Volkswagen’s ID.4 electric SUV has been voted World Car of the Year 2021 by 90 auto writers from 24 countries.

To qualify for entry, an automaker must build at least 10,000 units per year of a model and sell it on at least two continents.

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According to VW, the jury praised the lack of direct emissions as well as innovative features such as the optional augmented reality head-up display which projects information as a three-dimensional, staggered image at an apparent distance of three to 10 metres in front of the vehicle. When Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or Travel Assist (optional) is active, the vehicle in front is highlighted with a luminous marking.

Volkswagen is the first in the volume segment to offer OTA updates starting this summer.

The automaker plans to sell 150,000 ID.4s worldwide this year and is ramping up production in Germany, China and the US.

Platform and dashboard layout are shared with the smaller ID.3 hatchback which will not be sold in the US.

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