Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 get more power and efficiency

Following the introduction of VW’s new 210 kW (286 hp) electric motor on the ID.7, more and more MEB platform-based models are getting this more efficient and powerful drivetrain. The Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs are next in line, raising their driving range up to 556 km, while the price remains the same.

More power does not always mean less efficiency, as demonstrated by VW’s new APP500 EV drivetrain, which bumps up the power from 150 kW (204 hp) to 210 kW (286 hp) while proving more efficient thanks to better cooling and lower friction.

Slightly more range, a lot more power

The large ID.7 saloon was the first model to get this new e-motor, but it’s slowly trickling down to the rest of the range. The ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs are the next in line, which means their maximum driving range is increased to 550 km (ID.4) or 556 km (ID.5), up from 533 and 535 km, respectively.

More importantly, this 60 kW bump also increases torque by 235 Nm, with a total figure of 545 Nm. The same motor has been applied to the four-wheel-drive GTX models, which now feature a peak power output of 250 kW (340 hp), allowing them to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hour in just 5,4 seconds.

Improved battery management means the battery is now pre-conditioned while driving in anticipation of a quick charge, which means peak charging power can be achieved more quickly. The rear-wheel-drive models keep their 135 kW fast charging capacity, while the four-wheel drive models can now achieve 175 kW.

Interior: quality of life improvements

Alongside the technical improvements, the interior of the ID.4 and ID.5 has also received an update, with a new 12,9-inch infotainment screen with an improved menu structure, backlit volume, and temperature sliders, a new driving mode selector, and a new sound system from Harman Kardon as an option.

Also Skoda Enyaq

The Skoda Enyaq, which shares the same technical base as the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, also gets this new 286 hp electric motor, with range figures up to 565 km (Enyaq SUV) or 573 km (Enyaq Coupé) and a sprint from 0 to 100 km/hour in 6,7 seconds, compared to 8,8 seconds with the old 204 hp unit. The Enyaq RS gets bumped up to 340 hp, too.