Sebastian Koch tests the ID.4 GTX “Switching to electric not only makes sense –
it is fun as well!”

Sebastian Koch’s first car was a sky blue Beetle. The actor (whose filmography includes “The Lives of Others” and “Bridge of Spies”) reminisces: “I loved my Beetle, until unfortunately my best friend totalled it …”

In the last forty years or so of owning a car, the man who has made Berlin his home has often been won over by Volkswagen models, including a Touareg, a T-Roc Cabrio … And now an ID.4 GTX. After completing a driver safety training course in Wolfsburg, Sebastian Kock explains why he would like to drive an electric car in the future. The actor highlights what it was that won him over:

You had your first experience of driving an ID.4 GTX on a driver safety training course, give us a summary of the driving experience.

Sebastian Koch: It was incredible. Including the directness of the steering. And accelerating was a lot of fun. The ID.4 GTX is a power pack as well, at almost 300 PS.

At a driver safety training course in Wolfsburg you had the opportunity to test the ID.4 GTX in every road situation …

Sebastian Koch: It was pure driving pleasure and I really felt my seat belt doing its job once or twice – when I had to do an emergency stop, for example. So I got a good feeling for everything that the car can do. And I was positively surprised! The ID.4 GTX is at the same level as the Touareg. At least when you look at the technical performance. So, not only does it make sense to switch to an electric car, it’s also a real pleasure. And I like the design as well – a little bit futuristic, but not over the top.

You have driven a Touareg for many years – now your next car is going to be an ID.4 GTX. What is your motivation? And why are you making the switch now?

Sebastian Koch: I’ve driven a car with a combustion engine ever since getting my licence, which means around forty years – so it’s time. Volkswagen has been very committed to the electrification in Germany. And I believe in this strategy.

Did you plan to make the switch now?

Sebastian Koch: Not necessarily, but you can see just how quickly large numbers of people are opting for electric mobility. I remember that the topic came up around eight years ago in my circle of friends. Back then it felt like making the switch to an electric car was a decision that was a long way off. How quickly this has changed in people's awareness. And now I am raving about the cool driving experience after one test drive in an electrically powered car. In my opinion, it’s exactly the same experience as with combustion engines – and it might even be better!

You have a daughter and a son. Are your children a major factor in switching to electric mobility?

What do you mean by mistakes Mr Koch?

Sebastian Koch: Our parents’ generation often reacted differently when it came to mistakes. Along the lines of: That’s just how it was, end of. Many generations believed in things that didn’t turn out well in the end. Perpetual growth, getting faster and higher all the time. We need to understand once and for all that we might not be the culmination of creation.

Can we change the direction?

Sebastian Koch: Yes, I think and hope we can. We might all need to be a little bit humble, but I think we can change direction and correct mistakes … To be honest, this isn’t exclusive to cars, it affects all aspects of life.