Very soon, all new Volkswagen cars won’t pack a gasoline engine under the hood. By 2035, all VW vehicles will only feature battery-electric power with their fleet, and the entire fleet going carbon-neutral by 2050. Their lineup is gradually growing with entries like the eagerly awaited ID Buzz, a modern electric version of the iconic Kombi bus. Other members of the Volkswagen ID family include the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5. The ID.4 was the second offering based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix platform and the first fully electric SUV.
Since the first deliveries in March 2021, the ID.4 has endeared EV fans and gained fame as a capable and relatively affordable electric crossover option. Volkswagen even sweetened the deal by slashing the base price in August 2022 alongside other welcome refinements. The electric SUV segment is blossoming with capable models like the Jaguar I-Pace and the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which command premium prices. But the ID.4 is Volkswagen’s electric SUV for the masses, offering a relatively affordable option to its premium rivals.
10 The 2023 VW ID.4 Is American-Assembled
The German automaker has invested an extra $800 million in its Chattanooga Assembly Plant in Tennessee to produce its upcoming EVs. They begin the assault with the 2023 ID.4, which comes $5,000 cheaper than its predecessor because Volkswagen just began building the model in the United States.
The US version will feature a new entry-level 62 kWh battery, but the bigger 82 kWh only comes with the models imported from Europe. Besides the lower price, it is good for patriotic customers to drive a made-in-America EV.
9 The ID.4 Qualifies For Federal Tax Credit
Thanks to the new Inflation Reduction Act, certain new electric vehicles qualify for up to $7,500 on revised tax credits. But the requirements are stringent, touching on the EV’s origin and where they sourced their batteries, which means only a handful of vehicles qualify. Luckily, the ID.4, beginning with the 2023 model, will come with the incentive.
The entry-level ID.4 will come with an MSRP of $37,495, which drops to less than $30,000 for customers eligible for the federal tax credit. This competitive price makes the ID.4 much cheaper than a Tesla Model Y or a Ford Mach E.
8 The ID.4 Comes With A Competitive Battery Range
Volkswagen is staking the big buck on their EV batteries, and they recently announced a $20 billion investment in the same. But not everyone needs a big battery returning more than 300 miles, which results in higher car costs. That is why VW deployed mid-size batteries on the ID.4, which still offers a competitive battery range.
The standard US-made car will feature a 62-kWh battery good for 208 miles of driving range, with the option for the original 82-kWh unit returning 275 miles. The smaller pack actually aids the vehicle’s performance seeing it shed 250 pounds while using the same motor.
7 The ID.4 Is Available With Rear And All-Wheel-Drive
The standard ID.4 comes with an RWD system, but the higher trim ID.4 AWD Pro has an additional front motor for a more powerful AWD outcome. It sees power increase from the standard 201 hp to 295 hp.
The AWD is worth the upgrade as it sharpens the ID.4's acceleration giving a launch time of 60 mph of 5.4 seconds. Also, it offers more capability with improved traction and driving dynamics, and it can tow smaller trailers of up to 2700 lbs.
6 The ID.4 Offers A Comfortable, Pleasant Driving Experience
Comfort is a key area of interest in the ID.4, seeing its smooth ride and easy drivability makes up for the relatively sluggish performance. It lacks the instant punch common with most EVS, whether high-performance or everyday electric city cars. But it is by design as Volkswagen tries to delay the torque delivery, and it comes in a progressive curve, mimicking a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
Also, it comes with light steering and a soft suspension to strengthen its relaxed demeanor. The ID.4 won’t win you any zero emission drag races, but its smoothness suits a family hauler that often navigates busy city streets.
5 The ID.4 Comes Well Equipped With Safety Features
The Volkswagen ID.4 comes well-equipped for its $37,495 asking price. Some of its driving safety features are more at home in more expensive rides. IQ.DRIVE comes standard on all models. It comes bundled with Travel Assist 2.0, which features adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assist, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Also, it has outstanding safety ratings, having earned a reassuring good rating in all six IIHS crash tests and an overall five-star rating from NHTSA.
4 The ID.4 Has A Traditional Gasoline SUV Styling
Most automakers try new unorthodox styling for their new EV offerings. Overthinking the design results in what many critics consider ugly. But Volkswagen understood the assignment and gave us an SUV that looks like the gasoline SUVs we are used to. It feels highly accessible inside and out.
They built the ID.4 into a beautiful and functional package whose clean lines make it sporty while serving their aerodynamic duties. It gives a strong presence on the road but is simple enough not to draw unwarranted attention. Also, VW offers a choice of spice paint jobs to spice up the exterior.
3 The ID.4 Comes With A Spacious Cabin
The ID.4’s interior isn’t struggling to be minimalist or tech-savvy like most of its EV rivals, and that’s a good thing. It is stylish, with a clean, modern, and simple design, while providing easy access to everything you might need. And it is quite spacious with generous passenger and cargo room.
Also, it features an expansive panoramic glass roof that lets in maximum light and provides a sweeping view of the sky.
2 The ID.4 Is A Great Family EV
The ID.4 isn’t a vehicle meant to send enthusiasts into dreamland. Instead, it best offers a great family-sized all-electric SUV option. It comes in a bigger package than the ID.3 hatchback offering more usable space, a more comfortable ride, a competitive driving range, and a proper provision of onboard tech.
There is plenty of space for passengers backed by a large practical boot which is much bigger than what’s on offer on the longer Ford Mustang Mach E and Hyundai Ioniq.
1 The ID.4 Comes With Three Years Of Free Charging
Volkswagen has one of the most impressive networks of public charging DC fast charging stations in the US, only behind Tesla. It operates more than 730 stations and over 2,438 individual charging units through its subsidiary Electrify America, and they expect the number to grow to 1,700 charging stations and 9,500 chargers by 2025. It is still early EV days, but they have made massive efforts to make owning a VW EV convenient.
Also, the 2023 ID.4 will come with three years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at any of their stations.
Sources: insideevs.com, Volkswagen-newsroom.com, cnet.com, reuters.com