The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first electrical SUV and the primary ID mannequin to make it to the US, the place the smaller ID.3 hatch isn’t supplied. It’s snug, roomy, and enjoyable to drive, however there’s just one battery and motor mixture at the moment obtainable, and for those who’re anticipating Tesla efficiency, you’re higher off shopping at Elon’s place.
Thumbs up: Journey consolation, house, visibility, refinement, vary
Thumbs down: Common efficiency, uninteresting to drive, small nav display, some supplies really feel low cost
Volkswagen ID.4: The Lowdown
Volkswagen determined to not convey the ID.3 to the US as a result of it didn’t suppose it will promote many automobiles. But it surely expects to shift hundreds of its ID.4 huge brother, so that you higher get used to that face.
The ID.4 shares the identical MEB electrical platform because the Audi e-tron, Skoda Enyaq and ID.3, and even rides on the identical 108.9-inch (2765 mm) wheelbase because the hatch. However there’s extra inside room and baggage house, and the styling is fractionally much less space-age.
At present the one powertrain mixtures is a 77kWh battery mated to 1 201 hp electrical motor driving the rear wheels. Volkswagen plans so as to add extra ID.4 variants by the tip of the 12 months, together with a warmer 300 hp four-wheel drive model, and, in some markets, a extra reasonably priced variations with much less energy than this.
Driving the ID.4: Efficiency
For those who’re coming to the ID.4 from a Tesla, or have merely absorbed so many lurid tales in regards to the giant-killing performance of Teslas that you simply count on any EV to wheelie away from the stoplight if you mash the fitting pedal, put together to be disillusioned.
The ID.4’s 201 hp won’t be that a lot lower than you got from a Golf GTi a couple of years again, however the EV’s chunky 4683 lbs (2124 kg) curb weight kills a lot of the urgency. Zero to 60 mph takes 8.5 seconds in line with VW, and although we managed to chop that to lower than 8, it by no means feels greater than reasonably brisk if you’re driving solo. Load it up with a full complement of passengers and baggage and also you’re seemingly going to need extra torque than the 221 lb ft you’re caught with.
Driving the ID.4: Journey And Dealing with
It’s the same story in relation to the chassis. In some ways it’s nice. It rides much better than a Mustang Mach-E, the steering is gradual, however correct, and the ID.4 stays collectively if you throw in bumps and curves. Assume huge, quiet Golf: it’s an achieved automobile, however by no means a lot enjoyable to toss round.
And for those who like EVs that provide a lot regenerative braking you actually can drive them with solely your proper foot, the ID.4’s coasting-biased ethos won’t go well with you. You’ll be able to choose ‘B’ for braking through the transmission shifter, however the impact is milder than on some rivals.
Dwelling With the ID.4: House, Practicality, Consolation
If the ID.4’s efficiency is a little bit underwhelming, that is the place it claws again factors. There’s loads of house for individuals, and virtually as a lot for his or her baggage as in a Volkswagen Tiguan, although in contrast to some EVs, there’s no frunk.
However the ID.4 feels roomier than a Tiguan due to the low dashboard and large glass space. It’s additionally huge on refinement and low on noise, including to the sense of zen-like calm on the wheel, although a few of the supplies, just like the onerous door panels, are perhaps rather less premium than we’ve come to count on from Volkswagen.
Dwelling With the ID.4: Connectivity
The ID.4’s normal 10-inch infotainment display on the entry-level ID.4 Professional is disappointingly small next to a Tesla Model 3’s or Mach-E’s shows, and the software program isn’t as slick. The dearer Professional S (Assertion) trim will get a much bigger 12-inch show. Each include wi-fi charging and smartphone app connectivity.
Dwelling With The ID.4: Charging And Vary
A 77 kWh battery offers an EPA-rated driving range of 250 miles (and 310 on the European WLTP cycle), although in actuality you’ll get nearer to 220-230, probably much less, relying the way you drive. Make use of the 125 kW charging functionality and you’ll take the battery from 10-80 per cent in round 35 minutes.
Shopping for The ID.4: Value, Gear
You’ll be able to pair the only obtainable drivetrain setup with both Professional ($39,995 earlier than tax incentives) or First Version ($43,995) trims, with the latter including 20-inch wheels, projector headlights and a panoramic roof to the Professional’s heated entrance seats and steering wheel. It’s also possible to add lots of the First Version options to your Professional by spending $4500 on the Professional S (Assertion), and $1500 on the Gradient pack.
The catch is the First Edition is sold out within the US and the Professional doesn’t arrive till summer time 2021, adopted by a $3680 bi-motor, all-wheel drive possibility on the finish of the 12 months. In some markets, such because the UK, solely the £40,800 First Version is accessible for now.
Volkswagen ID.4: The Rivals
Chevrolet Bolt ($33,995)
New crossover-style Bolt is larger and cheaper, however doesn’t qualify for tax credit.
Ford Mustang Mach-E ($42,895)
Not a lot of a Mustang, however quicker and extra enjoyable to drive than the ID.4.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2021MY $TBC)
Facelifted Kona is pretty fast, however again seats cramped and no AWD possibility.
Kia Niro (2021MY $40,265)
Roomy, robust worth crossover, however quick on cool.
Volkswagen ID.4: Right here’s What You Requested Us
You requested: Does the LED band over the sprint that illuminates to point the ID.4 is listening to your voice instructions trigger any visibility points at night time?
We are saying: The sunshine is pretty brilliant however we didn’t discover it annoying, and shortly stopped noticing it in any respect.
You requested: Is the gear shifter troublesome to make use of?
We are saying: The rotatable gear shifter is mounted on the tip of the small digital instrument cluster and obscured by the steering wheel. But it surely’s fairly intuitive: twist ahead for Drive (ahead once more to extend regeneration), again over for Reverse, and there’s a button on the aspect for Park.
You requested: Are the brand new window switches annoying?
We are saying: The door panel has solely two window switches, one every for left and proper. If you wish to function the rear home windows from the driving force’s seat it’s a must to push a separate button first, then use the identical switches. It’s a ache and should save about 0.01 oz of weight.
You requested: How a lot baggage house is within the frunk?
We are saying: There isn’t one.
You requested: Will my canine match?
We are saying: Relies upon how huge your canine is and the place you wish to put it. The rear seats don’t slide however there’s 30.3 cu ft (858 litres) of house behind them which, whereas not as beneficiant as in a standard SUV like the Honda CR-V, must be sufficient for many pooches.