Could Volkswagen Malaysia be considering the launch of this e-SUV locally some time soon?
While there may already be quite a number of EVs in its global lineup, it is nevertheless unfortunate to note that Volkswagen hasn’t actually launched any of them locally just yet. In fact, the only electrified VW here so far is the mild-hybrid Golf R-Line that debuted earlier this year.
Though while perhaps a little late to the party, this could soon change. Such is as recently spotted at the back of one of its dealerships were a pair of ID.4 e-SUVs, with both units sporting local registration plates to boot!
Naturally, this does raises the question: is Volkswagen finally preparing to take on the likes of BYD and Tesla locally, albeit a little late to the party?
Well… not quite.
Now to be clear here, this sighting isn’t exactly new. This is because those with a longer memory may recall that these very same ID.4s have been around for some time, with news of them having been spotted on Malaysian roads emerging as early as late 2022.
In fact, Volkswagen had even showcased these very cars for public previews around that same period. It incidentally also launched a local ROI page for the ID.4 on its website around that time, which, funnily enough, remains active to this day.
This then neatly brings up the obvious following question: why didn’t VW capitalise on the opportunity and launch the ID.4 when CBU EV tax incentives were still in place? It could likely have shifted a fair number of units, while also building momentum ahead of models like the stylish ID. Buzz all-electric people mover.
Then again, holding back may have been the more prudent move. Looking at its more premium four-ringed sibling for reference, Audi Malaysia’s push into fully electric models hasn’t exactly resulted in a significant surge in sales — especially when factoring in the added investment required for infrastructure and support.
Even so, there are still signs of movement. Volkswagen Malaysia’s new management did mention last year that there are plans for local EV assembly, though it is worth noting that no specific models or timelines have been confirmed for these Pekan-built, tailpipe-less Volkswagens.
What does seem likely though is that whatever EV eventually arrives won’t be this ageing ID.4. It may have been the World Car of the Year in 2021, but this e-SUV has since been overtaken by a newer wave of Volkswagen EVs in the half-decade following its debut.
Which leaves one final question: what happens to these cars now? They’ve likely spent much of the past couple of years sitting idle, but they would still make for a rather eye-catching family hauler if Volkswagen ever decides to release them from its fleet.
