Following the footsteps of the ID.3 is Volkswagen latest model – the ID.4. The difference? The ID.3 qualifies as a Golf-like hatchback, whereas the ID.4 is a well-rounded compact E-SUV. Built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the lastest offering caters to a segment which is on the up globally. It measures 4.58 metres in length and offers luggage room between 543 and 1,575 litres. Other measurements that you might be interested in include up to 21-inch of wheel sizes, 21cm of ground clearance and a drag coefficient of 0.28.

The ID.4 also claims the title of the first Volkswagen SUV with an all-electric heart. Deep within the car’s spine is where the pack of batteries find their home. The ID.4 comes with a net energy of up to 77 kWh, enough for a WLTP-certified range of up to 522km. Powering the rear wheels is an electric motor which, depending on the variant chosen, will produce up to 210bhp. With that on tap, the ID.4 can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 8.5 seconds and reach 160kmph at full stretch.

Charging? Yes, the ID.4 is compatible to receive both AC (slow) and DC (fast) electricity feeds. Volkswagen says that with a 125kW DC supply, the ID.4 can replenish its batteries for additional 320km in 30 minutes. All those figures, including the ones mentioned in the paragraphs above, hold for the two launch variants – ID.4 1^st and ID.4 1^st Max.

Both derivatives pack the same powertrain, as mentioned above. But, the claimed range is 490km. The deficit is down to their weight (due to the added kit), and, probably, their aerodynamic slipperiness. The ID.4 1^st comes with 20-inch wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting, two-zone climate control, rear-view camera and a bunch of assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and Lane Keep Assist.

Justifying the “Max” tag is a list of additional features. That includes IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, 21-inch wheels, adaptive chassis control, three-zone climate control and electrically-operated boot lid. If all that isn’t enough, the list also includes a head-up display with augmented reality, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 3D LED tail light clusters.

In its home country, Volkswagen is also offering another variant of the ID.4 – the Pro Performance. No, it isn’t faster but has a better range – 522km. Out of the three variants available, the Pro Performance is the least expensive at 44,450 euros. Prices for the ID.4 1^st and ID.4 1^st Max are 49,950 euros and 59,950 euros, respectively. Production of these unique variants (excluding Pro Performance) is limited to 27,000 units. Volkswagen says that from the beginning of next year, an entry-level variant – the ID.4 Pure – will be available to order with prices starting at under 37,000 euros. That will offer a range of up to 340km on a single charge.