Video: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 arrives in Australia

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 has arrived in Australia for testing and customer previews, ahead of an official launch due in late 2023 or early 2024.

A medium SUV sized neatly to capture buyers shopping for a Tiguan, the ID.4 will be the first of Volkswagen's ID-branded electric vehicles to come to Australia, at the same time as a sportier ID.5 'coupe SUV' derivative, and ahead of an ID.3 hatchback in 2024 or 2025.

Volkswagen Australia has been pushing head office in Germany bring forward the start of ID.4 production for Australia – from late 2023 to mid 2023 – so the SUV can arrive in Australia before the end of next year. However, this has not been finalised.

Local pricing and specifications are yet to be locked in, but with numerous battery sizes, electric motors and equipment levels available overseas, there are a number of options open to VW Australia for the model's launch in 12 to 18 months' time.

It is expected the Australian model range will focus on better-specified models with more standard equipment and the largest 77kWh battery pack available internationally, given local buyers’ preference for high-grade versions of VW's other models.

Volkswagen Australia is believed to be targeting a similar price to a petrol Tiguan R-Line, at about $55,000 to $65,000 plus on-road costs. Indicative prices in the United Kingdom suggest this price range is achievable.

In Europe, the ID.4 is available with a range of power options – spanning a 52kWh battery pack with two levels of power, and three variations of a 77kWh battery.

The entry-level model makes 109kW/220Nm, with a claimed range of 343km and a 0-100km/h run in 10.9 seconds – while high-grade, rear-wheel-drive ID.4s offer 150kW/310Nm, about 500km of driving range, and a 0-100km/h time of around eight seconds.

The range-topping, performance-oriented ID.4 GTX gets dual motors and 220kW/460Nm, with a claimed driving range of 500km and a 0-100km/h run of just over six seconds.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is due in Australian showrooms in late 2023 or early 2024, pending no further delays.