VW ID.4 Shows Off Its Bold Exterior Design Ahead Of Debut

We're confident Volkswagen is days away from fully revealing the ID.4. Earlier this month, the German automaker said a debut would happen "in a matter of weeks." Time is ticking, but today, the company is showing off the crossover's exterior. VW takes the curvy styling of the smaller ID.3 and stretches it over the larger vehicle. It features a broad face, a raked windshield, and super-short overhangs.

However, the crossover's shape is about more than style. It's functional, too. VW was able to give the ID.4 a 0.28 drag coefficient. VW achieved this with the shape of the crossover's body and passenger compartment. At the rear, the taillight clusters and large roof spoiler work together to ensure clean airflow separation. Automakers often make aerodynamics and a low drag coefficient a high priority for EVs.

The smooth shape will help the ID.4 squeeze every last mile out of the battery pack before a recharge. The model will ride on VW Group's MEB architecture, using two electric motors for motivation. They will produce a combined output of 302 hp (222 kilowatts). A range of 310 miles (500 kilometers) is expected, though that figure is based on Europe's forgiving WLTP test. In the US, expect the EPA to peg its range at an estimated 227 miles (445 km).

This will be the first VW ID vehicle in the US, which is part of VW's "worldwide strategy to deliver millions of electric vehicles to help combat global climate change." The company hasn't specified a reveal date, though we expect it to happen before Skoda reveals its Enyaq iV on September 1. It's mechanically identical to the ID.4, which should offer spacious seating for five and plenty of cargo room. Customers can begin placing a $100 deposit starting late next month.