Volkswagen introduced the all-electric ID.4 in 2021 as a five-passenger crossover that offers up to 275 miles of range. It's now offered in three trims: Pro, S, and S Plus. All are available with the option of a 62kWh or a 82 kWh battery and either rear or all-wheel drive. Estimated charging time as a DC public fast charger from 10-80% is within 30-36 minutes. Standard ID.4 models start at $38,995 while top of the line AWD Pro S Plus models start at $55,245. Qualifying individuals may be eligible for the potential $7,500 tax credit. Additionally, Volkswagen includes three years of fast charging with Electrify America at no additional cost. Other similarly sized all-electric crossovers include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Toyota bZ4X, Subaru Solterra, Tesla Model Y.
New for 2023
* Now assembled in Chattanooga, Tenn., the result of a further $800 million investment in the U.S. market.
* New to the lineup is the 62kWh battery version which lowers the price of the entry-level model.
* Standard technology that includes parking assist plus with memory parking and a 12" infotainment display.
* Subtle styling changes include gloss black highlights on the front bumpers, new wheel designs, 20" rims on the S model, and an illuminated rear VW emblem on S models.
* On Standard models, the dash receives stitching in addition to new m lange fabric and leatherette seat side bolsters, replacing the basic cloth upholstery of the previous model.
* Trim is available with two new interior colors-Stone or Nutmeg. Stone vehicles are paired with black and gray accents, while Nutmeg vehicles bring in attractive brown hues.
* On all S models, two new curated leatherette interiors bring an upscale ambience, and the choice between Galaxy or Cosmic finishes.
Coming in 2024
* New performance drive unit for 82 kWh models delivers greater horsepower and range for both rear-wheel-drive and AWD models compared to prior model year.
o The rear-wheel-drive model will produce an impressive 282 horsepower, while the all-wheel-drive model will make around 330 horsepower.
* New 12.9-inch infotainment display with backlit sliders for 82 kWh models
* A new shifter position and a revised steering wheel layout.
* S models with the 82-kWh battery include ventilated front-row seats, and S Plus models receive a premium harman/kardon audio system with nine speakers, plus a subwoofer, and a 16-channel amplifer.
* Standard AWD models feature larger, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and S Plus vehicles upgrade to 21-inch machined alloy wheels.
Performance (+)
The ID.4 is available in a few configurations. The base option is a 62-kWh battery and one electric motor with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. Also available are:
* 82-kWh battery and one electric motor with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque
* 82-kWh battery and two electric motors with 295 horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque
I spent time recently in the most powerful AWD Pro S with the 82-kWh battery. Both options are smooth with relatively quick acceleration from a stop. VW estimates a 0-60 MPH time of 5.7 seconds which is solid, but not as quick as some competitors. Passing power on the highway is much better with the bigger battery. The overall ride is more comfortable than sporty. It was very smooth over road imperfections and easy to steer. Handling was on par with traditional Volkswagens as it felt grounded and took corners with ease. It is a firmer ride, but very well controlled. Steering is direct and responsive, making it easy to handle.
The regenerative braking system in the ID.4 is designed for efficiency and offers the driver two modes. The D (Drive) position is the default mode, allowing the car to coast whenever the driver's foot is off the accelerator or brake pedal. As soon as the driver applies the brakes, energy recuperation is activated, and the electric drive motor feeds power back into the battery. The B (Brake) position enables the driver to select a heavier amount of regeneration when lifting their foot off the accelerator. Drivers can use the gear selector switch to change from the D position to B at any time. In this mode, the ID.4's drive almost always recovers energy during lifting off, but not all the way to a standstill. The limit is enough for noticeable deceleration that won't confuse drivers of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Range / Charge Time (+)The EPA-estimated range on a full charge is 209 miles for the ID.4 Standard and the ID.4 S, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 115 MPGe in city driving; 99 MPGe on the highway; and 107 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. The EPA-estimated range for the ID.4 Pro and Pro S is 275 miles, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 115 MPGe in city driving; 98MPGe in highway driving, and 107 MPGe in combined city/highway driving.
The ID.4 AWD Pro and AWD Pro S have an EPA-estimated range of 255 miles, and an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 104 MPGe in city driving; 93 MPGe in highway driving, and 99 MPGe in combined city/highway driving.
Charge time was also impressive, as it will charge from 10-80% connected to a DC fast charger in around 30 minutes. I was also able to re-gain all of my daily commute miles with an overnight charge in my standard 120V home outlet. Comparatively, the ID.4 charged noticeably quicker than the Mustang Mach-E I reviewed the following week.
Also worth noting that the temperature of the battery modules is controlled using a floor plate with built-in water channels. The thermal management system keeps the battery in the ideal temperature range of around 77 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, benefiting power output, fast DC charging, and the battery service life. The High-Voltage System Limited Warranty provides that the battery will still have at least 70 percent of its original capacity after eight years of operation or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Turning Radius (+)Turning radius isn't typically something I'd highlight but I must give credit to the ID.4 for an exceptionally tight circle. Thanks to the rear-wheel drive platform, it's incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver. A real-world comparison has the ID.4 making a full circle within 3 parking spaces while the similarly sized Tesla Model 3 takes up 4 spaces. The measured radius is 31.5 ft. This will prove to be a huge advantage for VW owners who live in urban environments.
