Volkswagen has moved production of the U.S.-spec ID.4 to its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee
for the 2023 model year.
The entry-level Standard model joins the lineup this year with an attractive base price, but
it uses a smaller 58-kWh battery pack and comes with an estimated 208-mile driving range.
Also new to the ID.4 family is the fanciest Pro S Plus trim, which adds luxury features
such as heated rear seats, a three-zone automatic climate control system, unique 20-inch wheels,
and a premium stereo system.
All models now come standard with the larger 12.0-inch infotainment display that was optional
last year and VW has peppered in several minor design enhancements such as gloss black exterior
trim, updated wheel designs, and changes to the available paint colors.
The center console has been slightly redesigned, interior upholstery options have been refreshed,
and Pro S models receive illuminated Volkswagen logos on the front and back.
Although the new Standard model carries the most budget-friendly price tag, we'd opt for
the mid-range Pro to help maximize the ID.4's range and unlock the ability to DC fast charge
at public charging terminals.
The optional dual-motor, the all-wheel-drive powertrain is worth the upgrade, too, as it
boosts horsepower and improves performance.
The ID.4 makes 201 horsepower, but the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model pumps out 295.
Maximum towing capacity is a stout 2700 pounds.
Regenerative braking helps recapture energy when slowing the vehicle, but the familiar
one-pedal driving that EV drivers have come to appreciate is largely missing here, even
in the ID.4's most aggressive regenerative mode.
Also lacking is the traditional gut-punch acceleration that electric vehicles often
provide.
The rear-wheel-drive ID.4 isn't slow by traditional compact-crossover standards, but its 7.6-second
run to 60 mph in our testing demonstrates that it's far more laid back than quicker
EV competitors.
Going for the more powerful all-wheel-drive model sharpens the ID.4's accelerative performance,
as evidenced by its 5.4-second jump to 60 mph at our test track.
The ID.4 handles less sharply than some other EVs, but we appreciate its smooth and refined
ride quality and quiet cabin.
The EPA estimates that the ID.4's optional 77.0-kWh battery pack is capable of holding
enough juice to power the SUV up to 275 miles between charges, which puts it in the mix
with other electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV.
Unfortunately for VW, that's less than the 330 miles of EPA estimated range for the Tesla
Model Y.
The battery can be charged at home on 110- or 240-volt connections, of course, and it's
also capable of DC fast-charging.
The cheaper Standard model sports a smaller 58-kWh battery and a shorter 208-mile driving
range.
While the ID.4's interior is less flashy than the ID.
Crozz Concept's cabin, which featured a retractable steering wheel and sliding rear doors, it
still offers a contemporary design with high-tech features, ambient lighting, and generous cargo
space.
The interior design is uncluttered and playful; cloth seats with heat for the front occupants
are standard but going with the Pro S model brings faux-leather upholstery along with
12-way power adjustable front seats with a memory function.
The ID.4's cargo area is quite spacious.
We managed to fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the ID.4's rear seat and 26 total with
the rear seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity The ID.4 comes standard with a 12.0-inch infotainment
touchscreen.
The infotainment interface is VW's latest and greatest, but we've found it to be fussier
than the previous generation software that's still available in models such as the Jetta
sedan and the Tiguan SUV.
Navigation is standard and so are wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All ID.4 models also come with a 5.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display and voice-recognition
capability.