Hard-core Volkswagen ID.4 off-roader previewed

The most powerful and capable car from the Volkswagen ID. electric vehicle stable has emerged in the form of the 2022 Volkswagen ID. Xtreme concept.

Taking the fight up to traditional off-road brands such as Jeep, which last week vowed to become a leader in the electrified 4x4 market, the ID. Xtreme points to a potential hard-core version of the Volkswagen ID.4 that’s due to land Down Under in regular form next year.

The concept is based on the higher-performance Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, retaining the familiar dual-motor drive configuration but featuring a bigger rear motor and a bespoke drive control unit.

The result is a peak power output of 285kW – 65kW more than the GTX.

The extra grunt is backed by a larger 84kWh battery pack and a unique synthesised powertrain sound design, but no theoretical driving range has been nominated for the rugged 4x4 off-road machine.

Some of the mods on the Xtreme include an 18-inch off-road wheel and tyre combination, 3D-printed wheel-arch extensions (which add 50mm to the ID.4’s width), light car and custom front bumper with protective bar attached.

The undercarriage has also been completely enclosed in aluminium to help protect it from rough terrain.

The interior gets a similarly macho makeover with redesigned seats, swathes of Alcantara and orange trim highlights.

Volkswagen MEB product line boss Silke Bagschik said the ID. Xtreme demonstrated the modular electric platform’s technical potential and revealed that a production model could be pursued.

“For many of our customers, vehicles are much more than just a means of transport,” she said.

“With the ID. Xtreme, we are raising electric mobility from VW to a new performance level.

“We are really eager to find out how the fans of electromobility react to the vehicle.

“Based on the feedback from our community, we will decide how to proceed with the project.”

Volkswagen is joining an increasing number of EV manufacturers showing off the potential for harder-core battery-electric 4x4s.

While the ID.4-based model is not in the same realm as the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG, GMC Hummer SUV and others, there’s a variety of capable and rugged-themed SUVs in the works from brands such as Jeep, Land Rover and SsangYong.