Volkswagen’s ID.4 and ID.5 EVs get range boost, more power, and enhanced tech in Europe

VW announces updates for european ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs, offering increased range, power, faster charging, and advanced infotainment.

Volkswagen has unveiled a series of updates for its ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs in the European market. These enhancements include an extended range of up to 556 km (345 miles), a power boost of up to 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS), improved charging capabilities, and a revamped infotainment system. While the exterior design remains unchanged, these updates promise to enhance the driving experience of these electric vehicles.

Battery and motor upgrades

The major improvements are primarily focused on models equipped with the larger 77 kWh battery pack, while the entry-level 58 kWh versions benefit from slightly faster charging capabilities (115 kW DC, up from 110 kW). The long-range rear-wheel-drive (RWD) versions now feature an upgraded 77 kWh battery coupled with a more efficient electric motor, allowing for a faster charging rate of 175 kW.

These upgrades translate to extended WLTP range figures. The ID.4 Pro, for example, now boasts a WLTP range of 550 km (342 miles), an improvement of 17 km (11 miles) compared to the previous version. The more aerodynamic ID.5 can travel up to 556 km (345 miles) on a single charge, extending its range by 11 km (7 miles).

More powerful electric motor

The rear-mounted electric motor is now significantly more powerful, delivering 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) of torque. This represents an increase of 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) of torque compared to the previous version. Even the dual-motor ID.4 Pro 4Motion has seen a bump in power, gaining an additional 20 hp (15 kW / 21 PS) to match the combined output of the rear-wheel-drive models.

All ID.4 Pro and ID.5 Pro models now feature a higher top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph), up from the previous 160 km/h (99 mph). Volkswagen has also fine-tuned the settings of the optional adaptive chassis control (DCC), providing a more significant difference between comfort and dynamic driving modes.

The dual-motor ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX performance variants now produce 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS), an increase of 40 hp (30 kW / 41 PS) over the previous versions. This results in a faster 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 5.4 seconds, down from 6.3 seconds, while the top speed remains electronically limited to 180 km/h (112 mph).

Advanced infotainment

One of the most noticeable changes for buyers is the new infotainment system. All ID.4 and ID.5 trims come standard with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen that sits above illuminated touch sliders. The updated infotainment system features a more intuitive interface with a revised menu structure, faster performance, and expanded functionality.

Additional enhancements include improvements to the digital instrument cluster, optional augmented reality head-up display, and the voice assistant. The driving mode selector has been separated from the housing of the Digital Cockpit, providing more space for the larger touchscreen. Volkswagen also offers an optional Harman Kardon premium sound system with 480 Watts and 10 speakers.

Pre-sales for the enhanced Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 have already begun in European markets, with prices remaining stable compared to the outgoing versions, starting from €40,335 ($42,786) in Germany. Similar upgrades have also been introduced for their closely related counterparts, the Audi Q4 e-tron and Skoda Enyaq vRS.

These updates aim to improve the overall driving experience, range, and technology offerings of Volkswagen’s ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs, making them even more competitive in the electric vehicle market.