Today Volkswagen has introduced the new all electric ID 4 SUV, this is the first model in the ID range which will be a fully global car, with factories across the world set to be producing the car in an entirely carbon neutral way. The ID 4 will be produced in Zwickau, Germany and for China in two factories in Anting and Foshan. Volkswagen will also be offering the ID 4 in the US, with a factory across the pond to accommodate that in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Cut to the chase

What is it? – The new ID 4 all electric SUV from VW

When can I buy it? – In Europe, later this year

How much is it? – €49,950 to €59,950

How far does it go on a charge? – 323 miles

The ID 4 will go on sale here in Europe later this year and VW is aiming to sell 1.5 million electric cars, per year by 2025 and the launch of the ID 4 is paramount, especially as it is launching in the US, and China – two huge markets for the company. Like with the ID 3 hatchback, the ID 4 will only be offered in the high trim level ‘First Edition’ models initially, with lower trim level versions coming down the line.

The ID 4 First Edition will have a 77kWh battery back with a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, producing 201bhp. It’ll hit 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds, a top speed of 100mph and a WLTP range of 323 miles. The VW ID 4 will have the option to tow, something of a rarity with electric vehicles with the exception of Tesla.

VW will be offering the ID 4 here in the UK, with right hand drive but pricing hasn’t yet been confirmed, but VW has said the ID 4 will cost €49,950 for the ID 4 First Edition and €59,950 for the ID 4 First Max.

On the inside, the standard First has a 10-inch infotainment screen, with Apple CarPlay integrated. Like on the ID 3 hatch, there is a prominent use of haptics and capacitive controls. For example, on the steering wheel, all the buttons are capacitive and the heating and volume controls use sliders underneath the infotainment display. On the First Max and other higher spec versions, the infotainment screen is 12 inches.

Space in the boot offers 543 litres with the seats up, with the seats down that increases to 1575 litres. The ID 4 can also tow as mentioned above, this is up to 1000kg.

The ID 4 will go on sale here in Europe later this year.