Being the first global EV from VAG, the ID.4 holds a lot of expectations and is certainly a handsome-looking compact SUV that debuted in the fall of 2021. Built on the company’s MEB platform, the ID.4 packs some good features and even has a decent amount of motor power. But should you consider the ID.4?
2022 Volkswagen ID.4
- Make: Array
- Model: 2022 Volkswagen ID.4
2022 Volkswagen ID.4
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Overview
VW's future mobility strategy has been in the works since mid-2021, and the ID.3 was one of the first electric vehicles to hit the European market. As the US market is not fond of hatchbacks, the company decided to launch the ID.4: a compact SUV. This EV is targeted to the masses, according to Volkswagen, and has a starting price of $40,760 (excluding the federal taxes). However, the 2022 model year saw a couple of changes to the list of features, including the addition of an even faster 135 kW charging speed which is up by 10 kW from the outgoing model year, and an auto-hold braking feature along with Plug & Charge system will be provided with an OTA update. VW claims that the mileage will be up from last year’s EPA-rated 240 miles (AWD) and 250 miles (RWD) but we are not sure about the new numbers. The ID.4 is powered by the same electric motor or motors for the AWD from the outgoing model year without any change in the power figures. All of these sound great but the market already has great options like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Kona Electric, and even the Ford Mustang Mach-E. So how does it stand in competition? Is the ID.4 the ultimate compact SUV running on electric power? We will find out soon.
Trims and Features
The 2022 ID.4 gets only two trims: Pro and Pro S. Both the trims have an 82-kWh battery pack and you can choose either RWD or AWD. However, the AWD models get more powerful motors and can draw 295 horsepower. Here is the complete list of features you will get with the ID.4 range.
Pro. } }
Price: $40,760 (RWD), $44,440 (AWD).
- 19-inch alloys.
- Keyless entry.
- Capable of DC fast-charging at 135 kW.
- LED headlights.
- Heated windshield for the AWD variants.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with heating functions.
- Cloth upholstery.
- 2-way power-adjustable front seats with multi-level heating.
- Fully digital instrument cluster.
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror.
- Voice recognition.
- Wireless charging pad.
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
- Car-Net connection service.
The IQ.Drive package comes standard with the Pro and it includes a suite of driver assistance features like:
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Forward collision mitigation.
- Front and rear parking sensors.
- Blindspot monitoring.
- Lane-keeping assist.
Pro S. } }
Price: $45,260 (RWD), $48,940 (AWD).
- Adaptive headlamps.
- Handsfree power tailgate.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Illuminated VW logos (Front and Rear).
- 8-way power-adjustable front seats with multi-level heating.
- Massage functions for the front seats.
- Leatherette upholstery.
- 12-inch infotainment screen with gesture control.
- Adjustable trunk floor panels.
Gradient Package. } }
- Black-colored roof with silver roof rails.
- 20-inch alloys.
- Silver exterior accents.
Exterior: After a long time, a VW with a distinct appearance
It is good to see a new VW with everything but common looks. The ID.4 looks futuristic and the company claims that the design inspiration has been taken from the Beetle, as the VW logo has been placed at the center of the front fascia because of the absence of an upper radiator grille. It appears that the ID.4 is a sultry little SUV with all the charms and it is an EV, so VW has worked on it to make it stand out. The front has the new headlight design with the LED DRL light bar running between them. We have seen this design element with all the latest VW cars like the Golf R and the T-Roc R. As standard, the ID.4 comes with LED headlights while the Pro S gets adaptive headlights and illuminated VW logos on the front and rear. The body has been beautifully sculpted with the creased hood, wider lower grille, and two brake-cooling vents which are fake, of course. The front of the ID.4 looks promising and we do love it. So what about the rear? Now it gets more interesting as you will not only get to see a sloping roofline but also a unique roof-mounted spoiler that will remind you of the latest Evoque. The rear LEDs are just like the front ones, running across the tailgate. The white VW logo remains in the center and so is the ID.4 badging. Down below there is a tow hitch that will allow this new charming SUV to tow a 2,700-pound braked trailer. From the sides, the ID.4 looks long, has flushed door handles that are proximity enabled, and has the 19-inch alloys fitted as standard.
As for the overall dimensions, the ID.4 is among the most compact EVs in its class. Both the Model Y and the Mach-E are a bit longer both in length and in wheelbase, a bit wider too by up to two inches. The ID.4 is certainly heavy at 4,559 pounds. It seems that the overall weight is certainly higher than that of the Model Y and the Kona Electric. However, please do note that the Kona Electric is the most compact SUV in its class at just 165.6 inches long. The ID.4 measures at 180.5-inch length, 72.9-inch width, a height of 64.4 inches, and a decently sized wheelbase of 108.9 inches. The overall look and physical dimensions make the ID.4 look compact but effective.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Exterior Dimensions
Model |
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 |
---|---|
Curb Weight |
4,559 lbs. |
Length |
180.5 in. |
Width |
72.9 in. |
Height |
64.4 in. |
Ground Clearance |
6.1 / 6.8 in. |
Wheelbase |
108.9 in. |
Interior: Clean yet sophisticated
VW’s interiors are generally practical and good-looking but the one found inside the ID.4 is something else. We never expected it out of VW to build a clean-looking and even more advanced cabin than any other car in the company’s line-up. Like most of the EVs, the ID.4 has a sleek and modern-looking cabin that is devoid of excessive buttons and knobs. The dashboard design is something we all love as it does not look overengineered like some of the German luxury EVs. The steering wheel comes leather-wrapped as standard and the 5.3-inch multi-information display, which VW calls ID.Cockpit is attached to the steering wheel column. As the ID.4 comes with a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, you can adjust the viewing angle of the screen too. The gear selector is placed just beside the digital display and is super intuitive to use. Sitting atop the sleek dash is a 10-inch touch-sensitive display fitted as standard. The Pro S will unlock an even bigger 12-inch display. The center console gets a wireless charging pad, two cupholders, and a decently sized storage box.
