The first undisguised images of Volkswagen's upcoming ID4 battery electric crossover have leaked online, showing that it will hue closely to the styling of the German automaker's fossil fuel-powered lineup while maintaining elements that identify it as an EV.
It is expected to offer a range of up 311 miles on a single charge.
Images of the Tiguan-size EV appeared on vwidtalk.com, a forum about VW's EV lineup, after they were leaked by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, according to several media reports.
Automotive News has confirmed the authenticity of the images.
The images, detailing the production version of the crossover, which will initially be offered with rear-wheel-drive, were submitted as part of VW filings to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The images are part of documents all automakers must submit to gain approval for models assembled or sold in China.
VW declined to comment.
The ID4, which is set to go on sale in the U.S. at the end of 2020, is the VW brand's second EV produced on a new MEB global architecture. The first, a Golf-size hatchback called the ID3, has been delayed by software glitches and is expected to begin deliveries in Europe in September.
The smaller ID3 is not expected to be sold in the U.S.
