Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 gain larger batteries and more on-board tech

The Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs have received larger batteries and a raft of improvements to broaden their appeal.

Both models sit on the Volkswagen Group’s ‘MEB’ electric vehicle platform, which is shared with cars such as the Skoda Enyaq and Ford Explorer.

Starting with the ID.4, the entry-level car’s 52kWh battery has been replaced with a larger 58kWh unit that can manage a claimed 265 miles between charges – 43 miles more than before. Higher-spec cars with the 77kWh battery now feature a 79kWh setup with an electric motor to develop 282bhp and return the same claimed range of 347 miles as before.

The ID.5 is the sportier alternative to the ID.4, featuring a coupe-esque body shape and is available with a 77kWh battery pack that now can go a claimed 299 miles between trips to the plug – 13 miles more than the old model’s 286-mile range.

Meanwhile, the flagship GTX Edition features a dual-motor setup with the firm’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system that develops 335bhp and can now manage a claimed 326 miles on a single charge – four miles over the old car’s 322-mile capability.

All cars now receive physical buttons on their steering wheels, while entry-level ID.4s now come with 19-inch steel wheels and ‘Pure Match’ cars come with an electric tailgate.

The ID.4 and ID.5 are now fitted with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which allows the vehicle’s battery to charge up electrical appliances such as a hair dryer or coffee machine.

The improved Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 model range is available to order now with prices starting at £36,995.