Volkswagen updates ID.4 and ID.5 in Europe

VOLKSWAGEN’S answer to the Tesla Model Y, the all-electric ID.4 and ID.5, have been updated in Europe – just months ahead of the models’ arrival into Australia.

Details of the MY24 updated see the ID.4 and ID.5 medium SUV range receive an upgraded infotainment array with a new-look human-machine interface and new software, as well as a larger 12.9-inch display screen.

VW has further equipped its high-speed Pro and GTX variants with updated drivelines, upping performance by as much as 60kW and 235Nm and improving driving range by up to 17km to 556km (WLTP).

Volkswagen Australia will launch the ID.4 (SUV) and ID.5 (SUV Coupe) locally in July 2024. The range is expected to commence from around $60,000 plus on-road costs.

In a statement issued this week, Volkswagen said its new infotainment software is designed to be more intuitive in operation, while also being much faster and with increased functionality.

A new voice assistant is said to respond more precisely to natural voice commands and offers access to new functions including cloud-based weather information, and even the status of sporting events or market stock prices.

Optionally, a new premium sound system from harman/kardon offers 480 watts of sound and 10 speakers – including a centre speaker and subwoofer.

The ID.4 and ID.5 range will also offer augmented reality head-up display – again updated – as an option, as well as illuminated touch sliders for the HVAC controls and audio system volume.

The driving mode selector has now been removed from the housing of the Digital Cockpit, replaced as a steering column switch like that found in the larger ID.7.

Importantly, all ID.4 and ID.5 models equipped with VW’s 77kWh battery receive what the German manufacturer refers to as high-efficiency drive. The system combines a new electric drive motor on the rear axle and a new generation battery to reduce energy consumption and increase power and torque.

A new traction motor with 210kW is now found in rear-wheel drive models offering 60kW more than in the preceding range. Peak torque jumps a substantial 75 per cent (or 235Nm) to 545Nm. Coupled with the additional front motor on AWD models, the Pro 4Motion version of the ID.4 and ID.5 now offers total system power of 210kW, or an increase of 15kW.

For the performance GTX range, we find 250kW of total system power – up 30kW – and a faster 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds (-0.6sec).

To complement the new drive system, VW has reconfigured its optional adaptive chassis control to allow “greater spread between comfort and dynamics (settings)”.

VW says all ID.4 and ID.5 models equipped with the 77kWh battery may now be charged with sufficient power to travel 178km in just 10 minutes. RWD models may be charged at up to 135kW (DC) and AWD models at up to 175kW (DC). The base model with its 52kWh battery now offers a charging capacity of 115kW, instead of 110kW (DC).

The changes are brought about by changes to the thermal management system that “makes sure the battery is pre-conditioned while driving and before the next DC charging stop”.

“Our customers can look forward to an exceptional technical performance with the new ID.4 and the new ID.5,” said Volkswagen head of sales, marketing and aftersales, Imelda Labbe.

“Software and infotainment are state-of-the-art. In addition, there are extensive assistance systems that leave nothing to be desired.

“The further improved ID.4 and ID.5 models are at the top of the segment with their new technologies and the acknowledged balance of driving, comfort and spaciousness.”