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The Speciality Equipment Market Association has named Volkswagen ID.4 the “Electric Vehicle of the Year”.
The battery-electric SUV chosen for the award at this inaugural event stood out because of its popular appeal and customization friendly features. In addition, the ID.4 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
“The Volkswagen ID.4 is a well-deserved winner of the first-ever SEMA Award for Electric Vehicle of the year,” said Mike Spagnola, CEO at SEMA. “Electric vehicles are an important segment in our industry and ID.4 is a great example of how these vehicles can be customized.”
Under the hood
Entry-level ID.4 incorporates a smaller 62-kWh battery pack synced to a single-motor rear-wheel drive unit. It generates a total output of 201 hp and 229 Ib-ft of torque delivered through a differential and single-speed gearbox.
The ID.4 base model comes with an EPA-estimated range of 209 miles and fuel economy of 115 mpg in the City and 99 on the highway. Higher trim options available are models fitted with an 82 kWh battery, with a driving range of 275 miles and fuel rating of 107 mpg combined.
Basic accessories include a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a seven-speaker stereo, four USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Comfort and convenience
A small digital cluster mounted on the steering column displays three tiers of information: a range meter, trip computer and active driver-assist features.
The cargo room is 30.3 cubic feet behind the back row and 64.2 cubic feet with seats folded. Accessible amenities on higher trims are a hands-free power liftgate, an adjustable cargo floor and a rear-seat center cargo pass-through.
Safety
IQ Drive is a collection of safety interventions and driver assistance systems, standard or optional on VW models—including the ID.4.
Features include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection (new for 2023)
- Lane Centering with Lane Change Assist (new for 2023)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Active Blind Spot Monitor
- Park Assist Plus (with memory park function)
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Rear Traffic Alert
- High Beam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Emergency Assist
“We’re thrilled to win the SEMA Award for Electric Vehicle of the Year,” said Hein Schafer, vice president at Volkswagen. “Volkswagen is committed to bringing e-mobility to the masses and as our ID.4 concepts show EVs can be equipped to suit a wide variety of lifestyle needs,”
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