The electric era is well and truly upon us, with a wide array of good quality EVs currently available at affordable prices. One segment, in particular, has an abundance of choice - crossovers. In the last two years, a wide array of fully electric crossovers have gone on sale. Examples include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The Volkswagen ID.4 isn't just concerned with electric crossovers, but instead every crossover - regardless of what powers it. VW knows a large amount of ID.4 customers will be first-time EV buyers. Hence, the ID.4 is as much of a rival to the ICE Toyota RAV4 as it is to the fully electric bZ4X.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4
- Available AWD
- Up to 295 hp
- 64.2 cubic feet of storage (seats folded)
- Make: Array
- Model: ID.4
- Segment: Array
- Engine/Motor: Permanent Magnet Brushless Motor, 52–77 kWh (Net) Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
- Horsepower: 201-295 hp
- Torque: 162-229 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD, AWD
- Transmission: Direct Drive / Gradient 1-Speed Automatic
- Range: 260 Miles
- Spacious interior
- Affordable pricing
- 3 years of free Electrify America charging
- Laggy infotainment
- No front trunk
- Not as quick as rivals
Overview Of The ID.4
The ID.4 is Volkswagen's second EV based on a dedicated platform, after the ID.3 hatchback. This means that, unlike earlier electric Volkswagen's such as the e-Golf, the ID.4 uses a chassis specifically designed for electric vehicles. The ID.4's MEB platform is also used by the ID.3, ID.5, and the upcoming ID.Buzz. Several other VW Group EVs, like the Audi Q4 e-tron and Škoda Enyaq, also feature the MEB chassis.
The ID.4 is roughly the same size as a Tiguan, which means it sits firmly in crossover territory. However, it certainly looks a lot more modern than its ICE equivalent, with futuristic styling throughout plus a lightbar and illuminated badge. While a lot of electric crossovers feature a teardrop/fastback design (e.g. the Tesla Model Y), the ID.4 looks more like a traditional SUV with no curve at the rear. Instead, VW offers the ID.5 for those who want a fastback.
Powertrain And Drivetrain
Both RWD and AWD versions of the ID.4 are available. RWD is standard, meanwhile AWD can be had for an extra $3,680. Equipping AWD gives you a serious power boost - the RWD ID.4 comes with 201 horsepower, meanwhile the AWD version produces a hefty 295 horsepower. The ID.4 has a 77 kWh battery pack as standard in the US, meanwhile in Europe an entry-level 52 kWh pack is available.
The US-spec ID.4 RWD goes from 0-60 mph in 7.7-seconds, which is significantly slower than most rivals. Meanwhile, the 295 horsepower AWD variant can hit 60 mph in 5.7-seconds, which is much more in-line with the competition and plenty quick enough for a family crossover. Worth the extra $3,680? Probably.
The 2022 ID.4 RWD has a 280-mile EPA range, up 20 miles from the 2021 model year. Meanwhile, the AWD ID.4 has a 251-mile EPA range for 2022, up 2 miles from the previous year. The ID.4 has a peak charging rate of 125 kW, meaning a 0-80% charge can take as little as 38 minutes. All US ID.4s come with 3 years free charging on the Electrify America network.
Interior Quality, Tech, And Comfort
The ID.4 has a spacious, modern and well laid out interior. Buyers get up to 64.3 cubic-feet of storage space with the rear seats folded down, or 30.3 cubic-feet with them up. A 10" infotainment screen is standard; however, a larger 12" screen comes on higher trims. Meanwhile, a 5.3" instrument cluster rests in front of the driver. Interior comfort is excellent, meanwhile the driving position is great. Although its exterior dimensions suggest it's a crossover, inside the ID.4 feels more like a mid-sized SUV. The lack of an engine means VW could expand the cabin further forward than usual, and therefore you get an abundance of room and can comfortably fit 5 adults.
However, the ID.4's interior is not perfect. The steering wheel features a ton of awkward haptic controls. The same haptic buttons are also used for the volume slider and climate controls. Haptic controls are somewhat in between physical and digital buttons and are at times overly sensitive. There's also a ton of gloss black trim everywhere, which can scratch easily. The "Hello ID" voice control is significantly behind similar systems found in rivals, and only works some of the time. The infotainment system itself, although far better than it once was thanks to software updates, still lags behind the likes of Tesla and Hyundai. Its layout is confusing, and at times it can be slow.
Pricing
US buyers can choose from three trim levels: Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Gradient. The Pro starts at $41,230 and comes with a lot of equipment as standard, such as adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, ambient lighting, and keyless entry. However, the $45,730 Pro S is effectively fully loaded. On top of all the kit you get in the Pro, the S gets a panoramic glass roof, larger 12" touchscreen, leather interior, and 12-way electric memory seats. The Pro S also comes with IQ matrix headlights, which certainly look a lot more distinctive than the standard LED beams found on the Pro.
The Pro S Gradient sits at the top of the US ID.4 lineup and starts at $47,230. The Gradient offers more sporty looks thanks to 20" alloys, a black painted roof and silver accents. Importantly, all of the above prices exclude the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit which all VW EVs are still eligible for. Hence, the ID.4 has an effective starting price of just $33,730 (or $35,025 after delivery).