Volkswagen, the German automaker, is gearing up to compete with the Tesla Model Y, Australia’s best-selling electric SUV. Volkswagen plans to launch two new models, the SUV ID.4 and the SUV coupe ID.5, in Australia at the end of 2024. Production for the Australian market has been given the green light for the middle of next year.
The Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 will enter the burgeoning electric SUV segment with four options: the ID.4 single-engine rear-wheel drive SUV, the ID.5 single-engine rear-wheel drive coupe SUV, the ID.4 GTX SUV with dual motor all-wheel drive, and the SUV coupe ID.5 GTX with dual motor all-wheel drive. Although pricing has not yet been announced, Volkswagen officials have hinted that the vehicles will compete head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y, the current leader in the segment.
Volkswagen Australia spokesman Daniel DeGasperi explained that the engine options selected for the Australian market largely match the performance of the popular Tiguan 162TSI and R versions. The ID.4 and ID.5 models are equipped with a high-performance electric motor. Power of 210 kW/545 Nm and is supplemented by more powerful GTX versions with a maximum power of 220 kW.
Volkswagen wants to position its electric SUVs as the sales leader in this segment and thus directly challenge the dominance of the Tesla Model Y. Although entry-level variants could be introduced at a later date, the current focus is on high-performance models. Pricing details for the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 ranges have yet to be announced.
In line with customer requests, Volkswagen plans to offer well-appointed cars with fewer option packages. This approach not only simplifies the supply chain and vehicle allocation to dealers but also ensures faster deliveries to customers. Volkswagen is also reportedly working on a more powerful 250kW version of the GTX editions of the ID.4 and ID.5 models to create a bigger performance difference between the two classes.
Although a mid-life update for the ID.4 and ID.5 models is expected in the next few years, Australia is likely to release the current versions of these models rather than wait for the update. The Volkswagen ID.3, a Golf-sized hatchback and technical twin of the Cupra Born, follows a similar approach.
