Volkswagen don’t get pulses raising with their 2021 ID.4, but that wasn’t the objective of the ID.4. The family-sized all-electric SUV follows in the footsteps of the much more compact ID.3 hatchback. The ID.4 offers more useable space, advanced on-board technology, while offering a comfortable drive and a much larger range. The ID.4 does certainly not come without any flaws, inside the trim feels cheap and old-fashioned while the touch screen technology can be very frustrating to use.

Volkswagen are facing up to an all-electric future with a steady roll-out of zero-emission cars under its new, innovative ID sub-brand. With the first all-electric model to be rolled out being the ID.3 which was designed to help implement the company’s strategy of near 100% electric vehicle sales by 2040.

What Do We Get From The ID.4 And How Much Does It Cost?

All-Electric 2021 Volkswagen ID.4
Via: Twitter

From the launch of the ID.4, it was only offered with fixed equipment, with little flexibility to spec your car as you wanted. However, Volkswagen quickly saw that this rigid approach would not please many customers, and now there is an option to choose trim level and additional extras. With the ID.4 Pro being the entry-level model, with the limited edition and Pro S following. With the ID.4 Pro S at the upper end of the price list. Many additional extras can now be purchased, including bigger 20-inch alloy wheels, a black roof and unique badging.

Coming with either a 52 kWh or 77 kWh battery, with a single motor driving the rear-wheels, the ID.4 with the smaller battery options is available with either 146 hp or 168 hp. Although those seeking extra power will no doubt look to the bigger capacity battery and the 201 hp pro performance and the 295 hp Pro S variants.

You only need to glance at the ID.4 price list to realize that Volkswagen intended for the ID.4 to have a broad appeal offering a base price of $39,995 which seems a lot but is relatively cheap when considering their rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E sells for $42,895 and the Tesla Model Y offers a starting price of $49,990. Baring all this in mind, the highest spec Pro S costs $44,495 with the option of upgraded gradient package for $1,500, with both the Pro and Pro S both offering an upgrade for dual-motor, all-wheel drivetrain for an additional $3,680.

Related: Tesla Killers: Audi Q4 E-Tron Vs Volkswagen ID.4

Why Should You Avoid The ID.4?

VW ID.4 shipment
Via VW Group

One big downfall of the ID.4 is the abysmal touchscreen technology, which is even slow and delayed when brand new, never mind when it ages! The ID.4’s upgraded 12-inch touchscreen is extremely slow to load and lags when making selections. The setup of the touchscreen is also way to complicated than what it needs to be, for example two separate buttons are needed to just change the drive mode. The ID.4’s fast-charging capability comes standard in all versions of the ID.4, it has never been observed to reach anything close to the level in which it is rated. Despite a stated charging limit of 125 kWh, the overall recorded was just 50 kWh, which is not ideal. As well as the touchscreen technology and the slower charging rate than what is promised, the unconventional tall front fenders can make it very difficult to gauge the position of the front end, it won’t be long until you’re looking all around in distress for a 360-degree camera system that is not available on the ID.4.

Related: The Audi Q4 E-Tron Is Basically A More Luxurious VW ID.4

What Makes The ID.4 A Great Buy?

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX Charging
Via: Volkswagen

The Volkswagen ID.4 braking feels refined compared with the harshness and sloppiness of the braking in the Ford Mustang Mach-E, this is because the ID.4 is fitted with rear drum brakes as opposed to more corrosion prone disc units, which gives great effect. Edging out its competitors, the ID.4 offers a spacious feel for its size. Much more space is available in the front and rear of the vehicle as well as more headspace, likewise, the ID.4’s cargo space is ample for its overall length, with the folding backseats further accommodating storage. With the ID.4’s spacious and comfortable feel and ride, it is also competitively equipped with a standard maximum charging rate of 11 kw on a compatible 240-volt level 2 charger. And what 11 kw capability gets you, on average, is 34 miles of driving range per hour of at-home charging providing you have a 48-amp charger or 22 miles on a lower 30-amp system.

Related: Here's How The Tesla Model Y Compares With The Volkswagen ID.4

Well, it is safe to say that the Volkswagen ID.4 has many advantages whilst also carrying a fair few disadvantages, including the poor and dated technology, difficulties in parking and lower charging capabilities than promised. Despite this, the ID.4 seems like the ideal family friendly SUV, four-doors, five-seats, a spacious cabin, a large trunk, and a reasonable starting price screams ‘buy me’ to any family. It appears the ID.4 has taken everything from a traditional gas-powered crossover and packed it all into a modern-looking fully electric car with decent driving range.