Now in its third year, the Volkswagen ID.4 is paving the way for a host of new electric vehicles from VW. The automaker intends to flood the market with various models, and as a precursor, they’ve rendered their first offering even more cost-effective. In addition, the ID.4 is now being manufactured in the United States, making potential buyers eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. This significantly reduces the starting price of the vehicle to approximately $32,000, thus enhancing its value proposition.

Overview and Changes

The current VW ID.4 offers a choice of five trims, known as Standard, Pro, S, Pro S, and S Plus, in eight distinct configurations. Each model comes with the option of either a 62 kWh or an 82-Kwh Battery and offers rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The entry-level ID.4 Standard is equipped with a 62-kWh battery and is rear-wheel-drive-only, providing an estimated range of 209 miles. All others are outfitted with a larger 82-kWh battery, delivering a longer estimated range of 275 miles. Moreover, the all-wheel-drive models enjoy a horsepower increase to 295.

Styling upgrades for the latest model include subtle gloss black highlights on the front bumpers, three new wheel designs, and a palette of eight paint colors. Inside, the car features a standard 12-inch infotainment display, and the Standard model comes with two new interior color options: Stone and Nutmeg. In the S models, interiors are given an upscale feel with two new curated leatherette options: Galaxy and Cosmic. The newest features added to the ID.4 include Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking and assisted lane changing functionality.

Exterior Highlights

The Volkswagen ID.4, drawing from its heritage yet leaning towards the future, has a bold design anchored by the centrally positioned logo on the front, reminiscent of the classic Beetle. It flaunts a strong front end with a sculpted bumper, gloss black scoops, and diamond accents that serve a functional purpose beyond their visual appeal. The large LED headlights, featuring an LED strip as Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), provide a friendly yet focused demeanor. Additional models enhance this appearance with premium LED projector headlights, creating a distinct light signature.

The ID.4’s body integrates fluid lines with sharp edges, producing a sophisticated, future-ready look. A forward-placed A-pillar and a dynamic shoulder line add to the vehicle’s momentum. Elements such as illuminated flush door handles and matte black cladding that spans the vehicle contribute to a unified design. This theme is further carried at the rear with C-shaped LED taillights connected via a red light strip, reflecting the front-end design. The ID.4, offered in eight exterior colors, is adorned with a body-color roof and black roof rails across all models, with specific upgrades available in certain variants.

Interior Highlights

The Volkswagen ID.4’s interior merges practicality with contemporary styling. The dashboard showcases a 5.3-inch ID.Cockpit, substituting traditional instruments with a digital display that indicates battery charge, range, and navigation details. An innovative, roomy center console accommodates cup holders, a wireless charging pad, USB-C ports, and substantial storage space, while an optional panoramic fixed-glass roof amplifies the cabin’s natural light.

High-grade materials prevail throughout, with soft foam skin gracing the dash panel and door inserts. For the Standard, Pro, and AWD Pro models, interior enhancements come in the form of new fabric treatments in Nutmeg and Stone, complemented by leatherette bolsters. The S, Pro S, and AWD Pro S models introduce Cosmic and Galaxy color themes, further enriched by perforated leatherette seating surfaces and improved door panel stitching.

Technology Features

The Volkswagen ID.4’s inside layout prioritizes touch and voice-operated controls, limiting the use of traditional buttons. The steering wheel, which has touch-sensitive capabilities, includes a display that offers haptic feedback and presents essential details like battery life and driving range. In addition, there’s a light control panel situated to the left of the wheel. Standard across all ID.4 trims, a 12-inch Discover Pro Max touchscreen forms the core of the infotainment system, angled toward the driver for easy access and use. This central hub regulates everything from navigation and entertainment to driver-assistance programs and car settings, with gesture recognition technology to ease navigation through menus.

Volkswagen’s ID.4 boasts of features such as native voice command functionality, and an ID. Light system offering intuitive light signals, cordless device charging, App-Connect for integrating smartphones, and Volkswagen’s proprietary Car-Net providing in-car Wi-Fi. The vehicle’s intelligence stems from two central processing units known as ICAS, with a software system patterned on the concept of local servers. This design enables future updates, thereby allowing a continuous improvement in functionalities. The 2023 model extends Car-Net services to encompass Remote Access EV, Safe & Secure EV, and Hotspot, delivering capabilities such as remote control of battery charging and access to vehicle status and charging stations.