LED Lighting (+)The use of LED lighting has become standard practice now and manufacturers are using them to create unique brand identities. VW's use of LED lighting in front and back is near the top of the class. Since EVs don't necessitate a front grille, the ID.4 utilizes this space for lighting by creating a front light bar that outlines the headlights and stretches to the middle where an illuminated VW emblem is located. Around back, LED lighting outlines the taillights and stretches across the hatch with even the VW lighting up in red. Even when off, the ID.4 lights have a matte black inside with various textures that look good in daylight. Whether coming or going, this is a sharp and welcoming lighting signature.
Wheel Design (+)The ID.4 has either 19 or 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires. Both alloy wheel designs blend finishes that include machine-faced silver with painted black. The designs are sporty with a sharp fluid design that appear constantly in motion. In particular, the 20-inch design looks and feels very premium. The larger wheels can be had within the Gradient Package on the RWD Pro S.
Interior Space (+)The overall space felt very open and clean with a simple modern design. The large windows and glass roof add to the open-air vibe. All passengers had plenty of head and leg room thanks to the elongated roofline and wheelbase. Space up front is further maximized by keeping all controls on the dashboard, including a unique gear selector. The materials are minimalistic with limited embellishments. A standard 12-inch touch infotainment screen sits prominently atop the dash without any clutter. The configurable center console features up to four cup holders in a vertical line, two of which can be hidden with a rolling storage lid. Cell phone pockets are available in the backs of the front seats for rear seat passengers as well as a center armrest with two more cupholders, for a total of eight pre-configured beverage holders.
Cargo capacity is 30.3 cu. ft. behind the second row and has a maximum of 64.2 cu. ft. with the seats folded flat. These numbers are good compared to others in the hybrid and electric class. The seats are easy to fold, and the large opening and glass roof add a few inches when stacking boxes inside. There is also a rear seat pass through opening that will flip down if needed. All models feature a below-floor storage compartment in the back where owners can store the household charging cord and other small items. The cover for the rear cargo space is solid and stays in place, unlike the flimsy one found in the Ford Mustang Mach-e.
Gear Selector (+)Gone are the days of shifting a standard gear lever and VW has completely changed the game by utilizing a gear selector that is mounted to the digital cluster behind the steering wheel. It reminds me of the 90's Hasbro game 'Bop-it' as depending on your desired function, you twist it forward, twist it backward or push in the button the side. It's a quirky feature that is fun to show off and actually one that I became accustomed to rather quickly. I like this modern interpretation better than the dial knobs or push buttons.
Technology (Swipe Controls) (+/-)Most everything in the ID.4 is controlled via touch or voice control. The digital cluster display in front of the steering wheel is small, but crystal clear and can be controlled via haptic touch buttons in the multi-function heated steering wheel. The infotainment screen is the hub of the vehicle for the standard navigation system, entertainment, driver-assist systems, telematics, and vehicle settings. The menus can be moved via voice commands, gesture control in front of the screen, or by swiping the screen like a mobile device. There are no dials for volume, tuning, or climate control.
The system works well including the voice commands. Similar to how you talk to Alexa in your home, you can ask 'ID' to do things for you such as turn up the heat, play a song, or even tell a joke.
Standard wireless mobile charging, wireless app-connect, in car Wi-Fi capability, and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help keep the interior free of cords. VW's Car-net system will also sync with Amazon Alexa if you want her to come along for the ride as well. All these features and 'tricks' are great, but they will take some time to understand how to operate. It's not necessarily an intuitive system, but it is one that can be learned and that drivers will acclimate to.
Ambiance (+)From comfortable leather seats to ambient lighting, VW has created a calm, serene space inside the ID.4. Power adjustable seats available in cloth or synthetic leather offer good support and comfort. Available heated, ventilated, and massaging seats will further relax the front passengers. Ambient lighting lights up the interior at night and can be adjusted to your mood. Enjoy the view of the sky through the fixed glass panoramic roof or swipe the control switch for a power-retractable sunshade for a more intimate space. There is also a calming beauty in the simplicity of the ID.4 interior.
Safety (+)VW includes a healthy list of standard safety and driver assist features on the ID.4. It features six airbags as standard, along with several electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, and a standard rearview camera. The ID.4 also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
The IQ.DRIVE system is also standard on ID.4. The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance) now with assisted lane changing; Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring and (new) cyclist detection); Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor); Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).
Final Statement (+)There are little faults to find in the Volkswagen ID.4 outside of basic personal preferences. This crossover makes a strong case for going electric with solid range numbers, better than average charging times, and solid performance specs. Most impressive to me on this one though, is the interior space and ambiance. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it accommodated my family of 5 compared to many other compact five-passenger crossovers... and it did it with a very futuristic vibe. Passengers are treated to a clean, but familiar interior and outside the exterior LED light signature is a personal favorite. The ride is smooth with good acceleration from a stop. It's a futuristic vehicle to look at, sit in and listen to as there's a space ship sound the ID.4 emits when cruising along or backing up to let others know of its presence. It puts up an impressive fight against traditional compact crossovers which may have buyers considering electric.
First Impression Summary:Test Vehicle: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 PRo S AWD
Exterior Color: Aurora Red Metallic
Interior Color: Black
Notable Options: Paint ($395)
MSRP as tested: $54,485.00 (With Delivery/Destination)