Volkswagen ID.4 Review 2024

February 2020

Volkswagen ID.4 revealed

Based on the same MEB platform as the ID.3, the electric ID.4 is set to compete with the Skoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y when it goes on sale in 2021.

The 77kWh battery fitted to Launch Edition models will provide up to 323 miles on a charge, while the 204PS motor will allow the ID.4 to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 8.5 seconds and deliver a top speed of 99mph.

A less powerful model is set to follow, with a 52kWh battery providing a range of up to 224 miles.

Despite the electric motor powering the rear axle only, Volkswagen says the electric SUV's 21cm of ground clearance will given it some capability in gentle off-road situations.

More information will be announced ahead of the ID.4 going on sale in the UK in 2021. Expect it to start from around £45,000 for the 77kWh model.

January 2021

Volkswagen ID.4 on sale with prices from £37,800

Like the ID.3, the new model is being launched as a limited-run 1ST Edition with a range of pre-configured trim levels to follow later in the year. The ID.4 1ST Edition will cost £37,800 after the plug-in vehicle grant is applied, and is expected to arrive in dealerships during March.

Unveiled during a digital world premiere last September, the ID.4 is the second model in the ID. family and the first to be sold globally. From today customers in the UK will be able to place their orders for the ID.4 1 ST Edition. This highly-advanced, all-electric SUV is priced at £40,800 (before any Government grant is applied).

There are several features to mark the ID.4 1 ST Edition apart from future ID.4 models. These include internal and external ‘1 ST ’ badging, and a striking interior with Florence Brown highlights. Four metallic exterior paint colours will be available for the 1 ST Edition: Glacier White, Blue Dusk, Manganese Grey and Honey Yellow.

The new limited-edition ID. model comes with plenty of standard kit. Externally this includes 20-inch ‘Drammen’ alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, tinted rear windows, and a reversing camera. Inside, drivers will find ArtVelours microfleece seats which – like the steering wheel – are heated, 30-colour ambient lighting, 10-inch infotainment display with Discover Pro navigation system and ID. Light, first seen on the ID.3 – a dynamic LED band the width of the windscreen, which changes its pattern and colour to supplement and support navigation signals, charging status, driver assist technologies or the natural voice control. The model also offers a range of safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist, and Lane Assist, with parking sensors front and rear.

The ID.4 1 ST Edition has an impressive WLTP range of 310 miles from its 77 kWh (net) battery capacity. It also benefits from rapid charging compatibility of up to 125 kW, with the ability to add up to 199 miles of range in just 30 minutes. With 204 PS of power and 310 Nm of torque instantly available, the rear-wheel drive ID.4 1 ST completes the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 8.5 seconds before maximum speed is reached at 99 mph, where permitted. This electric SUV also comes with the Volkswagen brand’s high-voltage battery warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles.

April 2021

Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Performance priced from £41,570

Following on from the ID.4 1ST Edition, the 204 PS ID.4 Pro Performance will be available in Life, Family and Max specifications, starting at £41,570 and offering up to 323 miles range (WLTP combined).

Available to order now, the three models are fitted with the Pro Performance powertrain featuring a 77kWh battery (net capacity) and 204PS/310Nm electric motor. This powertrain underpins the ID.4 line-up, with the ID.4 Life Pro Performance predicted to be the top-selling version of the zero-emission SUV. The Pure models with a 52kWh net battery capacity will go on sale in the coming months.

All three specifications can regain up to 199 miles of range from a 125kW rapid charger in 30 minutes, while a 7.2kW home charger takes around 11 hours to take the ID.4 Pro Performance from 0 – 100%. Charging to 80% from a DC, CCS charge point takes 38 minutes.

As the introduction to the ID.4 range, the entry-level Life model offers a high level of equipment as standard. It is the first of the three pre-configured models with features sorted into fixed equipment packs to simplify the ordering process for customers.

Highlights among these packs for the ID.4 Life include 30-colour ambient lighting; split-folding rear seats with a load-through hatch and centre armrest; and play and pause pedals; all as part of the Interior Style Package. The Infotainment Package brings a 10-inch Discover Pro touch-screen system with navigation, and inductive smartphone charging. Luxury and convenience are covered by the Comfort Package which comprises a heated, infrared-reflecting, sound-insulated windscreen; two front and two rear USB ports; 2-zone climate control; and heating for the front seats and steering wheel.

