehicle and 2021 World Car of the Year is equipped with a underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 77 kWh (82 kWh gross). This powers a rear electric motor with 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h.
Based on Volkswagen’s spec sheet, a full charge provides around 520 km of range following the WLTP standard. When depleted, the EV supports AC charging (Type 2 connection) at up to 11 kW and DC fast charging (CCS2 connection) with a maximum input of 125 kW. The ID.4 is also sold in the United States and China, with different charging connectors used for those markets.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has yet to confirm if the ID.4 will be officially sold in Malaysia, although with two units sighted so far – likely brought in for testing purposes – there’s strong likelihood that it could happen.
The company previously said it had no immediate plans to launch EVs here, but VPCM managing director Erik Winter was quoted saying “we are doing our level best to introduce BEVs in Malaysia in a post from March.
For those curious about the size of the ID.4, it measures 4,584 mm long, 1,852 mm wide, 1,636 mm tall, with a wheelbase that spans 2,765 mm. For context, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 is 4,635 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, 1,605 mm tall and has a wheelbase that spans 3,000 mm.
In Germany, the Pro variant of the ID.4 starts at 46,335 euros (RM209,724). If the ID.4 is launched here within the incentive period for CBU EVs – ending December 31, 2023 – it stands to benefit from no import and excise duties, which helps with pricing.
If it sells for around RM210k, and that’s a big if, the ID.4 would be costlier than the Mazda MX-30 EV and all variants of Hyundai Kona Electric – both are smaller vehicles – as well as base Lite variant of the Ioniq 5.
It appears the Volkswagen ID.4 will be another electric vehicle (EV) that could go on sale in our market, as an undisguised unit has been spotted in Malaysia by paultan.org reader WK Foong.
First revealed back in September 2020, the ID.4 is the follow-up to the ID.3 and is built on the carmaker’s MEB (modular electric-drive toolkit) platform. The EV has already been named 2021 World Car of the Year, beating out the Honda e and Toyota Yaris.
This particular example appears to the Pro variant based on the fender badge, which features an underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 77 kWh (82 kWh gross). This is good for a range of 520 km following the WLTP standard, and the EV supports both AC charging at up to 11 kW (Type 2 connection in Europe) as well as DC fast charging at up to 125 kW (CCS connection).
The battery powers a rear electric motor that is rated at 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. Lesser variants with a lower-capacity battery (52 kWh usable, 55 kWh gross) are also available, as is an all-wheel drive option.
In terms of size, the ID.4 measures 4,584 mm long, 1,852 mm wide, 1,636 mm tall, with a wheelbase that spans 2,765 mm. That makes it smaller than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 that is 4,635 mm long, 1,890 mm wide, 1,605 mm tall and has a wheelbase that spans 3,000 mm.
Despite this sighting, it’s likely the ID.4 won’t be launched anytime soon. Back in March this year, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) revealed it had no immediate plans to deploy EVs locally just yet.
“You might be aware that Volkswagen is investing quite heavily in battery electric vehicles (BEV), specifically the ID family. Which is quite obvious, because it’s a worldwide trend. All manufacturers are investing and developing in that direction, and so are countries, so, of course, we’ll also join in that direction,” said VPCM managing director Erik Winter at the time.
“While we are looking into that, we don’t have anything to offer yet, we don’t have anything concrete to tell you. The only thing we can tell you is that we are doing our level best to introduce BEVs in Malaysia,” he added.
As such, this ID.4 unit may have been brought in for evaluation and testing purposes ahead of a probable launch. In Germany, the ID.4 is offered in Pro and GTX guises, the former with a starting price of 46,335 euros (RM208,428). Given the current incentives for EVs that negates import and excise duties (even road tax), the ID.4 Pro, if it’s ever launched here, could be priced around that mark. That is if it arrives before the incentive period for CBU EVs ends on December 31, 2023.
Volkswagen has added another variant to the ID.4 line-up with the introduction of the ID.4 Pro 4Motion in Europe. Based on the ID.4 Pro Performance, the new option gains a second electric on the front axle for all-wheel drive and more power as a result, although it still won’t match the range-topping ID.4 GTX 4Motion.
Priced from 49,020 euros (RM225,377) in Germany, the ID.4 Pro 4Motion has a total system output of 265 PS (261 hp or 195 kW) and will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. That’s seven tenths of a second more than the GTX, although both share the same top speed of 180 km/h.
The electric motors – 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kw) rear and 109 PS (107 hp or 80 kW) front – draw power from a 77-kWh lithium-ion battery that is good for up to 517 km on a single charge following the WLTP standard. The GTX has lesser range (480 km) but comes with more power 299 PS (295 hp or 220 kW), by comparison.
