VOLKSWAGEN

VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 ELECTRIC ESTATE 109kW Life Pure 52kWh 5dr Auto

Fuel

FuelElectric

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph10.9s

WLTP - Pure Electric Range

Electric Range213 miles

Volkswagen's most significant global EV is this one, the mid-sized ID.4 crossover, here usefully improved. An upgraded motor brings significant increases in both pulling power and driving range, while inside, the cabin's more media-savvy and user-friendly. As before, this contender's practical, decent to drive and reasonable value. And there's the option of AWD if you want it.

FOUR-STYLING

The ID.4 is a mid-sized EV that's hugely important to Volkswagen. Jonathan Crouch looks at the improved version.

Ten Second Review

Volkswagen's most significant global EV is this one, the mid-sized ID.4 crossover, here usefully improved. An upgraded motor brings significant increases in both pulling power and driving range, while inside, the cabin's more media-savvy and user-friendly. As before, this contender's practical, decent to drive and reasonable value. And there's the option of AWD if you want it.

Background

The ID.4 was Volkswagen's first global EV, launched in 2020 and tasked with accounting for a third of all the brand's EV sales around the world. It's that important, built not only in Germany (at VW's Zwickau plant) but also by factories in China and the US. Under the skin (and dimensionally) the ID.4 is much the same as its cousin, the Skoda Enyaq iV and (like that car) uses an extended version of the predominantly rear-driven MEB platform we first saw on the smaller ID.3. All though, hasn't really gone to plan for Volkswagen with this car. From launch, its fortunes were hit by Pandemic-related shutdowns and lockdowns, then production suffered due to the global semiconductor shortage and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As well as all of that, there were criticisms of the original model's performance, driving range and cabin quality. All of which makes the introduction of the updated model launched in late 2023, the car we look at here, particularly significant.

Driving Experience

The big news with this updated model is the adoption of Volkswagen's latest APP550 electric motor, first seen on the ID.7, which now powers all mainstream ID.4s. This delivers 286PS in the standard rear-driven Pro Performance model and puts out a massive 75% more torque than the original model's motor (up from 310 to 545Nm). The alternative dual-motor AWD ID.4 Pro 4MOTION variant gets a 50PS boost, taking output up to 299PS. So you might not feel the need to stretch to the top sporty ID.4 GTX, which now puts out 340PS (41PS more than before), enough to get you to 62mph in 5.4s. Despite all this extra pulling power, Volkswagen's managed to make this upgraded motor more effcient too: mainstream ID.4 variants are now supposed to make it up to 337 miles between charges (10.5 miles further than before). The battery is a reworked version of the previous 77kWh unit, which has a new charging management system. The brand claims that the steering now has greater feedback than before too. Otherwise, the whole ID.4 experience should be familiar if you've tried one previously. If you haven't, there's a bit to adapt to if this is your first experience of EV motoring. No gearstick, no handbrake, no ignition key and just the sound of silence as the fixed ratio transmission blends an almost endless wave of torque into meaningful and surprisingly rapid forward progress. Like Volkswagen's original post-war Beetle, base versions of this car are rear-driven and when you drive such an ID.4 in town, you quickly realise the real advantages of placing the powertrain - the electric motor and its associated single-speed auto gearbox - on the back axle, thereby freeing up the front wheels for steering duties; the result is a London taxi-like 10.2-metre turning circle. Beyond the city limits, that drive format allows for a near-50:50 almost perfect weight distribution which, together with the low centre of gravity provided by the central battery pack placement, helps disguise the portly weight this SUV must carry around. Traction through the turns is excellent and body roll is checked by firm damping cleverly engineered for suppleness over poor surfaces. All of which ought to provide the recipe for a decently sporting EV - and in some ways it does. There are four drive settings common across the model line-up - 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Individual'. Plus you get an 'Eco' setting that, to maximise range, you'll need to frequently use in combination with the available 'B' regenerative braking function, which slows the car significantly when you come off the accelerator. The GTX models has an extra 'Traction' mode too.

Design and Build

There are no significant exterior visual changes to this ID.4. As before, it shares many styling cues with its ID.3 hatch stablemate but it's a slightly bigger thing, 4,584mm long, 1,852mm wide and 1,612mm tall. To give you some perspective, that makes it a little longer and wider than Volkswagen's more conventional Tiguan mid-sized SUV. Full-LED headlights are standard and top models get big 20 or 21-inch wheels. The big difference lies inside, where there's a new bigger 12.9-inch infotainment central touchscreen, with simpler menus, a more intuitive control structure and a more responsive IDA voice assistant. This offers fresh functions, including cloud-based weather information and the status of sporting events or stock market prices. Volkswagen has (at last) illuminated the cabin temperature control sliders. Plus the driving mode selector has been moved to the steering column and the optional augmented reality head-up display system has been enhanced. You still have to put up with a very small (5.3-inch) instrument display. Overall, build quality is generally good but cheaper plastics still betray the cost cutting necessary to undergird all that sophisticated EV technology. As previously, the interior design has an airy but minimalist and rather clinical feel which Volkswagen has tried unsuccessfully to lift by imprinting 'Play' and 'Pause' symbols on the two footwell pedals. At the back, as before, there's comfortable space for a couple of adults (it'd be a squash for three). And there's a very decently-sized 543-litre boot, extendable to 1,575-litres with the rear seat folded. A tonne of weight can be towed too if you specify the optional tow bar.

Market and Model

Volkswagen isn't bothering with entry-level 52kWh ID.4 models any more (which would clash price-wise with the smaller ID.3), so the remaining 77kWh models start up at around £46,000, which gets you base 'Life'-spec. Most will want mid-level 'Style' trim, for which a £50,000 budget is required. Both use the same 286PS APP550 motor. The top AWD GTX 4MOTION version costs around £54,000, which is the only variant that can be had with Volkswagen's (now improved) DCC adaptive damping system. All ID.4s come with full-LED headlamps, LED tail lights, rain sensing wipers, all-round parking sensors, heated windscreen washer jets and an alarm. Inside, all versions feature the 'ID.Light', a wide, narrow light strip under the windscreen that assists the driver by flashing or moving in different colours to draw attention to various functions. There's also an 'Air Care Climatronic' 2-Zone air conditioning system, a leather-trimmed and a heated multi-function steering wheel. The upholstery is a smart alcantara-like 'Art Velours' microfleece and the front seats are heated, plus there's an auto-dimming rear view mirror, an electric auxiliary air heater, a wireless smartphone charger and an ambient lighting set-up with up to 30 colour options.

Cost of Ownership

As we said in our 'Driving' section, driving range with this improved ID.4 has increased significantly to as much as 337 miles thanks to the new APP550 motor. The other significant change is an increase in charging speed to 175kW - though that only applies to the 4MOTION AWD version; the base rear-driven variants still charge at just 135kW. To achieve the quoted range figure, you'll need to frequently use the provided 'Eco' drive mode setting, ideally in combination with the available 'B' regenerative braking function, which slows the car significantly when you come off the accelerator. Whatever ID.4 model you select, your charging regime should be quite straightforward. There's a 'We Charge' app that helps you find and use over 150,000 public charge points. An AC1-phase 7.4kW garage wallbox would replenish the 77kWh battery from zero in about twelve hours. Out and about at a DC3 100kW charge point, it'll take no more than around 30 minutes to recharge your ID.4 with enough direct current to cover the next 137 miles. You should also make savings in BiK payments (there's the usual 2% EV rating), as well as exemption (until 2025) from road tax and ULEZ/congestion charging. Volkswagen says that its aim is to make sure that the battery pack lasts as long as the car and, sure enough, that battery pack is warrantied to have at least 70% of its usable capacity after eight years or 100,000 miles.

Summary

This still isn't yet a mainstream Volkswagen model, but the day isn't very far off when it will be. When that happens, we can only hope that EVs will have become rather more affordable than they are now. But if this ID.4 sells globally in the kind of numbers Volkswagen is hoping for, that's unlikely to happen. Like all brands, the Wolfsburg maker will charge what customers show they're prepared to pay. So is this ID.4 worth its sticker price? We weren't entirely certain when we tried this car in its original form, but this updated version's greater power, longer range anfd improved cabin make it a much more credible alternative to established mid-sized class EV rivals. Ultimately, if all you care about in a Crossover EV of this kind is value and driving range, this probably won't be your first choice. But if your priorities are a little broader than that, this ID.4 might well have your number.

  • Heated rear window
  • Front and rear electric windows
  • Acoustic glazing rear window and side windows darkened at the rear
  • Heated clear glass windshield

  • Electronic parking brake with auto hold
  • Traction control
  • Front disc brakes
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

  • Front + rear carpet mats

  • Wireless app connect
  • Online service, with OCU, with head unit coding, without engine immobilizer interconnection
  • We Connect ID app
  • We Charge Go access
  • Natural voice control
  • Telephone interface comfort with inductive charging function

  • Emergency call control unit with eCall
  • Park distance control in front and rear
  • Dynamic road sign display
  • Multifunction camera
  • Driver alert system
  • Driver profile selection
  • Adaptive cruise control

  • Remote tailgate unlocking
  • Car2X high variant

  • Comfort telephony with LTE and wireless charging
  • ID. Light
  • 5.3" Digital dashboard display
  • Hand brake/low brake fluid level warning light and inscription
  • 10" Navigation display incl. App connect and digital connectivity
  • BLIS (Blind spot information system)
  • Trip computer

  • Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror
  • Body coloured door mirrors with intergrated indicators

  • Florence brown and black dash panel and inserts, doorcards in Florence Brown
  • Comfort dashboard

  • Standard electronic engine sound
  • Exterior e-sound

  • Touch control
  • DAB Digital radio
  • Radio
  • Soundsystem of six loudspeakers with 140 watt output with two full range speakers in the rear doors and 2 way speaker system installed in front area

  • External USB type C socket and charging sockets
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • Body colour door handles

