VW revealed ID.4 AWD in US as the most affordable all-wheel-drive EV.
The new offerings comes in two trims with a starting price of $43,675.
Volkswagen has released the all-wheel-drive version of its new ID4 electric SUV, the ID.4 AWD Pro in the US, with starting price of $43,675, making it the most affordable dual-motor electric SUV. Besides AWD Pro there’s a Pro S trim that comes with a price tag of $48,175. Both models are All ID.4 models are further eligible for a potential Federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Technically, the ID.4 AWD Pro introduced in the States is the same GTX trim that is available in Europe.
The all-wheel-drive ID4 has dual electric motors, with one motor powering the front axle and the other powering the rear. While the front unit has a maximum output of 107 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque, the rear unit generates a maximum output of 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. The two-motor system develops a combined output of 295 horsepower. That’s twice the power of the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro and almost 50% higher than the Tesla Model Y Long Range’s 201kW.
Each motor on the new AWD models connects to the wheels through a differential and a single-speed gearbox. Of course, the variable all-wheel drive is different from traditional AWD systems in that there are no mechanical links between the axles. In normal driving conditions, the rear motor does all the work and the front motor automatically engages only when needed.
The new ID.4 AWD variants are powered by the same 82kWh battery just like its single motor sibling. While the AWD Pro has a claimed range of 249 miles (400km) as per the EPA range rating, the Pro S can go 240 miles (386km) in a single charge (thanks to the extra weight). The ID.4 AWD Pro has an upgraded towing capacity of 1.2 ton compared to the rear-wheel-drive’s 1-ton capacity. Other features include a heated windshield for icy conditions and extra driving modes.
The new US offering by VW has the same usual Eco, Comfort and Sport driving mode. Moreover, the AWD Pro model gets two more options, one as a customisable mode that sits between Comfort and Sport, and another the traction mode which engages both drives for slippery and loose surfaces.
Volkswagen has packed the ID.4 AWDs with a panoramic fixed glass roof, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with leatherette surfaces, a 12-inch touchscreen with navigation, and an illuminated grille and VW logo. There’s also an optional Gradient package ($1,500) is exclusive to the more premium Pro S that adds 20-inch wheels, a black-painted roof, and silver roof rails and accents.
Reservations for the ID.4 AWD can be made at vw.com/id4 informed the German automaker. The deliveries are said to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021. The main competition of the Volkswagen’s all-wheel electric offering comes in the form of the Tesla Model Y, which is still only available in Long Range and Performance variants. The Teslas comes with a price tag of $US52,490 (almost $SU10,000 costlier than the ID.4 AWD Pro). On top of that the Californian crossovers now no longer available for the federal rebate. The more affordable Standard Range Plus Model Y goes on sale with only one motor. So either way, the VW offerings are the clear winner, at least on paper.
