SAIC-Volkswagen has strategically adjusted the pricing of its ID.4 X electric crossover in the Chinese market, implementing a substantial 13% reduction that brings the starting price down to 139,900 yuan, equivalent to approximately 19,200 USD. This significant price adjustment represents a nearly 30% decrease from the vehicle's initial launch price of 193,900 yuan (26,700 USD) in 2021, reflecting the intense competition and evolving dynamics of China's burgeoning electric vehicle sector.
Volkswagen operates within the Chinese market through two primary joint ventures: SAIC-VW and FAW-VW. These partnerships facilitate the production and distribution of Volkswagen vehicles, with a degree of differentiation achieved by appending "X" to SAIC joint venture models and "Crozz" to FAW joint venture vehicles. This distinction is particularly evident in the ID.4 model lineup.
The recent 20,000 yuan (2,700 USD) price cut for the ID.4 X mirrors a similar price adjustment implemented by FAW-VW for its sister model, the ID.4 Crozz, earlier in the month. Volkswagen encourages healthy competition between its joint venture partners, with SAIC-VW demonstrating slightly greater overall success, largely attributed to the popularity of the ID.3 model, which is exclusively produced by this joint venture. However, in the ID.4 segment, FAW-VW surpassed SAIC-VW in sales figures for the previous year, highlighting the competitive landscape.
The entry-level ID.4 X Smart variant is equipped with a 52.8 kWh battery supplied by CATL, providing a CLTC-rated range of 425 kilometers. This rear-wheel-drive configuration features a single electric motor delivering a maximum output of 168 hp and a peak torque of 310 Nm. With the recent price reduction, the ID.4 X Smart is now available for 139,900 yuan (19,200 USD). The ID.4 X Long Range trim, catering to consumers seeking extended driving capabilities, features a larger 80.2 kWh battery, enabling a CLTC range of 601 kilometers. This variant also employs a rear-mounted electric motor, boasting an increased power output of 228 hp, while maintaining the same peak torque of 310 Nm. The Long Range trim is now priced at 175,900 yuan (24,200 USD).
According to insurance registration data, SAIC-VW sold 34,498 units of the ID.4 X in the preceding year, slightly trailing its sister model, the ID.4 Crozz from FAW-VW, which recorded approximately 3,000 more units sold. Despite this, the ID.4 X remains SAIC-VW's second best-selling electric vehicle, trailing only the ID.3, which achieved impressive sales figures of 93,816 units.
In the United States, the Volkswagen ID.4 has recently achieved a notable milestone, breaking into the top 5 best-selling electric vehicles, as reported by Electrek. However, in China, the ID.4 X recorded sales of 1,020 units in January, ranking it as the 128th best-selling electric vehicle. Its sister model, the ID.4 Crozz, sold 889 units during the same period. If combined, their sales would elevate them to the top 100, securing the 94th position. This data underscores the competitive nature of the Chinese electric vehicle market and the ongoing efforts by Volkswagen to enhance its market share through strategic pricing adjustments and product differentiation.