  • Electric auxiliary air heater

  • Art Velours microfleece cloth upholstery
  • Tool kit
  • Reach + rake adjustable steering column
  • Play and Pause brake and accelerator pedals
  • Pockets and smartphone pockets in seats
  • Asymmetric split folding rear seat backrest with load through hatch and center armrest, 2 beverage holders
  • Variable center console with changeable inserts for cup holders and storage compartments
  • Storage compartments in driver and front passenger
  • Center console and armrests in the front seats

  • 30 colour ambient lighting

  • Driving assistance pack - ID.4

  • Side airbag in front with curtain airbag and interaction airbag in front
  • Seatbelt tensioners in front and rear outside, pyrotechnic belt end fitting tensioners at the front
  • Seat belt reminder (Japan design)
  • Proactive passenger protection system in combination with front assist
  • Tyre pressure monitor
  • Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation
  • First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest
  • 3x3 point rear seat belts

  • Front headrests
  • Drivers and front passengers seat height adjustment
  • Three rear head restraints
  • Child seat anchor for child seat system i-Size, 2x top tether, and child seat anchor in front on front passenger side

  • Keyless opening system Keyless start
  • Anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn, and towing protection
  • Immobiliser
  • Remote central locking

  • Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

  • Tyre mobility kit

  • Battery Charge Slow Time (Minutes): 450
  • Battery Charge Slow kW: 7.2
  • Battery Charge Slow Percentage: 0-100
  • Battery Charge Fast Time (Minutes): 38
  • Battery Charge Fast kW: 100
  • Battery Charge Fast Percentage: 0-80
  • Battery Charge Rapid Time (Minutes): N
  • Battery Charge Rapid kW: N
  • Battery Charge Rapid Percentage: N
  • Battery Charge Super Charge Time (Minutes): N
  • Battery Charge Super Charge kW: N
  • Battery Charge Super Charge Percentage: N
  • Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 52
  • Battery Leased: False
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 481
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 343
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - Min: 343
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - Max: 342
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.9
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.9
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 299
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 213
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - Max: 212
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - Min: 213

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • Noise Level dB(A): N
  • CO: N
  • HC: N
  • NOx: N
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N

  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): N
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N
  • CC: 1
  • Cylinders: N
  • Cylinder Layout: N
  • Number of Valves: N
  • Camshaft: N
  • Fuel Delivery: N
  • Catalytic Convertor: N
  • Engine Layout: N
  • Compression Ratio: N
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • Gears: 1 SPEED

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N
  • EC Urban (mpg): N
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): N
  • EC Combined (mpg): N

  • Coin Series: Life
  • Coin Description: Pure
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22P
  • Service Interval Mileage: 999999
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24
  • Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
  • Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 85
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • Badge Power: 148
  • Badge Engine CC: 0.0
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False

  • Engine Torque - MKG: 22.4
  • Engine Power - KW: 109
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 162
  • Engine Torque - NM: 220
  • Engine Power - BHP: 148
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.9
  • Top Speed: 99

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: N/A

  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 18" STEEL
  • Wheel Style: AERO
  • Alloys?: False
  • Space Saver?: False

  • Length: 4584
  • Width: 1852
  • Wheelbase: 2771
  • Width (including mirrors): 2108
  • Height: 1640
  • Height (including roof rails): N

  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 543
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1000
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Max. Loading Weight: 949
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1891
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2840
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1575
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.2

  • Dynamic steering: Included

  • Electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors: Included

  • Mode 3 32-amp / 7.2kW charging cable for charging at public charge points: Included
  • Mode 2 (3-pin) mains charging cable: £180

  • Metallic paint: £635
  • Roof rails: Included
  • Solid paint: Included
  • Black roof: £0

  • LED rear combination lamp: Included
  • LED headlights with automatic driving light switching: Included

  • Energy efficient heat pump: £1,250

  • White Steering wheel and screen surrounds: £0

  • Interior style plus pack - ID.4: £1,345
  • Bi colour style pack Silver - ID.4: £620
  • Design pack - ID.4: £1,880
  • Design plus pack - ID.4: £2,610
  • Assistance pack - ID.4: Included
  • Assistance plus pack - ID.4: £2,180
  • Comfort pack - ID.4: Included
  • Comfort plus pack - ID.4: £1,480
  • Infotainment pack - ID.4: Included
  • Infotainment plus pack - ID.4: £2,200
  • Interior top sport plus pack - ID.4: £3,500
  • Sport pack - ID.4: £340
  • Sport plus pack - ID.4: £1,140

  • Metallic - Scale silver: £635
  • Metallic - Kings red: £635
  • Metallic - Blue Dusk: £635
  • Metallic - Glacier white: £635
  • Metallic - Manganese grey: £635

  • Solid - Moonstone grey: £0

  • Folding trailer hitch with electric release: £850

  • Art velours microfleece cloth - Platinum grey/Dusty grey dark with Florence brown sides: £0

  • 18" Aero steel wheels: Included

  • 18" Falun alloy wheels: £650

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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