Five BEVs for Aus by 2025: Volkswagen

VOLKSWAGEN has confirmed that five new battery electric vehicles will commence production for Australian delivery prior to 2025 – with each of the brand’s 100-plus dealerships nationwide ready to sell and service the vehicles “from day one”.

The forthcoming line-up will include the Golf-sized ID.3 hatch, Tiguan-sized ID.4 and ID.5 ranges, ID.Buzz people mover and ID.Buzz Cargo light commercial derivative.

VW says the BEV models are all scheduled to start production for Australia in 2024 – or within about the next 20 months – at an average of one all-new BEV for every five calendar months.

The recently updated ID.3 line-up is expected to be priced from under $60,000 in order to maximise national and state-based electric vehicle incentives, says Volkswagen Australia. The rear-drive hatch offers a more premium look and feel than the outgoing model, as well as using the latest driver assistance systems.

Furthering the model's green credentials are the high-quality, animal-free and sustainable materials used where possible through the vehicle – a philosophy VW says it applies throughout the entire ID range of electric vehicles.

For the ID.4 and coupe-styled ID.5 medium SUV range, Volkswagen says buyers can expect up to 522km driving range and choice of 150kW/310Nm ID.4 Pro Performance (with 82kWh battery) and the 125kW/310Nm ID.4 Pure Performance (with 55kWh battery) grades.

Pricing for the electric newcomer is targeted at the ballpark of VW’s own Tiguan 162TSI R-Line, which at $57,690 before on-road costs would make the ID.4 a lot more affordable than the least-expensive version of similar-sized rivals including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y or Volvo XC40 Recharge that all cost upward of $70K.

Both are built upon Volkswagen’s MEB dedicated battery electric architecture, which VW says allows designers and engineers to minimise front and rear overhangs, ensuring greater cabin space and cargo capacity (543-1575 litres on the ID.4).

The MEB platform also ensures the heftier kerb weight inherent to BEVs is distributed in a way that benefits steering, ride and handling qualities, Volkswagen Australia says. It currently underpins a range of models across the Volkswagen Group, including the Audi Q4 e-Tron (and Sportback derivative), Audi Q5 e-Tron, Cupra Born, Skoda Enyaq (and coupe derivative), as well as the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6.

Finally, the ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo will pursue maximum individuality and style, says Volkswagen Australia, while also offering functionality, space, and a long driving range.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Ryan Davies, said that the ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo have both gained technical approval for sale Down Under, meaning both are locked in for production at the end of 2024.

“Volkswagen has an incredible heritage with Australians from their love of the iconic Kombi decades ago to their world-beating enthusiasm for Amaroks in the present day.

“The ID.Buzz is a people mover that stops traffic… people stop, stare and smile. It's an incredible blend of style and function that will capture the imagination of Australians – and is reflected by our ambitious sales volumes.

“We expect the ID.Buzz Cargo to sell at least as well, and it's incredibly appealing for sole traders who want to reduce their emissions in the most fun way possible. This is a proper, from the ground up tradies' BEV – not a tacked-on reverse engineering of an existing diesel vehicle.”

Speaking on the expansion of the German brand’s electric vehicle range locally, Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles director, Michal Szaniecki, said the brand is ensuring it rolls out BEVs in a way that customers expect.

“Just as Australians have long expected that a Golf or Tiguan will lead their segment for premium feel and the most enjoyable driving characteristics, we're ensuring the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 launch with these same attributes top of mind,” he said.

“Upgraded product such as the more premium ID.3 and a 500km-plus range for ID.4 and ID.5 will gel with our ability to sell these vehicles nationwide, no matter which dealership is closest to you. This is an advantage that not all start-up companies are able to match.

“We can confirm the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 will both start production and go on sale next year, so our message for customers thinking about switching to a BEV is this – we're here in 2024, and here in a big way.”