Volkswagen has unveiled the ID.4 a compact all-electric crossover as the US market’s first long-range EV from the brand. The VW ID.4 rides atop the company’s MEB platform and arrives to do battle with the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona EV, and Kia Niro EV in the electric crossover segment in the US.

The ID.4 receives smart, attractive styling with friendly and approachable curves that bely the rest of VW’s somewhat aggressive lineup, the ID.4 looks more in line with the company’s historic Beetle.

It’s characterized by a grille-less front end with numerous LED accents, a backlit Volkswagen emblem, and a wide air dam at the bottom of the front bumper. Black trim above the rocker panels reduces the profile’s visual mass, while the back end receives LED lights and a subtle ID.4 emblem.

Inside the ID.4 is one of the best looking cabins we have seen in an all-electric car. Minimalism is the name of the game here, a 5.3-inch digital instrument display emerges from the steering column which is the driver’s instrument cluster. The simple display features three reconfigurable tiles that show the most important information, with the battery’s state of charge and range shown underneath.

Touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel provide inputs for the instrument cluster. The gear selector sticks out from the right side of the bezel, and a tablet-like touchscreen on the upper part of the dashboard displays the infotainment system. Touch-sensitive sliders positioned below the screen let the front passengers adjust the climate control settings.

In its most basic configuration, the ID.4 is equipped with an 82-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor mounted over the rear axle. This configuration will make 200 bhp and give you a driving range of up to 400 km. There will also be a dual-motor, through-the-road all-wheel drive will be available a few months after deliveries start, that motor will be making 300 horses.

The ID.4 doesn’t skip out on safety either, an extruded aluminum frame protects the battery from crash damage, and the ID.4 automatically disconnects the electrical array after a serious accident. A replaceable undertray protects the battery from incidental road debris.

The company’s new IQ. Drive suite of driver-assist technology includes forward collision warning with pedestrian monitoring and automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. In addition, the ID.4 features road sign monitoring, parking sensors, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 arrives in the first quarter of next year in the US with a base price tag of $39,995.