ID.4 and 5 set to overhaul Golf as most popular Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s first dedicated electric models to land in New Zealand, the ID.4 and its coupe-SUV brother the ID.5, are likely to overtake the Golf as the brand’s most popular model within just months of launching.

Management told media at a launch event in Auckland that 400-500 units should hit the road this year. Around 200 units of the Golf – a car that has long represented the brand to many – have been registered new this year.

Even as the model lands, pre-orders have so far reached more than 150 units.

It’s a strong start, and apparently surprising to local European Motor Distributors’ contacts in Germany.

“Whenever we do talk about EVs, the Germans are surprised that how quickly the market is moving – and that is quickly even before the government rebates,” national sales manager Jordan Haines says.

Haines notes the brand has waited a long time for ID.4 – the project began five years ago for the local distributor, but the time is right.

“What is important is ensuring that we’ve got the car at the right price in the right segment of the market,” Haines says, explaining the $70,000 to $80,0000 segment has been hot property in the last year.

“That’s representing almost 10,000 cars. So that’s where we’re positioning the ID.4.”

Interestingly for a new EV, Haines says the model won’t have any supply restrictions. While he wouldn’t predict exactly how the new model will go into next year, taking into account the shifting nature of the political landscape and future of rebates, he believes it will continue to grow.

Would the $79,990 price point remain should rebates go post-election – as hinted at by the National Party? While not specifically referring to the ID.4, Haines suggested prices will likely rise.

“I think that if an $80,000 price point is removed with the rebate, there will be a swing upward for a vast majority of these cars, which are cut margins to get specifically under that price, both from a dealer level and manufacturer level,” he explains.

“You need to be under that price point.”

So what do you get for your $73,000 after rebate in an ID.4, or even an ID.5 on launch promotion?

The Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 models present a structured approach to their offerings, segmented into Pro and Pro+ variations.

Starting with the ID.4 Pro, key attributes include the ID. exclusive 19-inch HAMAR alloy wheels, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control (ACC), and lane keeping assist combined with a blind spot monitor for enhanced safety.

Furthermore, drivers can benefit from an area view monitor and the drive mode select option. Comfort is a significant highlight, with features such as the “Twist & Go” function, 10-inch ‘Ready 2 Discover’ infotainment system, 30-colour ambient lighting, and the comfort of heated front seats and steering wheel. Wireless charging is also a standard inclusion, keeping devices powered on the move.

For those looking for a step up in features, the ID.4 Pro+ comes with a starting price of $89,990. It takes all the features from the ID.4 PRO and augments them with advanced lighting systems like the ‘IQ.Light’ matrix LED headlights, LED front light bar, automatic high beam control, and 3D LED taillights with ‘Dynamic’ indicators.

The interior comfort is accentuated further with power-adjustable front seats equipped with Memory & Massage function. To top it off, there’s a more extensive 12-inch ‘Ready 2 Discover Max’ infotainment system, ‘3-Zone Climatronic Air Conditioning’, and a ‘Premium Sound System,’ complete with a digital amplifier and subwoofer.

Moving to the ID.5 Pro, this model boasts a similar feature set to the ID.4. However, unique to the ID.5 Pro is the exclusive exterior treatment that sets it apart. It also carries the ID. exclusive 19-inch HAMAR alloy wheels, safety features like the AEB, ACC, and lane keeping assist, alongside the blind spot monitor.

Notably, the infotainment system in the ID.5 Pro is the larger 12-inch ‘Ready 2 Discover Max’ edition, enhancing the entertainment quotient.

Finally, the ID.5 Pro+ has a starting price of $95,490 and retains all the benefits of the ID.5 Pro while adding distinct features. In terms of exterior enhancements, the Pro+ rolls on larger 20-inch DRAMMEN alloy wheels. Interior amenities, lighting options, and comfort features are similar to those in the ID.4 Pro+, ensuring a consistent level of luxury and refinement across both model ranges.

All ID.4 get the same 83kWh gross, 77kWh net, lithium-Ion battery, giving a range that varies by model but maxing out at 519km.

The drivetrain is rear-wheel drive only for now – an all-wheel-drive GTX is likely to land next year. The motor is a synchronous unit producing 150kW power and 310Nm torque. It uses a special no-maintenance single speed differential for efficiency. The 0-100km sprint is tackled in 8.5 seconds.

How big is the ID.4? While it looks small externally, it is bigger in size and volume than a Volkswagen Tiguan, putting its toe in the medium family SUV market.

We have our hands on an ID.4 now, and will have a full story on the model shortly.