For charging, the new variant supports a DC input (CCS2 connection) up to 135 kW, which brings the battery from a 5-80% state of charge in just 36 minutes for a range of 337 km. Unlike the GTX, the Pro 4Motion is for customers who frequent light off-roading and need some extra oomph for towing, both of which the AWD setup provides – the maximum trailer weight is up 200 kg to 1,400 kg for an 8% gradient compared to the Pro Performance.
The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX has made its debut in Berlin, Germany, representing the top of the ID.4 electric SUV line-up by the German automaker. The GTX nameplate is approximately to the Volkswagen ID electric vehicle range what the GTI is to the Golf line-up; as we’ll see, there are parallels in its aesthetic as well.
The modular electric drive matrix (MEB) architecture serves as the basis here, as in the regular ID.4, and the ID.4 GTX takes full advantage of its provisions with the specification of dual electric motors. These produce a total system output of 299 PS, each motor paired with a single-speed transmission.
Power is drawn from a 77 kWh battery pack that offers up to 480 km of range on the WLTP testing cycle, and this can be recharged at rates of up to 125 kW for an additional 300 km of range from a 30-minute charge.
The 77 kWh battery weighs 486 kg, contains 12 cells and is made from aluminium profiles, and are water-cooled. This battery is guaranteed to retain at least 70% of its charge capacity after eight years or 160,000 km, says Volkswagen.
Thus equipped, the ID.4 GTX does the 0-100 km/h run in 6.2 seconds (the 0-60 km/h measure is elapsed in 3.2 seconds), and a top speed that is electronically limited to 180 km/h. In terms of exterior dimensions, the ID.4 GTX measures 4,582 mm long, 1,852 mm wide, 1,616 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm. Luggage capacity ranges from 543 litres with the rear seats in place, or 1,575 litres when stowed.
This makes the ID.4 GTX 10 mm shorter and 13 mm lower than the regular ID.4 as indicated within a Chinese government filing prior to its launch, while drag coefficient of the ID.4 GTX is 0.29 compared to the regular ID.4’s of 0.28.
As with the internal combustion range, the ID.4 GTX visually signals its higher performance with subtle revisions to its looks, with LED DRLs in the honeycomb trim elements setting apart the look from the regular ID.4, with a redesigned rear lamp cluster for an X-shaped brake light graphic. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, and are joined by the roof and roof spoiler that are finished in gloss black.
GTX-specific interior cues include a combination of dark blue for the upper dashboard sections and door card inserts, while the seats get contrasting seams in red. GTX logos are applied to the steering wheel, side sill trim as well as on the front seat backrests in perforated fabric.
Interior equipment is comprised of a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen display, and offers natural voice control with online connectivity. The ID.4 GTX can be optionally specified with an augmented reality head-up display, which merges selected displays into the visual surroundings, according to Volkswagen.
The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX will see its European market launch in the summer of 2021, says the automaker, and the high-performance electric SUV will be priced in Germany from 50,415 euros (RM250,882) plus a 7,500-euro (RM37,320) grant which customers can apply for.
The European NCAP crash safety test results for the Volkswagen ID.4 electric car is out – the five-door, two-tonne crossover has achieved top scores in the latest assessment programme.
It fared commendably in the adult occupant protection category, netting 35.6 points (93%) out of a possible 38. Child occupant protection and safety assist systems are good as well, scoring 89% and 85% respectively.
Speaking of which, the ID.4 range is offered with several advanced driver assist systems as standard. Among those include forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and vehicle turning detection, lane keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, and driver alert system.
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The only area it seems to not do too well is during the vulnerable road users assessment. Here, the ID.4 scored a mere 76%. For the most part, AEB worked as intended, responding rather consistently in scenarios involving adults cross the street or cyclists travelling in parallel.
In less than ideal cases, the ID.4’s AEB system didn’t work as efficiently in detecting cyclist crossing, especially if they appear from a blind or obstructed intersection (you may refer to the slides at the bottom of this report). There is no pedestrian detection while reversing, though.
Now, to quickly recap, there are eight ID.4 models to choose from, available in either 52 kWh or 77 kWh battery pack configurations. The latter offers up to 520 km of range (WLTP) on a single charge, and the electric SUV can be had with as much as 204 PS. You may click here for a more technical read of the crossover’s MEB platform.
Volkswagen has released more details regarding the newly-unveiled ID.4 electric SUV. According to Karsten Schebsdat, company head of driving dynamics, steering and control systems, the ID.4 drives nearly as dynamically as the smaller ID.3 hatch.
For starters, the ID.4 is rear-wheel driven, and the high-voltage battery pack between the axles is positioned at the lowest point of the car. Doing so lowers the car’s centre of gravity and improves the car’s handling. Dual-motor all-wheel drive variants, meanwhile, boast a 50:50 weight distribution.
For suspension, the front axle gets McPherson struts, while the rear is managed by a new, more complex five-link setup that is elastically connected to the body. The optional Dynamic Chassis Control provides four drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual, each altering damping levels and power delivery.
