The Volkswagen ID.4, an all-electric SUV, has returned to the domestic market with enhanced value and competitiveness.
Volkswagen Korea has started the delivery of the ‘2023 ID.4’, featuring an impressive driving range of 440 km and maximum subsidy benefits for imported electric vehicles, alongside a competitive price.
The ID.4, a core global model driving Volkswagen’s electrification efforts, recorded sales of 170,000 units last year, securing the top spot in global sales among electric vehicles in Europe and solidifying its status as a world car in the era of electrification.
Launched in the domestic market in September last year, the ID.4 sold out its initial stock within two weeks and became the top-selling imported electric vehicle, achieving the triple crown of domestic electric vehicle awards and setting a new standard in the imported electric vehicle market.
“The ID.4 sets a new standard for accessible premium electric vehicles with its solid driving experience, excellent safety and convenience features, and competitive pricing,” said Sasha Askjian, CEO of Volkswagen Korea. “The 2023 ID.4, with its enhanced value, will be an attractive choice for Korean customers considering their first electric vehicle.”
The most significant change in the 2023 ID.4 is the substantial increase in driving range, a key consideration for electric vehicle buyers. The maximum range of the 2023 ID.4 is now an impressive 440 km on a single charge, up 35 km from the previous 405 km, while the urban driving range improves from 426 km to 484 km, an increase of 58 km. The cold-weather driving range also shows significant improvement, rising from 288 km to 389 km, addressing one of the known weaknesses of electric vehicles. Additionally, the government-certified energy consumption efficiency has improved from 4.7 km/kWh to 5.1 km/kWh, further boosting energy efficiency.
The 2023 ID.4 features a powerful and efficient PSM (Permanently excited Synchronous Motor) based drive system, along with an 82 kWh high-voltage battery that delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and a peak torque of 31.6 kg.m (310 Nm). It supports fast charging with a maximum capacity of 135 kW and a slow charging system of 11 kW, allowing the battery to reach up to 80% capacity in approximately 36 minutes when charging at maximum speed from a 5% remaining state.
The official sales price for the 2023 ID.4 is set at 56.9 million won for the ID.4 Pro Lite and 59.9 million won for the ID.4 Pro (after tax benefits, VAT included). The 2023 ID.4 also qualifies for a substantial government subsidy of 5.8 million won, making it one of the most financially accessible imported electric vehicles on the market. When factoring in local government subsidies, it can be purchased for around the early 40 million won range, depending on the region.
Built on Volkswagen’s electric vehicle platform, the MEB, the ID.4 offers a spacious and comfortable interior compared to other models in its class, thanks to its short overhang and a long wheelbase of 2,765 mm. The trunk capacity stands at 543L, which can expand to 1,575L when the rear seats are folded down. Efficient loading is facilitated by a luggage net, partitioning system, and adjustable-height trunk floor.
The ID.4 is recognized for raising the standard for electric vehicles with its reasonable price and rich advanced safety and convenience features. The 2023 model continues this trend by offering upgraded driving performance and cutting-edge safety and digital amenities, ensuring a high-quality electric vehicle experience for customers.
It also incorporates a variety of safety and convenience features for both drivers and passengers, providing a higher-level driving experience. The advanced driver assistance system, ‘IQ. Drive,’ comes standard, while the ID.4 Pro features an interactive lighting system, ‘IQ. Light – LED Matrix Headlamps,’ and the ID.4 Pro Lite is equipped with ‘LED Headlamps.’
Furthermore, a panoramic glass roof enhances the open feel of the interior, along with a three-zone Climatronic automatic air conditioning system with independent temperature settings and a heat pump, catering specifically to Korean climate preferences.
The exterior design of the 2023 ID.4 perfectly merges Volkswagen’s SUV design identity with futuristic elements, setting a new standard for electric vehicle aesthetics. The overall exterior features striking and elegant lines that create a distinctive presence on the road.
With a powerful shoulder line, dynamic roof arches, and a voluminous rear design, the ID.4 preserves the robust lines typical of traditional Volkswagen SUVs while achieving excellent aerodynamics with a low drag coefficient of 0.28cd.
The interior is equipped with a 5.3-inch ID. Cockpit display, providing essential driving and vehicle information such as speed, remaining range, and battery charging status to the driver.
In addition, the ID.4 PRO comes with a 12-inch multi-color touchscreen display as part of the Discover Max infotainment system (ICAS), offering an intuitive user interface, faster touch response times, and refined gesture control. Wireless phone charging and wired app connectivity are also included.
Volkswagen Korea offers a ‘Total Care Service for Accident Repairs’ to customers of the 2023 ID.4, which covers up to five accident repair deductibles at official service centers in the first year (with no mileage restriction, up to a limit of 500,000 won per accident), easing the maintenance cost burden for electric vehicle owners.
Additionally, customers receiving the 2023 ID.4 will receive a welcome kit that includes a 50,000 won ‘Kakao T Electric Vehicle Charging’ coupon. ‘Kakao T Electric Vehicle Charging’ provides convenient features such as QR quick payment, charger location search, and charger status information via the Kakao Navi app. This allows users to check the charging amount, estimated payment amount, and remaining charging time, with some chargers also offering a remote charging termination feature.
Moreover, a QR quick payment widget exclusive to Volkswagen electric vehicle owners for Kakao T Electric Vehicle Charging will be introduced. With this widget installed on their smartphones, users can easily access the charging payment screen without separately launching the Kakao Navi app.
By Sang-Jin Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr