Volkswagen ID4
Electric cars are the future. The shift to electric cars has been a long battle in making the world a greener and sustainable place. The Volkswagen ID.4 is the marriage of SUVs and electric cars, heralding the embrace of electric cars into the mainstream.
This car embodies the hope that the American love for SUVs outweighs the hesitancy to embrace electric vehicles. Within this VW ID4 review we also answer the question, is this the best EV on the road?
The VW ID4 Review
The VW ID4 was unveiled on 23rd September 2020. The car boasts ample battery range and a recharging capability for everyday use. It is the full package, boasting the space, utility, and technology of an SUV with the benefits of an electric vehicle.
The car is a milestone for Volkswagen as it is their first long-range electric vehicle to be sold in North America. It is also VW’s first electric SUV and second electric vehicle running on the MEB modular electric architecture.
Highlights:
In a nutshell, this compact SUV promises a whole lot of potential with an ample amount of range and a unique design. It is also an affordable electric vehicle with the perks of an SUV and attractive styling which makes it desirable without seeming too ostentatious.
Volkswagen ID4 Specs
The ID4 lineup consists of single motor rear-wheel-drive models. The rear-mounted vehicle delivers 201 horsepower. The car has ample towing capacity at 2700 pounds. It also features regenerative braking, which helps recapture energy expended when the vehicle is slowed down. The four driving modes in ID4 are eco, comfort, sport, and a custom setting. You can choose which model suits you the best. The car adheres to the curves of the road and handles them well.
The VW ID4 has a smooth and refined ride, with a quiet cabin save for the low-grade motor whir which is common with electric vehicles. There is no noisy combustion under the hood, therefore the vehicle's interior remains quiet. When you speed up, the engine cranks out a higher-pitched sound, but this isn't too hard on the ears.
While the feature of one-pedal driving is absent, the aggressive regenerative mode of this four-wheel drive makes up for it.
The car is in no way slow when compared to traditional compact crossover standards. With a curb weight of an astonishing two tons, the ID4 has a 7.6 second run to 60 mPh, according to Volkswagen.
The VW ID4 has an 82kWh battery pack out of which 77wKh usable watts can power the four-wheel drive up to 250 miles between charges. Located on the floor of the vehicle, the battery creates a low center of gravity. The motor is in the rear end of the vehicle. This creates an even front and rear weight balance.
The battery is chargeable at home on 110 or 240 bolt connections. A full recharge from level two outlets can take around 7.5 hours. It is also capable of DC fast charging, going from 5 to 80% in about 40 minutes.
The ID4 boasts one seriously cool design. Volkswagen claims that it has worked hard at optimizing aerodynamics to improve range. This is reflected in the swooping lines in the main body of the vehicle, the massive roof spoiler, and the door handles placed flush on the side of the main body. While most EVs have similar features, VW has put in the effort to improve the daily performance of the vehicle, and it shows.
Fuel Economy of the ID4 and Real-World MPG
The EPA has rated the fuel economy of the first edition of the ID4 at 104 MPGe city and 89 mpg highway. The driving range estimate sits at 250 miles per charge.
VW ID4 Interior and Exterior
In terms of VW ID4's interior and exterior, the car is easy on the eyes. There have been some genius quirks added to the design which make the car excellent in some aspects. For example, the car has a narrow A-pillar and stubby front end, which maximizes visibility. In doing so, Volkswagen has eliminated the dangerous front blind spots which are common in SUVs because of the large front ends. The car also boasts excellent lighting accents, which are cool to play around with and add a fun element to the car.
The ID4 has a contemporary feel to its interior thanks to high-tech features, ambient lighting, and ample cargo space. The playfulness of the outside is reflected on the inside with a cheeky accelerator and brake pedals featuring pause and play symbols. In the statement package, the standard cloth seats have been elevated with faux-leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage and memory functionality.
In terms of infotainment and connectivity, the ID4 features a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen which can be upgraded to 12.0 should you choose to opt for the statement package. The software is new and unique, with a fussier interface. It has standard navigation features and wireless versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lastly, the model comes with a voice recognition capability and a 5.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display.
Safety Features
The VW ID4 offers optional driver assistance technology. It features several handy key features, such as standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Moreover, it has a standard adaptive cruise control mode, as well as a standard lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
To view the best car leasing special offers on the Volkswagen ID4, click here.