Following a preview at the Frankfurt Motor Show, VW’s next electric vehicle from its ID “family” has been spotted testing in the Alps.
Expected to bear the ID.4 moniker, it is basically the crossover version of the ID.3 compact hatch, which follows its high-riding sibling in this set of spy shots.
While the electric crossover wears a different set of camouflage than the ID.4 prototype that was on display in Frankfurt, it’s pretty clear we’re dealing with the same vehicle. The headlights and taillights are identical, as are the proportions and some visible details such as the shape of the air intakes in the front bumper.
The upcoming ID.4 is a very important model for the brand in the United States, as it will be the first member of the ID range to become available in the region starting next spring. That’s because the automaker has made the decision not to offer the ID.3 in North America – which is quite understandable, since SUVs are much more popular (and profitable) than compact hatchbacks.
VW is expected to start accepting orders for the ID.4 in the States next spring, although the first vehicles won’t be delivered until late 2020. For at least the first two years on the market, the ID.4 is likely to be imported from the Europe, while later on, it is expected to become the first EV to be built in VW’s plant at Chattanooga, Tennessee.
For now, we don’t have any specs to share, but the ID.4 should use the same MEB modular electric platform and EV drivetrain as the 2020 ID.3, with the main difference being that it should also offer all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive compact hatchback offers three battery options, with a capacity of 45, 58 and 77 kwh and corresponding driving ranges of 205, 261 and 342 miles (330, 420 and 550 km).
A rear-mounted 147 HP (149 PS) electric motor powers the base model, while a 201 hp (204 PS) motor is present in the mid- and top-of-the-line versions.