The Volkswagen ID.4 SUV will be the company’s first mass-market electric vehicle. The EV will allow drivers to transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as it will combine usability, comfort, and a sufficient driving range.
Models with rear-wheel drive come Standard with one motor and 201 horsepower; selecting all-wheel drive adds another motor and brings the total power output up to 295.
The maximum range per charge is approximately 275 miles, which pairs its cheaper price tag with a smaller battery that only provides around 208 miles of range.
The ID.4’s DC fast-charging capability, included as Standard, makes topping off your battery at one of the many public charging stations a relatively painless and speedy process.
The all-new 2023 model
In preparation for the 2023 model year, Volkswagen has shifted production of the ID.4 destined for the American market to its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The entry-level Standard model was added to the product line this year with an appealing base price; however, it utilizes a smaller battery pack with a capacity of only 58 kWh and an estimated driving range of 208 miles.
Also brand new to the ID.4 family is the poshest trim level, the Pro S Plus, which brings luxury details such as heated rear seats, an automatic climate control system with three zones, one-of-a-kind 20-inch wheels, and a premium audio system.
All models now come standard with the larger 12.0-inch infotainment display, which was available as an option in the previous model year. Additionally, Volkswagen has sprinkled in several minor design enhancements, such as gloss black exterior trim, the latest wheel designs, and changes to the available paint colors.
New interior upholstery options have been added, and Pro S models now have illuminated Volkswagen logos on the front and back of the vehicle. The center console has also undergone a minor redesign.
Pricing
Even though the new Standard model is the most affordable, we’d recommend the mid-range Pro to maximize the ID.4’s range and enable DC fast charging at public charging stations.
The supplementary dual-motor, the all-wheel-drive powertrain, is also worthwhile, increasing horsepower and performing better.
Below is the pricing for each VW ID.4 variant:
| Standard | $40,290 |
| Pro | $45,290 |
| Standard S | $45,290 |
| Pro S | $50,290 |
| Pro S Plus | $52,740 |
Motor, performance, and power
The ID.4 produces 201 horsepower with its single motor mounted in the rear. However, the model with dual motors and all-wheel drive generates 295 horsepower. The maximum weight that can be towed by this sturdy vehicle is 2 700 pounds.
The ID.4’s most aggressive regenerative mode, the normal one-pedal driving that electric vehicle drivers have come to appreciate, is largely absent here.
Regenerative braking allows recaptured energy when the vehicle is slowed down, but this technology does not allow it. In addition, electric vehicles typically do not offer the traditional “gut-punch” acceleration that gasoline-powered vehicles do.
The rear-wheel-drive ID.4 is fast by the standards of traditional compact crossovers. The ID.4’s accelerating performance is improved when one opts for the more potent all-wheel-drive model, as demonstrated by the vehicle’s 5.4-second sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour on our proving ground.
CarandDriver states that although the ID.4 steers less sharply than other electric vehicles, they still appreciate its refined and smooth ride quality and its quiet cabin.
Below are the key specs of the Volkswagen ID.4:
Volkswagen ID.4 RWD
| Powertrain | Permanent-magnet synchronous AC |
| Power | 201 hp |
| Torque | 229 lb-ft |
| Battery Pack | Liquid-cooled lithium-ion 77.0 kWh |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct-drive |
Volkswagen ID.4 AWD
| Motors | 2 permanent-magnet synchronous AC 107 and 201 hp 119 and 228 lb-ft |
| Combined Power | 295 hp |
| Combined Torque | 339 lb-ft |
| Battery Pack | liquid-cooled lithium-ion 77.0 kWh |
| Onboard Charger | 11.0 kW |
| Transmission | direct-drive |
Battery life, charging, and range
The EPA predicts that the ID.4’s supplementary 77.0-kWh battery pack can hold enough juice to power the SUV for up to 275 miles between charges. It competes with other electric SUVs, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV.
Sadly for Volkswagen, the EPA estimates that the Tesla Model Y has a range of 330 miles. In contrast, that number is less than what VW offers.
Of course, the battery can be charged at home using connections of 110 or 240 volts, and it also can receive a rapid charge from a DC source. The more affordable Standard model comes with a battery with a capacity of only 58 kWh and a range of only 208 miles.
Volkswagen ID.4 RWD – C/D TEST RESULTS
| 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| 100 mph | 26.0 sec |
| 1/4 mile | 16.0 sec @ 86 mph |
| Rolling start | 5-60 mph: 7.6 sec |
| Top gear | 30-50 mph: 3.0 sec |
| Top gear | 50-70 mph: 4.8 sec |
| Top speed | 100 mph |
| Braking | 70-0 mph: 166 ft |
| Roadholding | 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g |
Volkswagen ID.4 AWD – C/D TEST RESULTS
| 60 mph | 5.4 sec |
| 100 mph | 14.5 sec |
| 1/4 mile | 14.1 sec @ 99 mph |
| Rolling start | 5-60 mph: 5.5 sec |
| Top gear | 30-50 mph: 2.3 sec |
| Top gear | 50-70 mph: 3.2 sec |
| Top speed | 112 mph |
| Braking | 70-0 mph: 171 ft |
| Roadholding | 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.82 g |
Real-world MPGe and Fuel economy
The EPA gives the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro S a rating of 104 miles per gallon equivalent in the city and 89 miles per gallon equivalent on the highway.
The EPA gives the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro model a rating of 107 miles per gallon equivalent in the city and 91 miles per gallon equivalent on the highway.
The rear-wheel-drive ID.4 achieved an impressive 82 MPGe and 190 miles of range during our highway fuel-efficiency test, which was conducted at 75 mph.
Volkswagen ID.4 RWD
| C/D FUEL ECONOMY | |
| Observed | 80 MPGe |
| 75-mph highway driving | 82 MPGe |
| Highway range | 190 miles |
| EPA FUEL ECONOMY | |
| Combined/city/highway | 97/104/89 MPGe |
Volkswagen ID.4 AWD
| EPA FUEL ECONOMY | |
| Combined/city/highway | 96/103/88 |
| Range | 240 mi |
Cargo, interior design, and comfort
Even though the ID.4’s cabin isn’t as flashy as the ID’s, Crozz Concept’s cabin, which has a retractable steering wheel and moving rear doors, still provides an innovative design with high-tech features, atmospheric lighting, and a generous amount of cargo space.
Additionally, the ID.4 has a smaller footprint than the ID. Crozz Concept.
The internal design is simple yet playful, and it comes standard with heated cloth seats for the front passengers. However, the more expensive Pro S model offers faux leather upholstery and front seats that are power-adjustable in 12 ways and have a memory function.
The cargo area of the ID.4 has much available room.
Volkswagen ID.4 RWD
| CHASIS | |
| Suspension (F/R) | struts/multilink |
| Brakes (F/R) | 13.4-in vented disc/11.0-in drum |
| Tires | Bridgestone Alenza A/S F: 235/50R-20 104T M+S R: 255/45R-20 105T M+S+ |
| DIMENSION | |
| Wheelbase | 108.9 in |
| Length | 180.5 in |
| Width | 72.9 in |
| Height | 64.4 in |
| Passenger volume | 101 ft |
| Curb weight | 4698 lb |
Volkswagen ID.4 AWD
| CHASIS | |
| Suspension (F/R) | struts/multilink |
| Brakes (F/R) | 13.4-in vented disc/11.0-in drum |
| Tires | Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S 235/50R-20 104T M+S AO+ |
| DIMENSION | |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in |
