The VW ID.4 GTX is not the performance benchmark in its segment; that title goes to the high-end Nissan Ariya. An ever-faster VW ID.4 R could be coming, but only in the second generation of the SUV later this decade.
The Nissan Ariya can reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) in its top-end configuration. Step on the pedal for just 5.1 seconds and you’re halfway there. The ID.4 GTX is slower, taking 6.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph). In addition, it reaches a maximum of 180 km/h (112 mph).
Speaking to Auto Express, Volkswagen R Head Reinhold Ivenz has said there are no plans to launch an MEB-based R model at this time, the British publication reported on October 28, 2022. Such a model would need a different battery, what it would do is very expensive
Limitations in the MEB Platform
The MEB platform does not allow for high power levels, Ivenz said. A heavy electric R model would need around 500 horsepower if its acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is four seconds, the Volkswagen R boss added. He also discussed possible electric R models. The ID.4 is more likely to get an R variant than the ID.3 due to the popular body style and its global availability would feature higher volume. “The R models are better suited to ID.4, ID.5 or ID.6,” said Ivenz. The ID.6 is a China-only model.
In addition to improved performance, the VW ID.4 R can offer faster charging with direct current. The maximum charging power of the ID.4 is 170 kW (ironically, the ID.4 GTX still has 135 kW), although the MEB platform has the technical capacity to allow a charging power of more than 200 kW.
If wishes were horses in 2022..
TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the ID.4 high-performance version of the current car is a work of fiction!
TopElectricSUV has envisioned an ID.4 R based on the current electric SUV, with styling differences for a sportier appearance and the changes that traditionally set GTI variants apart. Our ID.4 R adopts a red crossbar along the light strip, bumper fog lights as seen in spy photos, bodyside graphics, D-pillar garnish, and sport wheels. Derived from the next-gen SUV, the ID.4 R hitting showrooms would look completely different.
TopElectricSUV says
When ready, the expectation is that the VW ID.4 R will offer sports car-level performance with the practicality of an SUV and the lower running costs of an electric vehicle. It may appeal to customers looking for a new five-seat family SUV that delivers exhilarating performance per minute and unleashes their wild side.
Featured Image: Rendering of a high performance ID.4 version
Shrawan Raja Founder and CEO
An automotive engineer by training, I’ve been analyzing the global car market since 2005 and reviewing electric vehicles since 2008. In my 15 years at the online automotive publication, I’ve edited around 35,000 articles.
Keyword: Hot VW ID.4 R Variant Unlikely Until 2nd Gen ID.4 Launch: Report
