New Volkswagen ID.4
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Volkswagen is quickly expanding its ID range of electric cars, building on the success of the smaller ID.3 with the larger ID.4. Packing the same futuristic styling but bringing a more family-focused interior layout, the ID.4 might be the ideal EV for those who want a little more space.
It’s got a lot to talk about, too, so let’s dive in and check it out.
Welcome to Open Space
The interior of the new ID.4 is intelligently and spaciously designed.
Much like the ID.3, the cabin of the ID.4 is dominated by screens and displays. In fact, there are very few physical buttons to speak of - even those for the lights and mirrors are touch-sensitive. Thanks to a lack of transmission tunnel, the cabin of the ID.4 offers loads of space due to its flat floor.
If you’re after a practical EV, then the ID.4 is a good choice. In fact, it offers a 543 litre boot and this can be extended by folding the rear seats down. Doing so increases boot space to an impressive 1,655 litres.
Performance
The ID.4 punches well above its weight when it comes to performance. Like so many other electric cars, it’s available with a variety of different battery and motor setups, meaning that there are plenty of options for buyers. However, if you want the zippiest ID.4 available, you’ll need to go for the Pro Performance model. It’s got 201bhp and 310Nm of torque, while a 74kWh battery enables a range of up to 323 miles from a single charge.
The ID.4 also comes with an 'Eco-Assistance' function. This will prompt you to ease off the accelerator when appropriate to aid efficiency. You can also purchase an optional heat pump, as this will ensure energy-efficient heating of your car's interior due to it requiring less power from the battery.
As is standard with most electric cars, noise shouldn't be an issue. The futuristic composition of the ID.4 ensures engine sound is barely noticeable on the inside, and an artificially generated noise will alert pedestrians and cyclists to your vehicle on the outside.
Exterior
The ID.4 is similar to the smaller ID.3, in that it has no conventional front grille, and has a thin LED light strip runs across the width of the vehicle. The plastic body cladding around the lower edges give the car a muscular look, and it has a huge glass panel over the roof for unobstructed views of the sky above.
The ID.4 comes with perfectly shaped 18-inch alloy wheels, although these can be upgraded to 19 or 21 inches as optional extras. There is a roof railing for additional luggage, recessed door handles that allow for improved aerodynamics, and optional light lines that extend to the front and rear of the newly designed Volkswagen logo
Technology
The ID.4 will take you into the future with a range of innovative technologies to assist your ride.
These include the optional Augmented Reality Head-Up Display which will help navigate the roads ahead. All important information relating to your journey will be projected directly onto the windscreen in your field of vision, allowing you to see what direction you should be heading in next. You should never get lost again with this useful function, which will be a godsend if you have trouble following directions from a sat-nav.
The ID. Light is another handy feature. It translates instructions from your infotainment and assist systems into light signals, helping you navigate through traffic more easily. With this and the AR display, you should have no trouble getting from A to B with ease.
Other functions of note include the App-Connect software which allows you to mirror your phone apps to the infotainment system, and the voice control function that allows you to access the whole system through simple commands.
Most of the car's functions can be accessed through your voice or touchscreen interfaces, so you can easily manage your sat nav, driver assistance systems, and phone connectivity options from your seated position with little distraction.
What trim levels are on the Volkswagen ID.4?
Style
Move up to Style trim and you’ll find 18-inch alloy wheels added into the equation, while rear tinted glass helps to give the ID.4 an even more premium look. Keyless entry and starting also helps when trying to access the car when carrying bags, too.
That leather steering wheel is now heated, while three-zone climate control allows all occupants to set to the perfect temperature.
Life
Life models pack many of the key features you could possibly want. It sits on 19-inch steel wheels - rather than alloys - but you get an interior trimmed in Volkswagen’s Art velours microfleece material, which helps boost that premium feel.
A 10-inch display running Volkswagen’s Discover Navigation Pro system is also included as standard.
Family
Family ID.4 models add a few more high-end features such as a panoramic sunroof and 19-inch alloy wheels, while high-performance Matrix LED headlights allow for a great level of visibility at night.
Both keyless entry and a rear-view camera are included too.
Max
Finally, there’s Max. This brings a huge amount of standard equipment, with highlights including Dynamic Chassis Control - which allows you to firm up or soften off the car’s ride - as well as a larger 12-inch central screen.
The reversing camera showcases a full image of the area around the car, which will really help when performing trickier parking maneuvers.
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What is it?
With new rules and regulations meaning electric vehicles will become the norm within the next decade or so, manufacturers are all making the switch. Volkswagen has been leading the way, with its ID range of cars.
The latest addition is the ID.4, with this SUV joining the ID.3 hatchback in the lineup. It’s expected to be a big-seller, and lead the charge to VW’s target of having made 19 million dedicated electric vehicles by 2030.
What’s new?
This is the second car to be built on Volkswagen’s new MEB electric vehicle platform, so pretty much everything you see is new. It allows the batteries to be placed low, meaning the weight balance is optimised and the cabin can be very spacious.
VW is planning to use its ID brand as the forefront of its move to be more environmentally friendly, using renewable energy at its ID plant and planning to reuse and recycle the car’s batteries at the end of its life.
What’s under the bonnet?
There’s a single electric motor that makes 201bhp and powers the rear wheels. Our test car was a First Edition model, so it also had the larger 77kWh battery, which promises over 300 miles of range on official tests.
With this being quite a big heavy vehicle, that power output doesn’t make it particularly punchy under acceleration. However, its power delivery is incredibly smooth and makes driving around town a relaxing experience.
What’s it like to drive?
Just because it doesn’t quite have the typical electric vehicle kick when you plant your foot doesn’t mean the ID.4 can’t be fun. With the low centre of gravity it can actually be hustled down a winding road at a decent pace.
That being said, the ID.4 USP is being a relaxing and easy car to drive in urban environments, and at this it excels. Even at motorway speeds, it’s quiet, with minimal road and wind noise.
How does it look?
The ID.4 isn’t the coolest looking car on sale today, ignoring the trend for sleek and stylish EVs designed to tempt buyers across from combustion engined cars. Instead, it’s meant to blend in with the rest of the traffic.
It’s a handsome thing, though, particularly from the front, with the chunky lower front bumper and squared off headlights giving it a muscular appearance.
What’s it like inside?
The interior has a minimalist design, with the large windows and open plan look making it feel light and airy. It’s very spacious, too, so you can imagine even with four adults on board, no one will be fighting for elbow room.
The lack of physical buttons takes some getting used to, but the touchscreen is quick and responsive.
What’s the spec like?
The ID.4 range starts at £34,650 in City trim, which means it’s eligible for the plug-in car grant, while the top-spec Max starts at £49,990.
Our First Edition test car sits around the middle specifications, starting at £40,800. Standard kit includes 20-inch alloy wheels, tinted glass, gloss black exterior parts and some special First Edition badging.
Verdict
The ID.4 hasn’t been designed to wow with flashy style and gimmicks, instead it’s simply meant to be an SUV that’s practical and fits seamlessly into family life. With this in mind it’s excellent, with a smooth and relaxing driving experience and spacious cabin.
There are a few design quirks and materials that let the side down, but the overall impression is that the ID.4 should make switching from combustion to electric easy.