Volkswagen ID.4 Review: Pricing, Specs & Performance

Volkswagen ID.4 Review

The Volkswagen ID.4 has entered the electric vehicle market as a strong competitor against established players like Tesla. It is a family-friendly electric SUV with great comfort and technology. In this blog, we’ll talk about the Pricing, Range and Performance specs of this car.

Pricing and Range

The Volkswagen ID.4 comes with a price tag of around $66,000, which can drop to $59,000 with available rebates. This pricing positions it competitively against other electric SUVs. But what about its range? The ID.4 offers an impressive 519 kilometers on a full charge, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer journeys.

Volkswagen ID.4 Review

However, it’s essential to consider the charging capabilities. The ID.4 can handle a 7 kW AC charger or an 11 kW AC charger if you have three phase power. For DC fast charging, it caps out at 135 kW, meaning it will take about 30 to 35 minutes to charge from 20% to 80% on a road trip. While not the fastest in its class, it’s still quite efficient for family use.

Technology Features

The Volkswagen ID.4 is equipped with a range of modern technology features. One standout is the “twist and go” drive selector, allowing you to easily switch between drive modes. The central 10-inch touchscreen display is user-friendly, offering seamless integration with Android and Apple devices.

Additional tech perks include a wireless phone charger, a steering wheel and a 360-degree bird eye camera system. Although it’s fixed and doesn’t allow for rotation like some competitors. The voice command options are also handy, with features like “Hello ID, turn on heated seats” simplifying the driving experience.

Performance and Battery Specs

The ID.4 is powered by a 77 kWh battery, which is usable for around 82 kWh. It delivers 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque. While it may not be the fastest electric vehicle on the market, it offers adequate performance for family driving, with enough power for safe overtaking on highways.

The battery performance is enhanced by features like regenerative braking system. Although it doesn’t offer full one pedal driving. Nonetheless, it provides a smooth driving experience, making it feel sprightly enough for everyday use.

Interior Design and Comfort

When it comes to comfort, the ID.4 doesn’t disappoint. The seats are soft and supportive, making long drives much more enjoyable. The ride quality is smooth, even over bumps and the cabin is remarkably quiet, allowing for easy conversation at highway speeds.

The Volkswagen ID.4’s spacious interior is a major selling point. With 543 liters of boot space, it can easily accommodate luggage for a road trip. If you fold down the rear seats, that capacity expands to over 1,500 liters, ideal for camping trips or transporting larger items.

Even passengers in the back seat will appreciate the generous legroom and headroom, with no sloping roofline to compromise space. This makes it a great choice for families with growing kids or for anyone who values comfort during longer journeys.

Efficiency and Charging

In terms of efficiency, the ID.4 has an official rating of about 16.9 kWh per 100 km, which is fairly standard for its class. In real-world testing, users have reported figures around 13.9 to 14 kWh per 100 km, showing that it can exceed expectations under the right conditions.

Charging the ID.4 at home or on the road is manageable, but those looking for rapid charging may find it lacking compared to some competitors. Nonetheless, it remains practical for most users, especially with the growing charging infrastructure in New Zealand through providers like Ecotricity.

Driving Experience

The ID.4 is designed with road trips in mind. With its spacious interior and impressive range, it’s a solid choice for long-distance travel. For instance, a recent trip from Auckland to New Plymouth, covering 164 km, was completed with plenty of range to spare. The vehicle’s efficiency on hilly terrain was particularly commendable, achieving around 16.4 kWh per 100 km despite enthusiastic driving.

Volkswagen ID.4 review

When it comes to real-world efficiency, the ID.4 has shown itself to be capable of achieving around 470 km per charge, with some users reporting figures over 500 km under optimal conditions. This makes it a strong contender for anyone looking for a reliable electric SUV.

Conclusion

The overall comfort and ride quality are exceptional, making it a great family vehicle. The range is impressive for its size, and the ability to tow adds to its versatility. The alert system and notifications allow for a more relaxed driving experience.

The Volkswagen ID.4 combines speed, efficiency, and practicality in a way that few competitors can match. So, here’s my rating of this car across all the categories:

  • Performance: 6 out of 10 – Suitable for family driving, but not a speed car.
  • Handling: 6 out of 10 – Good stability, though more suited for highways than twisty roads.
  • Comfort: 7 out of 10 – A plush ride with spacious seating.
  • Efficiency: 7 out of 10 – Impressive real-world figures.
  • Gadgetry: 6 out of 10 – Functional but could use more intuitive controls.
  • Value: 5 out of 10 – Competitive but not the cheapest in its class.
  • Charging: 6 out of 10 – Good AC charging but could improve on DC speed.
  • Style: 6 out of 10 – A pleasant aesthetic but subjective.
  • Fit for Purpose: 6 out of 10 – Great as a family vehicle, but the target customer is unclear.
  • Overall My Personal Rating: 8/10 – A comfortable, practical family EV that excels in many areas.

The Volkswagen ID.4 Pro is a family-oriented electric SUV designed to prioritize comfort and practicality over performance. It’s a solid choice for families looking to transition to an electric vehicle without sacrificing space or comfort.

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