Volkswagen’s Tesla Rival, the ID.4, Faces Delays in Australia
Volkswagen’s Tesla Rival, the ID.4, Faces Delays in Australia
Can Volkswagen’s ID.4 and ID.5 surpass the dominance of Tesla’s Model Y in Australia?
Australian buyers eagerly waiting for Volkswagen’s competition to the Tesla Model Y will have to exercise patience. The arrival of the ID.4 and ID.5 has been pushed back to the fourth quarter of 2024 from the initial plan of the second quarter. However, orders for these models are set to open in June or July with fixed pricing.
To protect customers and ensure future resale value, Volkswagen is focused on establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing point for the ID.4 and ID.5 models. They aim to avoid the scenario where prices are drastically reduced shortly after launch, which has been seen in the industry before. Ralph Beckmann, the general manager of marketing at product for Volkswagen passenger vehicles in Australia, emphasized the importance of protecting customer investments and their vehicles’ residual value in the market.
The ID.4 SUV has received significant interest in Australia, with more than 7000 registrations recorded. This model will directly compete with the dominant Tesla Model Y in the country. Furthermore, the recent trend of price reductions for electric cars in Australia has likely influenced Volkswagen’s decision-making process.
In terms of specifications, Volkswagen has set the price range for the ID.4 and ID.5 between $60,000 and $90,000. Both models will come equipped with an 82kWh battery pack, offering DC charging capabilities ranging from 135kW to 175kW. The rear-drive Pro variant of the ID.4 features a 210kW electric motor with 545Nm torque and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. On the other hand, the all-wheel drive GTX variant boasts a second motor on the front axle, producing 250kW and 679Nm, allowing for a quicker 5.4-second sprint to 100km/h. Volkswagen claims impressive driving ranges of 540km for the ID.4 Pro and 510km for the ID.4 GTX, based on European WLTP testing standards.
Aside from the performance, the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro comes with various standard features such as 19-inch ‘Hamar’ black alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights with Dynamic Light Assist, power-adjustable and heated front seats with memory, and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen. The ID.4 GTX adds additional features like 20-inch ‘Ystad’ alloy wheels, sports seats with integrated headrests, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Both variants offer options such as a heat pump, metallic or premium paint, and charging cables for different modes. Safety features include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and surround-view cameras.
In conclusion, while Australian buyers may need to wait a little longer for the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, the anticipation remains high. The delay is aimed at ensuring the right pricing strategy, avoiding significant price drops after launch. With impressive features and specifications, the ID.4 and ID.5 are set to challenge the Tesla Model Y in the Australian market. The popularity of electric cars and recent price reductions in the industry make this an exciting time for Volkswagen and electric car enthusiasts.
- Volkswagen aims to set the right pricing to avoid significant price cuts post-launch.
- Over 7000 registrations of interest have been made for the ID.4 SUV in Australia.
- Several electric cars have recently seen significant price reductions.
- The Volkswagen ID.4 will be available in rear-drive Pro and all-wheel drive GTX grades.
- The ID.4 Pro and GTX models boast impressive features and specifications.
As Volkswagen fine-tunes pricing details for the ID.4 and ID.5, the wait for Australian buyers extends to the fourth quarter of 2024. However, with over 7000 registrations of interest and strong features, these models are poised to rival the Tesla Model Y in the market.
