Volkswagen ID 4’s cover blown

The new Volkswagen ID 4 battery electric SUV has leaked undisguised into the public arena.

The pictures of the Tesla Model Y fighter in production bodywork were part of a mandatory filing with China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) by VW.

The pictures show the ID 4 in ‘X’ and ‘Crozz’ spec and multiple wheel designs.

The first SUV to come from VW based on its new MEB architecture is due to be launched in Europe, the US and China in 2021.

Australian arrival for the ID 4 was expected in 2022 and have a starting price around $50,000. It was expected to take priority here over the smaller ID 3 hatchback which is VW’s first MEB model.

However, VW Australia boss Michael Bartsch has recently admitted ID 4 local launch timing might blow out to 2023.

The ID 4 measures up at 4592mm long, 1852mm wide and 1692mm high, with a wheelbase of 2765mm, making it about the same size as an orthodox VW Tiguan SUV.

Only the wheelbase is shared with the otherwise smaller smaller ID 3.

The first ID 4 to go on-sale is expected to be a rear-wheel drive model with a 150kW/310Nm powertrain and range up to 500km.

But an all-wheel drive model will follow with another electric motor mounted up-front offering an extra 75kW and 140Nm. That will take overall output to 225kW and 450Nm.

The ID 4 is expected to come with a range of battery options up to 83kWh. Fast charging will enable an 80 per cent state of charge within 30 minutes on a 125kW-150kW system.

First revealed as the ID Crozz concept in 2017, the ID 4 is expected to have a coupe-SUV close relation that should be dubbed the ID 5.

The premature reveal of the ID 4 is the latest burr in the saddle for VW’s electric roll-out.

The ID 3 has had software glitches and delays to production and will be offered initially to buyers in Europe without some key connectivity features.

The ID 3 and ID 4 are among the first of 70 battery electric vehicles that will come from the VW Group over the next 10 years as the company transitions away from ICE in the wake of the dieselgate scandal.