The steering system, for the first time in a Volkswagen, is located in front of the centre of the wheel. Volkswagen says this position “guarantees high stability during fast cornering.” Customers who opt for the “Plus” sports package will get the Progressive Steering as standard. This varies the steering ratio from 15.9:1 to 14.5:1, providing quicker and more direct turns.
The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager that’s found on the Golf Mk8 is also introduced on the DCC-equipped ID.4. This control module apparently elevates the car’s overall performance to a higher level, allowing it to behave more spontaneously, linearly and accurately. While cheaper ID.4s are RWD, the electronics onboard help ensure that it won’t oversteer. This is facilitated by the ESC and speed-based traction control system.
As for wheels, the starting size is 18 inches, and they are either made from steel or aluminium. The selection goes up to 21-inch units. While big, Volkswagen says the ID.4 only requires a turning circle of 10.2 metres – that’s comparatively low for a vehicle in its class, it says.
The flat spokes of the wheels are done for optimum aerodynamic efficiency. This is further aided by low rolling resistance tyres, which are fitted as standard from the factory.
For brakes, ID.4 models equipped with the larger 77 kWh battery pack get 358 mm discs up front, while the rear is managed by drum brakes. Volkswagen says the brake pads are designed to last the lifespan of the car (because most of the braking is done via the electric motor, which recoups energy in the process), and they are impervious to corrosion.
Now, to quickly recap, there are eight ID.4 models to choose from, available in either 52 kWh or 77 kWh battery pack configurations. The latter offers up to 520 km of range (WLTP) on a single charge, and the electric SUV can be had with as much as 204 PS. You may read all about it, here.
Volkswagen has premiered the latest member of its ID family, the ID.4 SUV, joining the range a year after the debut of the ID.3 EV hatchback, and utilising the same modular electric drive matrix (MEB) architecture.
The ID.4 debuts with a rear axle-mounted drive motor that produces 204 PS – the same as that from the ID.3 hatchback at its launch – from a battery pack that can store up to 77 kWh for a range of 520 km on the WLTP test cycle. This will propel the ID.4 from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, and onwards to a top speed of 160 km/h, and the electric SUV’s 210 mm of ground clearance enables it to handle ‘gentle off-road terrain’.
This version will be joined by another variant that adds a front-axle motor with 102 PS and 140 Nm of torque, for a total system output of 306 PS, according to earlier reports. Charging the ID.4 can be done at a rate of up to 125 kW at a DC fast-charging station, which will supply the electric SUV’s battery with 320 km of range in approximately 30 minutes, says Volkswagen.
The ID.4 supports both AC and DC charging, and its 11 kW onboard charger replenishes the battery at rate of 53 km of range per hour, and will fully recharge the ID.4 in 7.5 hours from a 240 V AC home or public outlet, reports The Verge.
This will be offered by the We Charge connected charging package in Europe, which is supported by the IONITY high-power charging network in Europe. In America, Volkswagen is offering three years’ free charging through the Electrify America charging network.
First seen in development vehicle form late last year, the ID.4 measures 4,592 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,629 mm tall with a 2,765 mm wheelbase, as revealed in an earlier Chinese government filing, and its exterior design offers a drag coefficient of 0.28.
Lighting equipment is comprised of LED units for the headlamps and tail lamps in the base version, while the top variant gets IQ.Light interactive matrix LED units with swivelling lens modules and an intelligently-controlled main beam. The headlamps are complemented at the rear end with new three-dimensional LED tail lamps, while rolling stock is comprised of wheels measuring up to 21 inches in diameter.
Inside, the electric SUV boasts 543 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seat backrests in place, or up to 1,575 litres when stowed, and the interior room offered in the ID.4 is comparable with conventional SUVs in the larger size category, says Volkswagen.
Operation of the ID.4 beyond its primary drive controls are based around two displays, including a 12-inch touchscreen as well as ‘Hello ID’ natural voice control. An augmented-reality head-up display is optional, which can project navigation prompts on the windscreen on the prescribed lane as viewed by the driver, and the ID.Light strip at the base of the windscreen offers further prominent visual prompts.
The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first global electric model, which will be manufactured in Zwickau, Germany, in Anting, China and in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 2021 will be the first full year of production at the Zwickau facility, from which 300,000 MEB-based models are expected to roll out. Production has begun at the Anting, China plant, and the Chattanooga, Tennessee facility will follow in 2022.
The United States market will see the ID.4 priced from $40,000 (RM166,660) before the US federal government’s $7,500 (RM31,248) tax credit for EVs, which drops the price to $32,500 (RM135,412). This stands to be reduced even further when Chattanooga production commences, and the ID.4 is planned for a price of around $27,500 (RM114,579) after the federal tax credit.
