The German ADAC, Europe's largest automobile association, gives the ID.3 a good report card. The engineers at the Test and Technology Center in Landsberg am Lech have already covered more than 100,000 kilometers. The most important finding: the high-voltage battery still has a net capacity of 93 percent. An ID.3 Pro S with 77 kWh net battery energy content was tested for which Volkswagen, as for all other models in the ID. family, guarantees that the battery still has at least 70 percent of its original net capacity after eight years in operation or 160,000 kilometers of driving.

 

The ADAC testers did not spare the battery. To reach the 100,000 kilometer mark as quickly as possible, the ID.3 was often charged to 100 percent at fast charging stations. In addition, contrary to the recommendation, the vehicle was usually ready for the next tester at the charging station with a 100 percent charge level, sometimes for several days.

The endurance test is the first of its kind for a vehicle of the ID. family. Between test drives, the ID.3 was repeatedly checked by engineers at the Landsberg am Lech Test and Technical Center. The ADAC examines eight main criteria and more than 300 sub-criteria - ranging from technology and safety to handling, ease of operation and environmental impact.

The ADAC has a clear recommendation for customers: Software updates should always be installed. During the endurance test, the ID.3 received several software updates. In addition to various bug fixes, the updates brought, among other things, an increase in charging power up to 170 kW. The updates also had a positive effect on consumption and thus range. In particular, the new software significantly improved power consumption over short distances and winter temperatures of 0 to 5° C.

The intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner, which the ID.3 also received via an update, is also praised by the ADAC testers. On a longer route, it plans the charging stops in such a way that the destination is reached as quickly as possible. In addition to the battery's state of charge, the system also takes into account the current traffic situation and forecasts. The charging stops are evaluated dynamically and are based on the performance of the pillars. As a result, route planning can suggest two short charging stops with high power instead of a single long one with low power.

 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen is now opening pre-sales of the visually and technically enhanced T-Cross. The distinctive exterior design of the SUV has been sharpened, and the standard LED headlights and LED tail light clusters are also new. In addition, the vehicle interior features a new dash panel with higher-quality surfaces and a new infotainment system generation. At the same time, Volkswagen has extended the standard equipment of the T-Cross, of which around 1.2 million units have been sold in just three years. The most compact Volkswagen SUV is again characterised by a particularly attractive price/performance ratio. Prices in Germany for the T-Cross start at 23,250 euros. Delivery is planned to start in the first quarter of 2024.

 

The new T-Cross will be offered with three efficient turbocharged petrol engines (TSI). They deliver 70 kW (95 PS), 85 kW (115 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS) respectively. There is a choice of four equipment lines: T-Cross, Life and the two top-of-the-range versions Style (elegant) and R-Line (sporty). The three colours Grape Yellow, Clear Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic are new.

 

Versatile and spacious for family and leisure. The interior of the T-Cross impresses with its proven operating concept, well-arranged space for up to five people, a rear bench seat that can be moved by 140 mm and an extremely flexible luggage compartment. When all the seats are occupied, the T-Cross offers a luggage compartment capacity of between 385 and up to 455 litres when loaded up to the height of the rear bench seat. When the rear bench seat is folded down (60:40 split), this creates a flat load area with a stowage volume of up to 1,281 litres (loaded up to the height of the front seat backrests). In addition, the front passenger seat backrest can be folded down as standard (from the Life specification and above / only for left-hand drive vehicles). The continuous load area from the rear to the front is then 2,398 mm long and can stow everything from a surfboard to a medium-size ladder.

 

Increased drawbar load for greater freedom when transporting e-bikes. Volkswagen has significantly increased the drawbar load of the T-Cross from 55 to 75 kg. This additional 20 kg increases the maximum load that can act vertically on the removable ball coupling (optional). The new T-Cross therefore offers greater scope towing a heavy trailer. At the same time, the maximum permitted weight of bicycles that can be transported on a carrier mounted on the ball coupling is also increased – something that is particularly important for transporting e-bikes.

Travel Assist offers significantly improved comfort
The new T-Cross is optionally equipped with Travel Assist for greater longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. Depending on the traffic ahead and the permitted speed, the T-Cross can control the vehicle’s speed with automatic acceleration and braking. Within the system limits, Travel Assist can also include speed limits, bends and roundabouts in its control interventions. At the same time, Lane Assist can help to keep the vehicle in its lane. The new T-Cross can automatically perform stop-and-go operations when fitted with the DSG.

The T-Cross equipment variants:
The significantly enhanced T-Cross base version already includes new features such as LED headlights (instead of halogen), LED tail light clusters, Dynamic Road Sign Display, a Digital Cockpit measuring 20,3 cm (8.0 inches) across the diagonal, a now floating infotainment system display (also with 20.3 cm diagonal), USB-C interfaces and Park Assist at front and rear. The base model of the product line is powered by the 70 kW TSI engine.

The Life version is positioned above this. Here, the new additional equipment details include the 16-inch Nottingham alloy wheels, logo projectors in the exterior mirror housings and smartphone app integration via Mirror Link. The drive power for the T-Cross Life is also provided by the 70 kW TSI engine as standard. The base price for this version in Germany is 25,150 euros.