Next up in the range is the ID.4 Family which builds on the generous Life specification by adding attractive 19-inch ‘Hamar’ alloy wheels and upgraded equipment packs. The Design Package Plus brings IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps which feature the signature LED strip extending from each headlamp and meeting at the Volkswagen roundel. LED lighting also features in the door handle recesses and in the rear lights, the latter having a unique 3D structure. Privacy glass for the rear windows and a large panoramic sunroof complete the pack. Meanwhile, the Comfort Package Plus upgrades the climate control to a 3-zone system, and provides convenience-boosting features for the car’s luggage area including a net partition and luggage net, while the Assistance Package adds a rear-view camera, and Keyless Access locking and starting system.

As the flagship of the current ID.4 range the Max is the most comprehensively-equipped variant, and adds technology and convenience features in abundance. Starting with the Infotainment Package Plus, the ID.4 benefits from a larger 12-inch Discover Max infotainment system as well as Volkswagen’s acclaimed augmented reality head-up display, which safely and seamlessly overlays instructions and information over the road in front of the driver so they can keep their eyes on the road at all times. The Interior Style Plus pack is bolstered by the addition of sport seats with integrated headrests. These seats also provide 12-way electric seat adjustment, memory and massage function, in addition to heating for both front seats.

Driver assistance is enhanced by the Assistance Package Plus which provides Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist and Side Assist systems, while parking is made simple and convenient with the addition of the Area View cameras. The Easy Open & Close system allows remote unlocking of the tailgate, as well as electric operation with sensor control – wave a foot under the rear bumper to operate the tailgate. In addition to all this the ID.4 Max gets adaptive dampers (DCC) for customisable suspension characteristics, as well as progressive steering for an even more responsive, engaging drive. Finally, a heat pump is also included as standard, to allow optimal efficiency from the electric powertrain.

These generous equipment lines leave little room for options however should an ID.4 customer wish to personalise their car further for their needs or preferences, they can opt for a contrasting black roof as a no cost option, or an eye-catching silver style pack, which adds silver to the roof trim, roof rails and rear pillars (£620). It is also possible to select white interior styling elements and a white steering wheel (no cost option). The ID.4’s already impressive practicality can be boosted with a folding tow bar. The ID.4 Pro Performance has a towing capacity of up to 1,000 kg – while the heat pump is available optionally (£1,250) on the Life and Family specifications, and is standard equipment on the ID.4 Max. Four alloy wheel options are available in sizes ranging from 18 inches to 21 inches, depending on specification.

The ID.4 is also customisable with attractive colours including premium Mangan Grey Metallic, vibrant Honey Yellow Metallic, sleek Moonstone Grey, Scale Silver Metallic and Blue Dusk metallic, as well as Glacier White.

Deliveries of the ID.4 Pro Performance are expected to commence during the first week of May.

May 2021

Volkswagen ID.4 range expands with new 52kWh battery and entry-level model

The Volkswagen ID.4 range has grown further, with City and Style variants rolling out to UK customers. Both models bring the option of ‘Pure’ and ‘Pure Performance’ battery and motor specifications, with the former delivering 52kWh and 148PS, and the latter having 170PS on tap, with the same 52kWh net battery capacity setup. The new City also represents the new entry-point into the ID.4 range, and qualifies for the PIVG, which brings the car’s OTR price down to £32,150.

In addition to the four ‘Pro Performance’ specifications already offered on the ID.4 (1 ST Edition, Life, Family and Max), the ID.4 is now offered with ‘Pure’ and ‘Pure Performance’ battery and powertrain options, with ‘Pure’ versions providing 148PS and 220Nm of torque, while the ‘Pure Performance’ delivers 170PS and 310Nm of torque. Both of these feature a battery pack with 52kWh (net capacity), which enables up to 213 miles of range across both City specifications, and up to 211 miles in Style variants (all WLTP, combined).

These latest trims fit below the existing ones in the ID.4 line-up, with the City Pure having the additional bonus of being eligible for the Government’s Plug-in Vehicle Grant, thus starting at an eye-catching £32,150 OTR (with PIVG deducted). The City Pure Performance is priced at £36,030, the Style Pure at £38,150 and the Style Pure Performance at £39,530 (all OTR, recommended prices). Beyond those are the ID.4 Life, Family and Max models, with the 204 PS and 77 kWh ‘Pro Performance’ powertrain.