Package Choices

Additional offerings in the 2023 ID.4 include two bonus packages that enhance the navigation and infotainment experience for three years following the purchase, without extra cost. The Plus Nav package offers live updates for maps, traffic, and fuel prices, while the Plus Speech package enhances voice command controls for entering destinations and accessing media.

For those who utilize Amazon’s Alexa, voice-controlled commands are now available via the Car-Net EV skills. Moreover, Car-Net Safe & Secure EV, a paid subscription, adds an extra layer of safety with features like emergency assistance and automated crash notification. Lastly, internet connectivity for multiple compatible devices is available with the Car-Net Hotspot data plan subscription, and for music lovers, the SiriusXM with 360L audio entertainment platform enriches the listening experience, available with a separate subscription.

Driver-Assist Technology

The ID.4 is equipped with various safety systems to provide a safe and comfortable ride for its occupants. Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System are standard features, contributing to the post-accident safety measures of the vehicle.

Volkswagen’s advanced driver assistance technology suite includes:

• Travel Assist with assisted lane changing
• Front Assist with Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking,
• Pedestrian Monitoring, and cyclist detection
• Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor)
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go
• Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System)
• Emergency Assist.

These features utilize front and rear radar, a front camera, and several ultrasound sensors. Additionally, the ID.4 comes with standard Park Distance Control, Park Assist and Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking, Dynamic Road Sign Display, Light Assist, and for the ID.4 Pro S Plus models, the Area View.

Powertrain Options

The Volkswagen ID.4 comes standard with a rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor delivering 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. An optional front-mounted asynchronous motor is available on most grades, boosting the total output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The powertrains are efficient, achieving over 90 percent efficiency in most driving situations. The ID.4 Standard and ID.4 S models offer a 62-kWh battery, while the ID.4 Pro features an 82-kWh battery.

Battery range begins at 209 miles for the Standard model to 275 miles for models equipped with the larger battery. However, all-wheel drive drops vehicle range marginally to 255 miles.

“Fuel” Efficiency

As for “fuel” economy, the ID.4 Standard and S models achieve 115 MPGe in city driving, 99 MPGe on the highway, and 107 MPGe combined. The Pro models yield 115 MPGe city, 98 MPGe highway, and 107 MPGe combined, while the AWD Pro versions are rated at 104 MPGe city, 93 MPGe highway, and 99 MPGe combined.

The ID.4 accommodates both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) fast charging. The onboard charger allows a full charge in about six hours and fifteen minutes for the 62=kWh battery models, and seven and a half hours for the 82-kWh battery models on a Level 2 charger. For DC fast charging, the 62-kWh battery models can charge at a rate of 140 kW, while the 82-kWh battery models can charge at 170 kW, enabling a charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. The 2023 ID.4 also includes three years of unlimited 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC fast chargers at no additional cost.

On the Road

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 we tested was an all-wheel-drive model equipped with an advanced large-capacity battery system. The electric drivetrain offers instantaneous torque and notable acceleration from a standstill, providing it with ample power for most driving scenarios. Moreover, it exhibits a combined output of 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, allowing for more than sufficient everyday performance.

This electric SUV maneuvers with ease, facilitated by a light yet direct steering, which gives the driver consistent and predictable control. It possesses a tight turning circle, making it effortlessly fit into tight parking spaces. Moreover, its noise insulation and composed ride quality make it a perfect long-journey companion. The ride, although comfortable, leans more towards a relaxed experience rather than a thrilling one.

In terms of handling, the ID.4 seems a tad heavy on windy roads due to the battery pack located low in the floor, which can undermine driver confidence during aggressive maneuvering. However, its comfort-oriented design aligns well with the expectations of most drivers. It’s worth mentioning that there are various drive modes available, with the vehicle seeming most comfortable in the default setting.

The gear selector, located just behind the top right of the steering wheel, can be a bit tricky to operate initially and requires a watchful eye on the panel to confirm gear changes. In addition, Volkswagen’s approach to regenerative braking might disappoint those who prefer one-pedal driving. Regenerative braking is on the lighter side and does not bring the car to a complete stop, but Volkswagen argues this method is more energy efficient. Nonetheless, the brakes are firm, providing confident stopping power and assisting in energy recovery.

Our Recommendation

While its competitive pricing makes the Standard model enticing, we recommend most consumers consider the other options. Its limited range can be a significant downside, though this might not concern urban inhabitants. Conversely, we’d advise against opting for the highest-tier model, primarily due to its higher price tag. A more pragmatic choice would likely be any ID.4 model equipped with the expanded battery pack.

See Also — Down Electric Avenue with the Volkswagen ID.4

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