The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first all-electric SUV and the brand’s first global EV. Built on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle architecture—the modular electric drive matrix—it marries the strengths of a purpose-built EV with performance, packaging and value, features that have marked the brand for decades. The ID.4 competes in the world’s largest market segment, compact SUVs, and is currently produced in Germany and China; in the future, it will also be assembled in the United States.
At launch in the U.S., the 2021 ID.4 offers an 82kWh (gross) battery and a rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The EPA-certified range for the Pro S (Statement) and 1st Edition models is 250 miles.
The ID.4 offer structure is simple—four trims and one package. The entry-level Pro model is well equipped, with features typically found on higher trims baked in for added value. Pricing starts at $39,995 MSRP, before a potential Federal tax credit of up to $7,500. For highly qualified customers through Volkswagen Credit, the monthly lease payment for a 36-month lease (with 10,000 miles a year) is $379 per month with $3,579 due at signing, excluding tax, title, license, options and dealer fees. Starting later in 2021, the ID.4 AWD Pro will be available with an MSRP of $43,675.
Pro S models are priced from $44,495, and add standout styling elements, along with creature comfort and convenience features. A Gradient Package is available for $1,500, and includes larger wheels and further design differentiators. AWD Pro S models will be priced from $48,175 on arrival later this year.
A special ID.4 1st Edition model was available at launch, and has since sold out. Priced at $43,995, this rear-wheel-drive model combined Pro S and Gradient features with a handful of unique design elements.
SALES:
Volkswagen plans to offer the ID.4 electric vehicle across all 50 states, and throughout its network of more than 600 dealers. A reservation platform is available on VW.com, allowing customers to reserve an ID.4 before it hits dealer showrooms, with a fully refundable $100 reservation fee. As vehicle production starts, reservation holders will be invited to confirm their order with an additional fully refundable $400 vehicle deposit. From placing a reservation, to production and through delivery, the customer can see where they stand and when they can expect their ID. 4 to arrive at their preferred local VW dealer in a simple, transparent process. At that time, the customer can transact with their dealer and complete their purchase.
PRODUCTION:
Volkswagen has made a commitment to be carbon neutral globally by 2050, in line with the goals of the Paris Climate accord.
The Zwickau factory uses electricity that is sourced using renewable energy. The site includes a combined heat and power plant, which, long term, is planned to use carbon-neutral natural gas. Production of the battery cells, which are externally sourced, is unavoidably energy-intensive, but Volkswagen has obliged its cell supplier to exclusively use electricity generated from renewable sources for manufacturing. These measures are designed to help reduce the carbon footprint of the production of ID.4. The rest of the carbon-neutral delivery is handled via certified carbon credits for a variety of projects in Asia and South America that offset remaining carbon emissions.
At the end of the usage phase, it is anticipated that the battery from the ID.4 can either be reused in second-life concepts or turned into a source of raw materials through recycling. A pilot recycling plant is already being built at the Salzgitter site, where Volkswagen is setting up a battery cell production facility together with the Swedish company Northvolt.
The ID.4 is expected to begin U.S. production in 2022 at the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant. Volkswagen anticipates investing a further $800 million in the Chattanooga factory for the production of electric vehicles, in addition to the more than $2.6 billion that VW has invested in the area. The factory currently has about 3,800 direct employees.