The top versions Style and R-Line now come as standard with new technologies in the form of the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights (R-Line: standard only in Germany) with cornering and all-weather light functions, offered for the first time in the T-Cross. The new light functions also include welcome and goodbye light animations. Additionally, both top models include as standard new 17-inch alloy wheels in specific designs (“Manila” for Style, “Valencia” for R-Line), exterior background lighting, as well as LED tail light clusters with dynamic turn signal and brake light functions. The new T-Cross Style exudes stylish elegance, while the T-Cross R-Line underlines its sporty character with its R-design bumpers.

 

The extended infotainment equipment of the two top models include a touch display with a diagonal of 23.4 cm (9.2 inches), the 25.4 cm Digital Cockpit Pro (10 inches), App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Wireless & Wired) and a mobile phone interface.

Both versions are powered as standard by the 85 kW TSI engine (with seven-speed DSG). The T-Cross Style is available in Germany from 29,465 euros, the T-Cross R-Line from 30,740 euros. The Life, Style and R-Line versions can be optionally ordered with the powerful 110 kW TSI Evo2 engine, which is delivered as standard in combination with a seven-speed DSG.

 

 Articles source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

 

The Volkswagen Group has systematically continued its transformation in the first nine months of 2023. All-electric deliveries increased by 45 percent to 531,500 vehicles globally, raising the BEV share of total deliveries to 7.9 percent after 6.1 percent in the prior year period. In the third quarter alone, the BEV share climbed to 9.0 percent compared to 6.8 percent one year ago. From January to September, Europe remained the key growth driver with an increase of 61 percent to 341,100 vehicles. BEV deliveries jumped 74 percent to 50,300 units in the USA and surpassed prior year levels in China with an increase of 4 percent to 117,100 units.

 

64 percent of the Group's BEV deliveries went to its home region Europe, followed by China with 22 percent and the USA with 10 percent. 4 percent went to other markets.

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 273,000 all-electric vehicles by the end of September, slightly more than half of all BEVs of the Group. It was followed by Audi with 123,000 vehicles (group share 23 percent), ŠKODA with 54,400 vehicles (group share 10 percent), SEAT/CUPRA with 32,300 vehicles (group share 6 percent), Porsche with 27,900 vehicles (group share 5 percent) and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with 19,600 vehicles (group share 4 percent).

The most successful BEV models in the first nine months of 2023 were:

Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 162,100
Volkswagen ID.3 90,500
Audi Q4 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 77,900
ŠKODA Enyaq iV (incl. Coupé) 54,400
CUPRA Born 32,300
Audi Q8 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 21,800

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Under the motto “Coming Home – Reloaded”, Wolfsburg will become the new home for the GTI fan community next summer: The legendary meetup will take place in the vicinity of the VfL Wolfsburg stadium from July 26 – 28, 2024 and will be organized in cooperation with the Autostadt. In addition to vehicle presentations, stage shows and club meets, there will be many other activities and surprises for GTI enthusiasts.

 

As Imelda Labbé, Member of the Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, explained: “The GTI isn’t the only icon – the GTI Meeting has also acquired cult status over the decades. We feel it’s important to give the GTI community a new home at the heart of our brand here in Wolfsburg!” Volkswagen is giving fans plenty of time to make their plans by announcing the date early: The big GTI party will be held on the last weekend in July 2024.

GTI – these three letters have stood for sportiness, emotions and dynamics for almost half a century. The fan community all over the world is still growing today and the cult brand enthusiasts meet regularly in clubs and exchange information with one another in GTI communities. Since 1982, the largest GTI meetup has traditionally taken place at Lake Wörthersee in Austria. However, in early 2023 the Maria Wörth local municipality announced that it would no longer host the annual event. Volkswagen therefore decided to bring the GTI Meeting home to Wolfsburg. Official GTI meets – complementing the Lake Wörthersee events – were already held outside the gates of the Volkswagen factory back in 2017 and 2018.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen is launching pre-sales for the enhanced ID.4 and ID.5 models. The two electric models will now be offered with a brand new generation of infotainment system and software. In addition, all Pro and GTX versions will feature a new drive system. The high-efficiency drive introduced for the first time for the large ID.7 offers significantly more power together with reduced energy consumption. The combined WLTP range of the ID.4 as a versatile electric SUV is increased to up to 550 kilometres(1) (WLTP) thanks to the new electric drive. The spacious ID.5 SUV coupé will have a range of up to 556 kilometres(1) (WLTP) on one battery charge. Volkswagen offers the optimized models at the same base prices as their predecessors. The price-performance ratio of the ID.4 and ID.5 has thus been significantly improved.

 

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management with responsibility for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, says: “Our customers can look forward to exceptional technical performance with the new ID.4 and the new ID.5. Software and infotainment are state-of-the-art. In addition, there are extensive assistance systems that leave nothing to be desired. The further improved ID.4 and ID.5 models are at the top of the segment with their new technologies and the acknowledged balance of driving, comfort and spaciousness.”