The ID.4 ‘Pure’ and ‘Pure Performance’ specifications can both add up to 137 miles of range from a 100 kW rapid charger in 30 minutes, while a 7.2 kW home charger takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes to take the battery from 0 to 100%. Charging to 80% from a DC, CCS charge point takes 38 minutes.

The ID.4 City, as the entry-level model in the ID.4 line-up, sets the pace for the equipment offered across the electric SUV’s range, with standard-fit features including LED headlights and tail lights, 10-colour ambient lighting throughout the car’s interior – which complements Volkswagen’s ID. Light communication interface – and a 10-inch Discover Navigation Pro infotainment system. Driver assistance systems for the entry-level ID.4 are a particular strength for the model, with Front Assist, Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control all fitted as standard, in addition to convenience-boosting assistance features like traffic sign recognition, a rain sensor and parking sensors front and rear.

The Style, as the design-focused trim positioned above the City, is marked out by its 18-inch Falun alloy wheels, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with Dynamic Light Assist, a front LED light strip between each headlight and the front Volkswagen roundel, 3D-design LED tail lights with dynamic turn signal, and illuminated door handle recesses, while the car’s windows from the B-pillar backwards are tinted. Inside, the ID.4 Style gains a suite of comfort, convenience and practicality features, including 3-zone Climatronic climate control and a luggage net for the load area, while easy access is provided by a keyless locking and starting system. A rear-view camera is also standard-fit for the Style, as part of its Assistance Package.

The ID.4 City and Style, and the ‘Pure’ and ‘Pure Performance’ reflect the ID.3 in expanding the ID.4’s breadth of appeal, with the two new powertrain and battery options further diversifying the electric SUV’s expanding line-up, taking the number of separate variants of ID.4 currently on sale to eight, including the last few remaining ID.4 1 ST Editions.

July 2021

Volkswagen ID.4 range updated for 2022 model year

Volkswagen has rolled out updates across the model range as the brand switches to its 2022 model year. The most marked changes are reserved for the ID.3 and ID.4 models. For the first time since launch, the two award-winning EVs are now offered with configurable trim levels, and a range of option packs are now available across all derivatives.

As the most notable update in the Model Year 2022 (MY22) revisions, the ID.3 and ID.4 are subject to changes in their ordering process, with greater customisation possible. Previously the trim levels came pre-configured, offering a fixed suite of packages, with only colours and wheels being customisable. The MY22 update sees customers able to choose a trim level that best fits their needs and then specify further option packs on top.

This new structure considerably increases the flexibility of the ID.3 and ID.4 in the customer’s ordering process. For example, previously it was not possible to configure an Augmented Reality Head-up display on any ID.3 model other than the Max and Tour. Now, a customer can choose any trim level and add the Infotainment Package Plus to receive the AR HUD, alongside the additional speakers that are part of the pack. Just as before, the different trim levels will still feature pre-determined packs as standard equipment, but now customers can choose to add additional packs to cater to their individual needs. A list of these packs for both models can be found below.

To further streamline the offering, the recently-introduced ‘City’ trim is now called ‘Life’ while the ‘Business’ and ‘Tech’ equipment levels have been discontinued.

July 2021

Volkswagen ID.4 GTX goes on sale

The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX is now available for UK customers to order, with the first of Volkswagen’s zero tailpipe emissions performance sub-brand starting at £48,510 OTR. The first wearer of the new GTX badge is available in two versions – GTX and GTX Max (£55,540 OTR), the former focussing on performance, with the latter offering a comprehensive and compelling package of equipment.

The ID.4 GTX and GTX Max are the inaugural models of the new all-electric ‘GTX’ performance line, and the first ID. models to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive. Both offer the availability of 299 PS and 310 Nm of torque*, contributing to impressive performance – the GTX models accelerate to 62 mph from a standstill in just 6.2 seconds, which is quicker than a Golf GTI. The ID.4 GTX also reaches a top speed of 112 mph (where permitted) – 13 mph quicker than the regular model.

This sporty drivetrain is complemented by sports suspension and progressive steering systems, both of which sharpen the handling of the ID.4, alongside the standard-fit Vehicle Dynamics Manager and XDS electronic differential lock. The sports suspension comes as part of the Sport Package fitted as standard to the GTX models, while the GTX Max features Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers as standard.

