2024 Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 finally locked in for Australia

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 will both be on sale Down Under by around July next year, marking a two-pronged attack on the dominant Tesla Model Y – and the German brand’s first EVs – Down Under.

After several delays, confirmation of a mid-2024 local release for the long-awaited mid-size electric SUV duo comes after Volkswagen Australia most recently promised (in March) to launch five EVs here by 2025, starting with the ID.3 small hatch and ID.4/ID.5 medium SUVs next year, followed by the ID. Buzz people-mover and ID. Buzz Cargo van in 2025.

The ID. Buzz twins now appear to have been brought forward to late 2024, while the mid-2024 launch timing for the ID.4 and ID.5 (and now ID.3) will allow Volkswagen Australia to launch extensively facelifted versions of both mid-size electric SUVs, but is likely follow that of another rival in Toyota Australia’s first EV – the bZ4X, which itself has been delayed again, to early 2024, and will arrive here in facelifted form.

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the battery-electric SUVs will be available here in a total of four variants – 210kW single-motor rear-wheel drive and faster 220kW-plus dual-motor all-wheel drive GTX versions of both the ID.4 and its more rakish ID.5 sibling.

While the ID.4 is expected to be highly specified and priced from under $60,000, which would undercut the current $69,300 starting price of the Tesla Model Y – a model it would need to outsell if Volkswagen is to become Australia’s electric SUV market leader, as it intends – it’s not clear whether the sub-$60K starting price applies to the 210kW RWD ID.4 or a less powerful 125kW entry-level variant that could arrive later on.

First introduced to the European market back in 2020, the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 will soon be upgraded with more power and torque, an improved driving range, enhanced dynamics and an all-new infotainment system.

The big news is the introduction of the all-new APP 550 electric motor that has been designed to drive the rear wheels. Alone, it can push out 210kW and 545Nm of torque. Those outputs, claims an engineer, can be boosted to up to 245kW with a software tweak, paving the way for a faster variant later.

It's not been confirmed yet, but it’s thought the GTX versions of both the ID.4 and ID.5 will also receive a healthy power boost, with total power tipped to increase from 220kW to around 250kW.

With more power, Volkswagen has raised the top speed from 160kWh to 180km/h.

Feeding power will be a new 77kWh battery that should range increased and charging abilities far higher than the current car's measly 135kW output.

More good news is the promise of a better ride and handling balance, with comfort set to be enhanced on all models.

Inside, there will be an upgraded and larger 12.9-inch touch-screen infotainment system that should run the German car-maker’s latest software.

New backlit touch-sensitive sliders will also be added for the volume and temperature controls – addressing concerns of the current cars.

More sophisticated driver aids are also primed to be introduced.

With full pricing and specification set to be released closer launch, it’s expected our cars will come highly specified with only a few option packs to choose from, mirroring what VW Australia has done with the current Tiguan line-up.

Speaking of the Tiguan, a VW insider confirmed to carsales that apart from forcing the axing of the Passat, Arteon and Golf wagon in Australia, the battery-powered ID.4 and ID.5 are expected to cannibalise some sales of the popular combustion mid-size SUV, while also drawing new buyers to the brand.

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