 

Intuitive operation improved. Volkswagen has significantly enhanced the cockpit landscape of the ID.4 and ID.5. The focus here was on intuitive operation. Against this background, both product lines have received brand new latest-generation software which is much faster and offers more functions. In addition, both models are equipped with a new standard infotainment system with a screen diagonal that has been increased to 32.8 centimetres (12.9 inches). The infotainment system impresses with a completely new menu structure while the Digital Cockpit (digital instruments as standard) and the optional augmented reality head-up display have been enhanced. Touch sliders for the air conditioning and volume control are now illuminated and the multifunction steering wheel with new operating logic is also new. Furthermore, Volkswagen has removed and separated the driving mode selector from the housing of the Digital Cockpit and designed it as a steering column switch – like in the ID.7. This creates space for the larger infotainment display. Operation of the ID.4 and ID.5 is made easier by the new IDA voice assistant, which responds more precisely than in the past to natural voice commands and offers new functions including cloud-based weather information and the status of sporting events or stock market prices, which can be queried via IDA. Volkswagen also offers a new premium sound system from Harman Kardon with 480 Watts of music output and 10 speakers (including centre speaker and subwoofer) as an option for both models.

 

An extra 75 per cent of torque. The most important new technology feature in all ID.4 and ID.5 models with 77 kWh battery (net) is the high-efficiency drive. Thanks to a new electric drive motor on the rear axle and a new-generation battery, it has been possible to reduce energy consumption while at the same time increasing power. An electric drive motor with 210 kW (286 PS)(2) is now used in the rear-wheel-drive models ID.4 Pro and ID.5 Pro – this corresponds to 60 kW more power than in the predecessors. The power delivery is more dynamic in every situation as the torque of the 210 kW drive motor has jumped from 310 to 545 Nm. The additional 235 Nm corresponds to about 75 per cent more torque. With the new rear electric drive motor and an additional drive motor on the front axle, the all-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro 4MOTION(3) develops a system power of 210 kW (286 PS)(3) – an increase of 15 kW (21 PS).

 

GTX models – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds(4). The particularly sporty and likewise all-wheel drive ID.4 GTX(3) and ID.5 GTX(3) flagship models will deliver a system power of 250 kW (340 PS) in future, equivalent to an increase of 30 kW (41 PS). The associated improvement in the dynamic characteristics is clearly noticeable. A good indicator of this is the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. With a time of 5.4 seconds(4), the GTX models now clearly beat the six-second mark. As before, the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX are electronically limited to a top speed of 180 km/h. To match the GTX models, the top speed of the Pro models has now also been increased to 180 km/h (previously 160 km/h). The drive of the ID.4 base model remains unchanged: the ID.4 Pure has a maximum speed of 160 km/h with its 125 kW motor (170 PS).

 

Energy for another 178 kilometres in 10 minutes. All ID.4 and ID.5 models with the new 77 kWh battery now have a longer range. Two examples: the new ID.4 Pro can cover a distance of 550 kilometres(1) (WLTP combined) – 17 kilometres more than the predecessor. The new ID.5 Pro has a range of up to 556 kilometres* – an increase of 11 kilometres. The ID.4 and ID.5 models with rear-wheel drive charge with the familiar 135 kW. The all-wheel-drive models now also offer a DC charging capacity that has been increased from 135 to 175 kW. With the maximum charging capacity, these ID. versions can take on enough energy for a further 178 kilometres in about just 10 minutes. The base version ID.4 Pure with a 52 kWh battery is now offered with a charging capacity of up to 115 kW instead of 110 kW.

 

Faster charging on journeys. New charging and thermal management of all ID.4 and ID.5 models makes sure the battery is pre-conditioned while driving before the next DC charging stop. Thanks to this pre-conditioning, the ID.4 and ID.5 are supplied with new energy again as quickly as possible, especially on long journeys with one or more charging stops.

More comfortable and dynamic at the same time. To complement the new drive system, the running gear has also been reconfigured. Furthermore, Volkswagen has refined control of the optional adaptive chassis control (DCC) and designed the Vehicle Dynamics Manager for an even greater spread between comfort and dynamics.

(1)Range determined on the rolling road test bed in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in the most range-favourable equipment variant of the ID.4 Pro and ID.5 Pro with a net battery energy content of 77 kWh. The actual WLTP range values may differ depending on the equipment. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on the driving style, speed, use of comfort features or auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/load, topography and the ageing and wear process of the battery.

(2)The maximum power is available at the highest possible battery state of charge and with an optimal operating temperature range of the high-voltage battery. The power available in the individual driving situation depends on variable factors such as outside temperature, temperature-, charging- and conditioning status or physical ageing of the high-voltage battery.

(3)Maximum power determined in accordance with UN-GTR.21. The maximum power is available at the highest possible battery state of charge and with an optimal operating temperature range of the high-voltage battery. The power available in the individual driving situation depends on variable factors such as outside temperature,temperature-, charging- and conditioning status or physical ageing of the high-voltage battery.

(4)Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds determined with the specified maximum power. The maximum power is available at the highest possible battery state of charge and with an optimal operating temperature range of the high-voltage battery.

 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com