Finally, Volkswagen has announced pricing for its first electric cars, the ID.4 and ID.5.
There’s a nice surprise in store for those who have waited, with the entry-level ID.4 Pro packing in strong driving range figures and lots of technology for a sharp $59,990, before on-road costs.
The performance-oriented ID.5 GTX coupe SUV is $72,990. Volkswagen will add a more affordable ID.5 Pro and a GTX version of the ID.4 in July.
Importantly for VW, the ID.4 undercuts key rivals in the space, including the incoming updated Tesla Model Y ($63,400) and equivalent Kia EV5 Air Long Range ($61,170, both before on-road costs).
And while there are new names in the electric medium SUV space that are cheaper, including the BYD Sealion 7 ($54,990) and Geely EX5 ($43,490, both before on-road costs), the rear-drive ID.4 Pro is rated with 544km in the combined WLTP cycle from its 77kWh battery, beating both.
Charging is capped at 175kW DC for 10-80 percent in under 30 minutes. Home AC charging tops out at 11kW. Partnering with Ampol, Volkswagen is offering discounted home and on-road charging.
With 210kW and 545Nm, the ID.4 Pro can sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds. Volkswagen is keen to point the price parity with the Tiguan 162TSI R-Line, which costs $60,590 (before on-road costs) and gets to 100km/h in 7.0 seconds.
Standard features of the ID.4 are below.
- 19-inch ‘Hamar’ alloy wheels
- Matrix LED headlights
- Adaptive dampers
- Keyless entry
- Power tailgate
- Glass roof with electric sunblind
- 12.9-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Phone connectivity via GoConnect app
- Tri-zone climate control
- Seven-speaker sound system
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Mode 2 and 3 charging cables
Safety and active driver assists include adaptive cruise control, lane-trace assist, blind-spot monitoring, AEB with cross-traffic and turning assist, and front and rear parking sensors. A five-star ANCAP rating was awarded in 2021.
Moving up to the ID.5 GTX — the GTI of the electric world, at least for now — boosts power to 250kW thanks to a front motor. Torque stays the same. There’s no ID.4 GTX offered in Australia, either.
With 20-inch ‘Ystad’ alloy wheels and sportier tyres, the more athletic ID.5 GTX is able to sprint to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, and range falls to 522km WLTP from a slightly bigger 79kWh useable battery.
A 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and sports bucket seats finish off the ID.5 GTX equipment.
Volkswagen claims 100 of its Australia dealers are EV-ready with charging at more than 90 of those locations. Servicing is due every two years with pricing to be finalised.
The ID.4 and ID.5 missed their original 2023 arrival promise by two years, with first customer deliveries expected from mid-2025.
