Volkswagen EVs will reach Australian owners in 2023 for around $60k

Volkswagen Australia is targeting an entry price of around $60,000 for its first EV, a Tesla Model Y rival. ID.4 SUV, is expected to hit showrooms in the country by the end of 2023.

At the same time as ID.4, Volkswagen will also bring a fastback style ID.5 crossover, giving it a two-way EV range.

The company says it’s seeing a high level of demand and hopes those planning to rent out late next year will start putting their names on it. It will open the subscription waiting list of your preferences to customers before Christmas this year.

In terms of supply, it remains to be seen whether we will get a trickle or a flood.

The company imported two UK-specific ID.4 models for multimedia drives, monitors and in-house training ahead of launch: the basic ID.4 Pure Performance with 345km range and the ID.4 The flagship Pro Performance with a range of 522km has been announced.

While the lineup’s Australian launch is yet to be confirmed, the company has provided a pretty good hint of what to expect.

“The fully loaded ID.4 Pro Performance will most closely reflect Volkswagen Australia’s planned launch specifications, while the ID.4 Pure Performance also plays an important role in discussions with the fleet and government agencies,” it said.

Fleet operators like council are telling VW that they plan to charge back on premises and don’t require as much range and luxury features.

“Strategically, Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 represent the biggest opportunity for Volkswagen Australia in countless years,” said Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand Manager Michal Szaniecki.

“ID.4 will not charge customers a premium to be a style statement or change practicality in any way to become electric. We know Australians love midsize SUVs most of all, and the ID.4 combines this versatile styling with Volkswagen’s enviable engineering including a long driving range.

“ID.4 will bring electric performance to many customers at the same target price as our most requested SUV, the Tiguan 162TSI R-Line [starts at $57,690 plus on-roads and before options].

“At the same time will be the ID.5 coupe style with the same price as the CHEAP Tiguan [$68,990 before on-road costs]allowing customers to choose an even more design-focused BEV”.

The ID.4 and 5 are based on the company’s MEB dedicated battery electric platform with rear-wheel drive and a rear motor. The ID.4 Pro and ID.4 Pure use 82kWh and 55kWh battery packs, respectively, with 522km and 345km range claims following the tighter WLTP cycle.

The ID.4 Pro’s rear motor produces 150kW and 310Nm, compared to 125kW and 310Nm of the shorter-range Pure. The 0-100km/h time is 8.5 seconds and 9.0 seconds respectively.

The ID.4 Pro can handle up to 125kW DC allowing for a 0-80% charge in 33 minutes and a full charge in 42 minutes. The ID.4 Pure can handle 110kW DC fast charging but it charges a bit faster because of the smaller battery.

With specs still locked in Australia, Pro Performance over Pure Performance highlights in overseas specs include 19-inch (vs 18s) alloy wheels, progressive steering, surround-view camera, augmented reality head-up display, 12-inch infotainment (versus 10-inch) and a 450W seven-speaker sound system.

Entering the year 2024, expect Volkswagen ID.5 GTX Dual engine models will come, as well as after the update ID.3 hatchback.