VW launches enhanced ID.4 and ID.5

Volkswagen has unveiled significant upgrades to its popular ID.4 and ID.5 electric models, now open for orders through Volkswagen UK Retailers. Worth noting that prices start from £46,000 on the road – so these new versions will be launching directly into the most competitive market segment. Will features like the ability to add 110 miles in 10 minutes make up for the pricing?

The enhanced electric SUVs boast upgraded features, including a cutting-edge infotainment system equipped with a spacious 12.9-inch display, user-friendly menu navigation, and controls with illuminated sliders for adjusting cabin temperature. Notably, the augmented-reality head-up display has been refined, and the driving mode selector, following the lead of the ID.7, has been relocated to the steering column to accommodate the larger infotainment screen.

Enhanced usability is achieved with the introduction of the new IDA voice assistant, which responds more accurately to natural voice commands and offers novel functionalities like cloud-based weather updates, live sporting event statuses, and stock market prices.

Replacing the prior Volkswagen Digital Sound Package, a premium Harman Kardon sound system now graces the ID.4 and ID.5 models, delivering 480 Watts of music output through 10 speakers, including a centre speaker and subwoofer. This audio enhancement is an optional feature for the rear-wheel-drive Pro trims and comes as standard on the 4MOTION GTX variants in the UK.

Powering all ID.4 and ID.5 models is Volkswagen's latest APP550 drive unit, delivering a remarkable boost in power while reducing energy consumption. The upgraded unit generates 286 PS (210 kW), offering an impressive 75% increase in torque, soaring from 310 to 545 Nm.

For the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX models, both sporty and all-wheel-drive variants, the system power now reaches an impressive 340 PS (250 kW), a notable increase of 41 PS (30 kW). Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in these models takes a mere 5.4 seconds.

Enhanced efficiency has extended the combined WLTP range of the ID.4 to up to 337 miles, a 10.5-mile increase from its previous capacity. Meanwhile, the ID.5 SUV coupé achieves a range of up to 339 miles, an additional 11.8 miles. Moreover, advancements in thermal management enable faster charging capabilities, with all-wheel-drive models now offering 175 kW DC charging, up from the previous 135 kW. These ID. versions can now add approximately 110 miles of range in just 10 minutes at maximum charging capacity.

Volkswagen has further refined the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) exclusively available as an option on the GTX, enhancing the Vehicle Dynamics Manager to deliver an even wider range between comfort and dynamic performance.

Lastly, a striking new optional paint colour, Costa Azul blue metallic, has been introduced for all models except the GTX.

The VW brand, operating across more than 140 markets and producing vehicles at 29 locations in twelve countries, delivered approximately 4.6 million vehicles in 2022. Notably, the company successfully handed over more than 330,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide, including the popular ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6 models. With its ACCELERATE strategy, Volkswagen is committed to exploring innovative approaches to promote sustainable mobility.

Here is a full set of on-the-road pricing for the updated ID.4 and ID.5 – all available from VW. This put VW head to head with products like the updated Tesla Model 3 and number one best selling Tesla Model Y.