Volkswagen has officially confirmed the much-anticipated launch date for its electric SUV lineup in Australia, with the ID.4 and ID.5 set to debut in March 2025. This timeline marks a significant delay, as initial plans aimed for a local release in the second quarter of 2024.

Originally expected to arrive between April and June 2024, the launch was subsequently rescheduled to the fourth quarter of 2024. By August, Volkswagen had expressed aspirations to unveil the vehicles before the end of the year, but it has now settled on a March 2025 introduction.

In a conversation with CarExpert, Daniel DeGasperi, product and public relations communications manager for Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA), indicated that consumers might have access to the vehicles prior to the official media launch, stating, “It’s not a postponed until March scenario. We want to conclude the year with the ID. Buzz, and we strategically aim to introduce ID.4 and ID.5 ahead of the Everything Electric (EV) Show in March, followed closely by the Cupra Tavascan.”

While Volkswagen has yet to announce pricing for the ID.4 and ID.5, it previously suggested that the figures would offer pleasant surprises for prospective buyers. The announcement of these prices, which was initially scheduled for last September, has been delayed. VGA managing director Karsten Seifert commented, “We are still in the process of finalizing the pricing with our headquarters and expect to conclude that shortly.”

Seifert expressed confidence in establishing a “reasonably priced” offering for the Australian market. “Identifying the right price point isn’t always straightforward, but we are learning and adapting,” he added.

The ID.4 made its global debut in 2020, while the ID.5 ‘coupe’ SUV was revealed a year later. These models were positioned to be Volkswagen’s first all-electric offerings in Australia, though delays have shifted that honor to the ID. Buzz electric people mover.

Both the ID.4 and ID.5 will feature a selection of regular and high-performance versions. Recently, Volkswagen has introduced mechanical updates to these models, including a more powerful 210kW electric motor with 545Nm of torque for the rear-wheel-drive variants, along with enhancements in driving range and charging capabilities. Inside the vehicles, a revamped 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen now includes illuminated touch sliders.

The significant delay from international launch to Australian arrival is not unique to Volkswagen. Competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which debuted in North America in late 2020, only became available in Australia in late 2023. Similarly, the Toyota bZ4X was launched overseas in 2022 but didn’t reach Australian shores until this year. The Nissan Ariya is expected to arrive in Australia in the latter half of 2025, nearly three years after its global debut.

As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, Volkswagen acknowledges that the competitive landscape is becoming increasingly challenging. Mr. Seifert has noted that while the market is maturing, it remains a tough environment, particularly with a surge of Chinese manufacturers entering the fray. The ID.4 and ID.5 will face a competitive slate that includes established rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, as well as new entrants such as the BYD Sealion 7, Leapmotor C10, and Xpeng G6.

From January to November 2024, new electric vehicle sales in Australia have seen an uptick of nearly nine percent, though this figure starkly contrasts the triple-digit growth experienced the previous year. As VW gears up for its EV launches, it remains to be seen how the ID.4 and ID.5 will fare in this dynamic and increasingly crowded market.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au