The ID.4 GTX offers the best of both worlds when it comes to performance and sustainability. Just like the rest of the ID. family, the GTX is delivered to customers as a ‘net climate-neutral product’ according to the independent auditing body TÜV NORD, which examines the entire supply chain, manufacturing process and all logistics. With a green energy provider such as Octopus Energy, customers can continue this environmental balance into the car’s working life.

Fitted with the same 77 kWh battery as the Pro Performance models in the ID.4 line-up, the GTX and GTX Max can travel up to 301 and 291 miles respectively (WLTP, combined) on a single charge. Both can add up to 199 miles of range from a 125 kW rapid charger in 30 minutes, while a 7.2 kW home charger takes around 12 hours and 40 minutes to take the battery from 0 to 100%. Charging to 80% from a DC, CCS charge point takes 38 minutes.

The GTX features, as standard, the 12-inch Discover Max infotainment display, coupled with the Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (Infotainment Package Plus); rear-view camera, and keyless locking and starting system (Assistance Package); IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights and 3D LED tail lights with dynamic turn signal, as well as an illuminated LED strip between the headlights and Volkswagen badge (Design Package). Finally, the Sport Package brings progressive steering for an even more engaging drive and lowered sports suspension.

The ID.4 GTX Max upgrades this already generous package with every ‘Plus’ package available on the standard model, which provides sports seats with integrated head restraints as the Interior Top-Sport Plus pack; heating and massage functions for the front seats, 12-way electric and 2-way manual adjustment, as well as pneumatic lumbar adjustment for the front seats and a memory for each user’s settings (Interior Style Plus); 3-zone climate control system and luggage area net, partition and floor (Comfort Package Plus); while a suite of driver assistance systems including Lane Assist, Emergency Assist and Side Assist, and an Area View camera system come as part of the Assistance Package Plus.

A panoramic sunroof is fitted via the Design Package Plus, and the Sport Package Plus adds the Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive damper system, while the efficiency-boosting heat pump is also included as standard. Both models also benefit from the innovative ID.Light – an animated LED strip at the base of the windscreen which provides helpful communication between the car and the driver to assist with navigation, telephone connectivity and safety functions; as well as Car2X technology. This system can communicate information of approaching hazards, such as Car2X-equipped emergency vehicles, stationary traffic ahead or dangers to the driver. It shares this information with other Car2X-equipped vehicles in the vicinity, to provide early warning of these situations to other drivers, for boosted safety.

January 2022

Volkswagen ID.4 Pro priced from £41,430

The ID.4 Pro is the new entry point into the ID.4 77 kWh battery. This new variant – which is capable of up to 318 miles between charges, thanks to a 77 kWh battery pack – takes the starting price of the largest battery ID.4 down to £41,430 RRP OTR on the Life specification. The ID.4 Pro sits between the 52 kWh 170 PS Pure Performance, and the 204 PS 77 kWh Pro Performance.

January 2024

Volkswagen ID.4 Match launched

The VW ID.4 Match has additional equipment including metallic paint, electric tailgate, exterior pack and assistance pack.

For the ID.4, the Pro Match and Pro 4M Match replace the previous Life and Style trims and a new entry-level Pure Match trim is available for £42,640 on the road.

November 2023

Upgraded Volkswagen ID.4 prices start at £46,035

Volkswagen has upgraded its electric ID.4, with prices starting from £46,035.

The ID.4 features a new infotainment system with a larger 12.9-inch screen, improved menu structure and controls including illuminated sliders for cabin temperature.

In addition, the optional augmented-reality head-up display has been enhanced, and Volkswagen has moved the driving mode selector to the steering column – as in the ID.7 – to create space for the larger infotainment display.

The previous Volkswagen Digital Sound Package has been replaced by a premium sound system from Harman Kardon, featuring 480 Watts of music output and 10 speakers. The Harman Kardon sound system is optional on the rear-wheel-drive Pro trims and standard on the 4MOTION GTX versions in the UK.

All ID.4 versions are powered by Volkswagen’s new APP550 drive unit. Introduced for the first time for the ID.7, it offers 286PS and reduced energy consumption. Range has increased to 337 miles - 10.5 miles further than before.

The all-wheel-drive ID.4 GTX now delivers a system power of 340PS, up 41PS from before. Charging is faster, too, while Volkswagen has added an optional paint colour for all models apart from the GTX: Costa Azul blue metallic.