Volkswagen Passenger Cars India will soon make its foray in the electric moblity space and the entry might be sooner than we initially thought. The automaker will get its more premium offering first, similar to Kia and Hyundai, and the ID.4 electric crossover is likely to be the brand’s first EV for India. Interestingly, the model was spotted for the first time in the country sans any camouflage, hinting at an imminent launch.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is the production version of the ID Crozz concept that was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. The production model was unveiled globally in 2020 and is the brand’s first all-electric crossover for the world. The model is currently produced in the US, Germany and China. It’s also likely that the model will arrive in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). The model spotted on test was wearing the red shade, similar to the concept version, while other notable bits included 20-inch wheels, illuminated VW logo, pop-out door handles and the GTX badge at the rear. The ID.4 is a five-seater with the battery placed on the floor.
Upon arrival, this will be Volkswagen India’s new flagship but will be sold in limited numbers. Essentially, it will help the brand gauge the market for EVs, while also helping the model compete in the premium segment. With a striking road presence, the upcoming ID.4 is also loaded on the feature front with dual screens, three-zone climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting, and a host of connectivity options.
With respect to the battery and powertrain, the Volkswagen ID.4 draws power from single and dual electric motor options. The former produces 148PS and 220Nm with a RWD configuration. There’s also the AWD version with two motors and a combined output of 303PS and 310Nm of peak torque. The GTX variant gets the latter and also packs a 77 kWh battery promising range between 334 km and 463 km on a single charge. The electric crossover comes with fast-charging and can charge up to 80 per cent in 35 minutes. There’s no word on the pricing yet but the Kia Seltos sized electric crossover is likely to command a premium between Rs. 50-60 lakh. This pits right against the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai IONIQ5. It will also take on the MINI Cooper SE available at a similar price point.