A single electric motor is mounted at the rear of Volkswagen’s first electric car, but all-wheel drive adds a second motor at the front. With DC fast-charging, the battery can be recharged quickly at public charging stations, giving it 280 miles of driving range. Its interior is quiet and relaxing while cruising, even though it lacks the driving verve found in other VW models. The ID.4 interior has an almost entirely digital dashboard, but some users will find it frustrating, especially the infotainment system. However, we’ve made room for the ID.4 on our Editors’ Choice list because of its solid value.
In 2022, Volkswagen ID.4 will be the spiritual successor of Type 1 Beetles with a zero-emissions twist. A single electric motor is mounted at the rear of Volkswagen’s first electric car in the base model; an additional motor can be mounted in the front if you opt for all-wheel drive. The battery can be recharged via public charging stations quickly with DC fast charging and has a driving range of up to 280 miles per charge. We appreciate the ID.4’s quiet, relaxed interior while cruising, even though it lacks the driving verve we appreciate in other VW models. Though the interior is almost entirely digital, it takes a little time to get used to, particularly the infotainment system, which has its own quirks. In spite of this, the ID.4 is a solid value, and we’ve included it in our Editors’ Choice list because of it.
Last year, Volkswagen introduced the ID.4 electric SUV. Although the ID.4 is smaller than the Tiguan SUV, it actually has a more spacious interior than other small SUVs because of the inherent design efficiency of an electric car. The model also comes with a roomy cargo area, available all-wheel drive, and an elevated seating position, among other features.
ID.4 has been updated with a few changes. In the first place, there has been a slight increase in the maximum range of the ID.4. In the 2022 model, depending on the trim level, the range is expected to be 2-20 miles longer than last year. Although we have yet to test a 2022 ID.4 in our real-world EV range test, the updates should only improve its competitiveness. On a full charge, we tested a 2021 ID.4 Pro with all-wheel drive and it went 272 miles. The results are similar to those of other all-electric small SUVs with all-wheel drive that we’ve tested.
Additionally, the ID.4 has a slightly faster DC fast-charging speed than before, so it should take you a longer time to charge at a rapid charger, assuming you are using a power source that meets your requirements. As a final note, VW claims its charging procedures at Electrify America stations have been simplified.
In 2022, what’s new?
In its second year, the ID.4 received a few minor adjustments. It now comes with auto-hold brakes, and DC fast charging speeds have improved from 125 to 135 kW. During 2022, the ID.4’s driving range will be increased to 280 miles per charge for the rear-wheel drive Pro model. For the rear-wheel drive Pro S model, the mileage rating has been increased to 268 miles per charge. For the Pro and the Pro S models, the range is 251 miles and 245 miles respectively.
Performance and EV Motor, Power
The ID.4 produces 201 horsepower with its single rear-mounted motor, but the dual-drive, all-wheel-drive model produces 295 horsepower. There is a hefty 2700-pound towing capacity. Even in the ID.4’s most aggressive regenerative mode, the familiar one-pedal driving that EV drivers have come to appreciate is largely absent here. In addition, electric vehicles do not often offer gut-punching acceleration. With a 7.6-second run to 60 mph, the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 isn’t long by traditional compact-crossover standards, but it limits itself to lesser EV competitors, which we found to be very interesting. The ID.4 has a 5.4-second jump to 60 mph at our test track when you choose the all-wheel drive model. It has a smooth and refined ride quality and a quiet interior, but it handles less sharply than other EVs.
Battery Life and Range, Charging
In comparison to the Model Y, the ID.4’s 77.0-kWh battery pack holds enough power to power up to 280 miles among charging units, which is less than the Tesla Model Y’s 330 miles of EPA-estimated range. The battery can be charged at home via 110- or 240-volt connections, while quickly charging.
Real-World MPGe and Fuel Economy
With a range of 268 miles per charge, the ID.4 Pro S’s fuel economy is 104 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway; the rear-wheel-drive Pro is slightly more efficient with 107 MPGe city, 91 MPGe highway and up to 280 miles of driving per charge. Our rear-wheel drive ID.4 averaged 82 MPGe on a 75-mph highway test route. EPA range numbers can either overstate or understate the actual range of electric vehicles on the highway. The 190-mile range is impressive considering the fact that we tested this vehicle in near-freezing temperatures, which drastically reduced driving range. Visit the EPA’s website for more information about the ID.4’s fuel economy.
Comfort, Interior and Cargo
Although the ID.4 has a less flashy interior than the ID. With its retractable steering wheel and sliding rear doors, Crozz Concept offers a modern design with high-tech features, ambient lighting, and ample cargo space. In addition to cloth seats with heat for the front occupants, the Pro S model adds faux leather upholstery and 12-way power adjustable front seats with memory functionality.