SPY PICS: Volkswagen ID.4 revealed

The wraps have finally come off Volkswagen's crucial new EV, the VW ID.4.

Although this isn't the official launch of what could be one of the most important car lines for the Volkswagen brand since the Beetle, the images show the new electric SUV completely naked of camouflage for the first time.

Showing off a sleeker, more curvaceous design motif than Volkswagen's petrol/diesel models such as the Golf and Tiguan (but not looking as stylish as the Crozz concept that previewed it), the ID.4 is just one of seven battery-powered EVs that will be marketed in Europe under the German car-maker's 'ID' sub-brand from 2020.

Due to make its world debut in April ahead of its European release in 2021, the Volkswagen ID.4 will likely be the first EV offered by VW in Australia, in 2022, and is tipped to be priced around $50,000. Australians are also expected to see the Kombi-channeling people-mover previewed by the retro-styled Buzz concept.

Both models could be joined here by the smaller ID.3 hatchback, which is already on sale in other markets and could be priced in the $40K price bracket Down Under, positioning it alongside a high-end Golf. A larger SUV, sedan and commercial van models are expected to join the ID range later.

"The aim is to offer an EV equivalent of each and every ICE [internal combustion engine] car -- that's the long-term ambition for Australia," said Volkswagen Group Australia corporate communications general manager, Paul Pottinger.

"We're hoping to launch the ID.4 in 2022," he stated.

With an elongated body, Volkswagen's first electric SUV isn't quite as long as a Tiguan but because it’s based on an all-new, EV-specific MEB platform architecture (and not based on platform designed for combustion engines), it will offer the interior space of an SUV one size larger, akin to the Touareg.

"Purpose-built EVs like this have a smaller footprint and more interior room [than EVs based on existing combustion-engine vehicles]," said Pottinger.

Although details are still thin on the ground, the spacious new high-riding EV will likely be offered with similar battery options to the Volkswagen ID.3. That means 45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh batteries that deliver short, medium and long ranges of 330km, 420km and 550km alike.

Different electric motors outputs will be offered, starting with a 110kW unit and a faster accelerating 150kW version.

As the EV space continues to heat up in Australia with more models from more manufacturers on the way, including the MINI E arriving mid-year. And as sales of the Tesla Model 3 continue to climb, perceptions around electric vehicles are shifting in this country.

"People are talking about EVs and any conversation around EVs is healthy," said Pottinger.

"We're encouraged by any degree of dialogue," he added.

The Electric Vehicle Council of Australia, of which Volkswagen is a member alongside Tesla, Nissan, Hyundai, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Mitsubishi and Renault, argues that EVs are far more cost-effective to run.

The EV Council quotes an average cost of $0.33 per e-litre to run an EV, compared to around $1.50 per litre for a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) car.

"ICE and EVs will co-exist in our lifetimes, no question, but EVs will have to be addressed on their own terms," said Pottinger.