Volkswagen has upgraded its ID.4 and ID.5 electric models, with both now available to order from UK manufacturers.
The two electric SUVs now feature a new-generation infotainment system, complete with a larger 12.9in screen and intuitive menu structure and controls – including illuminated sliders for cabin temperature. The optional augmented-reality head-up display has been enhanced, and Volkswagen has moved the driving mode selector to the steering column – as in the ID.7 – to create space for the larger infotainment display.
Operation of the ID.4 and ID.5 is made easier by the new IDA voice assistant, which responds even more precisely to natural voice commands and offers new functions, including cloud-based weather information and the status of sporting events or stock market prices.
The previous Volkswagen Digital Sound Package with subwoofer has been replaced by a premium sound system from Harman Kardon, featuring 480W of music output and 10 speakers (including center speaker and subwoofer). The Harman Kardon sound system is optional on the rear-wheel-drive Pro trims and standard on the 4MOTION GTX versions in the UK.
All ID.4 and ID.5 versions are powered by Volkswagen’s new APP550 drive unit. Introduced for the first time for the ID.7, the unit offers significantly more power and reduced energy consumption, the company states. The unit delivers 210kW and gives the vehicles 75% more torque than previously, jumping from 310Nm to 545Nm.
The all-wheel-drive ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX now deliver a system power of 250kW, equivalent to an increase of 30kW. The sprint from 0-62 mph for these models is now just 5.4 seconds.
Improved efficiency means the combined WLTP range of the ID.4 has increased to up to 337 miles (10.5 miles further than before) while the ID.5 SUV coupe now has a range of up to 339 miles (an extra 11.8 miles).
Faster charging is also possible: thermal management makes sure the battery is pre-conditioned while driving, before the next DC charging stop, and the all-wheel-drive models now offer 175kW DC charging (previously 135kW). With the maximum charging capacity, these ID versions can take on enough energy for a further 110 miles in about 10 minutes– according to Volkswagen.
Volkswagen has refined the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC, optional on GTX only; not available on Pro) and designed the Vehicle Dynamics Manager for an even greater spread between comfort and dynamics.
