The all-new 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is the car VW is counting on to build its post-Diesel-scandal electric car business in the United States. Based on a first look—but sadly, not a drive—I’d say they have reason for optimism.

I got an opportunity to see and touch this brand new product a week before its official release today. Press briefings have changed in the era of COVID-19. Besides wearing a mask and getting my temperature taken, the presentation was just for me! I met with Jeffrey Lean, Product Manager, Electric Vehicles for Volkswagen of America, who showed me a presentation and then accompanied me as I carefully walked around the car and sat inside, touching things and getting a feel for the vehicle (and took these photos).

The content was “embargoed,” meaning I wasn’t allowed to speak publicly about it until today. This morning, my story appeared on Clean Fleet Report. Please go there for the details.

VW is serious about offering a bunch of EVs in the U.S., although they are withholding the Golf-sized ID.3, which is already available in Europe. As a compact crossover, the ID.4 is exactly the kind of car Americans love, so bringing it over first makes sense. In 2022, they will begin building the ID.4 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

I’m excited about the future electric “Microbus,” which was introduced years ago as the ID Buzz concept. It’ll be the ID.<number>, of course, when it rolls in.

At press events, you often get some kind of souvenir–a pen, keychain, or water bottle. Here’s mine from the ID.4 press event. So 2020.