What the Frunk | VW ID.4 Enters the U.S. and Appears in the Wild

It's What the Frunk Friday (WTFF), and we take a quick view of the ID.4 and its covert marketing approach that seems to be working.

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EV industry followers have been following Volkswagen’s electric car roadmap with attentive eyes for the last five years, hoping the emissions scandal could spark a change in company culture and, more importantly, future sales (survival) for the German company. And it looks like future EV sales may be coming to America.

In a recent turn of events, VW will import the crossover SUV ID.4 to sell in the U.S. in 2021, ahead of manufacturing the car in Tennessee in 2022. Currently, the ID.4 is being tested in the U.S., see below.

However, the usual mule-style wrapping doesn’t appear on the vehicle.

Why not?

Well, VW is trying to make a splash and many folks are impressed via the Reddit message board:

Image Caption | The crossover SUV was found in California, and one commenters said “Looks better in the wild than in marketing photos.” (Source: Posted by u/awang4)l

Image Caption | A side view of the ID.4 shows off the sleek lines by the C-pillar (the back) and accessibility, in general. (Source: Posted by u/awang4)

The discussion board conversation was positive:

• Looks better in the wild than in marketing photos.

• I love that it doesn't have that funky pixelated paint pattern.

• I think the marketing photos just aren't very nice. They try to make it look "cool" instead of just looking like a normal, nice car.

• Don't forget the free charging for 3 years.

The last comment has to do with the charging partnership between VW and Electrify America, where buyers of the ID.4 receive 3 years of free charging when purchasing the crossover SUV. From the press release:

“Electrify America today announced an agreement with Volkswagen of America to provide owners of the all-new 2021 VW ID.4 electric SUV with three years of unlimited  charging sessions on the nation’s largest open DC fast charging network at no additional cost to the vehicle’s purchase price.”

ID.4 Highlights:

• Single electric rear motor w/ options — 150kW, 107kW, & 225 kW (300 hp)

• 0-100 8.5 seconds

• Battery sizes: 55 kWH for 350 KM (217 mi) & 72 kWH for 520KM WLPT (323 mi.)

• Fast charging depending on battery type: 100kW & 125 kW (higher end)

• Roof rack & tow hook

• 600 liters of trunk space (or 21.1 cu. ft) vs (68 cu. ft Model Y - trunk & frunk)

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ID.4 Test Drive