The standard cloth upholstery feels nice and comfortable but if you want the best out of it then the Pro S will get you leatherette seats for enhanced comfort and quality. The base trim gets two-way power-adjustable front seats with multi-level heating options. If you want more flexibility, you will have to choose the top trim to unlock eight-way power-adjustable seats and massage functions. The cabin is very spacious with 41.1-inch front headroom and legroom. The rear row has 38.4 inches of headroom while the legroom is set at 37.6 inches. The Kona Electric, as expected, has the least spacious rear row in the competition. The Model Y and the Mach-E offer the best rear-row experience if you want the extra space.
For the price, we would praise the ID.4’s comfort over the pricier Model Y and Mach-E. As for the cargo capacity, the ID.4 has 30.3 cubic feet which can be expanded to 64.2 cubic feet, with the rear seats down. The size is pretty big, especially for the overall size of the SUV. Here are a few of the standout interior features for your reference.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- 5.3-inch multi-information display.
- Wireless charging pad.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Leatherette upholstery.
- Leatherette dashboard and door panel trim.
- 8-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and massage functions.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Interior Dimensions
Model |
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 |
---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches) |
41.1/57.5/41.1 |
Second Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches) |
38.4/55.9/37.6 |
Cargo Capacity |
30.3 cu.ft. |
The ID.4's interior has VW's newest infotainment system which includes either a 10-inch touchscreen display (Discover Pro) or a 12-inch display (Discover Pro Max) depending on your trim selection. To be very honest, they sound more like Apple rather than VW. Both the displays are smooth and easy to operate but a lot of reviewers have faced issues with the operating system in its initial days but the model we tested was better. Although the responses could have been better, there are a few shortcut buttons just below the screen for added intuitiveness. As standard, you will find wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Other infotainment features are available with the 2022 ID.4 would be:
- SiriusXM.
- Car-Net.
- Navigation system.
- Gesture control.
- 7-speaker audio unit.
Performance and Handling: Not a class-leading athlete but it is a fun-to-drive EV
The ID.4, just like other EVs, delivers a decent punch from the get-go, even if you opt for the rear-wheel drive single motor base variant. However, the power outputs are not something that sounds great with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque but remember it is not a track monster. Yes, if you compare the stats with, let’s say, the Kona Electric, the latter has more torque and does a bitbetter in the outright accelerations: 0-60 in 6.4 seconds. That is possible not only because of the higher torque present with the Kona Electric but because it is more compact and weighs less than the ID.4. The VW EV does a knot to 60 in 7.6 seconds and a standing quarter-mile timing of 16 seconds has been recorded. As for our testing, we did not face the need of complaining as the power delivery is sufficient and perfect for daily use. Well, if you seek only performance, then VW has got you a dual-motor variant of the ID.4 - one at each axle. The result? 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, and as it is an AWD variant, it is even faster. Car and Driver recorded 0-60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds and a total of 14.1 seconds to reach a quarter-mile, a good two-second difference we would say. Other thriving EVs like the Model Y Long Range do 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and a standing quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds, making it way faster than the ID.4. Also, do note that the Model Y starts from about $60,000, making it a lot pricier than VW’s new SUV.
For the budget, we would say that the power figures are justifiable but how does the ID.4 drive? Well, in our short testing time, we found that the ID.4 is more lively for an SUV. The driving ergonomics are perfect for daily use and you are to get a commanding view of the road. Selecting Eco or Normal mode will gentle the throttle inputs, to deliver the best range. The Sport mode does the opposite and even adds a decent heft to the steering wheel to give you an extra bit of confidence when you need it. Around the corners, the ID.4 behaved well without the feeling of throwing us out of the windows when pushed hard. The suspension feels soft, unlike the Model Y, making the ride more comfortable. As for the braking, we felt that the bite was sufficient around the city traffic. However, the instant foot down did upset the brakes and the weight of the SUV was quite evident.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Performance Stats
Model |
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 |
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD |
---|---|---|
Engine Type |
Single permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor |
Dual permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor |
Drive Type |
RWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
1-speed direct drive |
1-speed direct drive |
Power |
201 hp |
295 hp |
Torque |
229 lb-ft |
339 lb-ft |
0-60 (mph) |
7.6 seconds |
5.4 seconds |
Quarter-mile |
16 seconds |
14.1 seconds |
Top Speed |
100 mph |
112 mph |
Braking Distance (70-0 mph) |
166 ft |
171 ft |
Overall Range and EPA ratings
The 2021 model year of the ID.4 RWD got the EPA ratings of 104/89/97 while the AWD got a slightly lower 103/88/96 for city/highway/combined. The base RWD will give you an overall range of 250 miles, thanks to its 82-kWh battery pack. The AWD will reduce the range by 10 miles, which is acceptable given it is more powerful. However, the numbers are not as good as for the likes of Tesla Model Y and the Hyundai Kona but what we think is that the new ID.4 needs a lot of optimizations for it to become more efficient in the future. For the 2022 model year ID.4, VW expects that the mileage figures will increase via the EPA ratings. We will update the information soon after the release of the new ratings. As for charging the battery, you will have an 11-kW AC charger and a 110-volt charging cable for domestic use. However, the electrical system supports up to 135-kW DC fast charging (up from 125-kW) and you can charge from 5 to 80 percent in 38 minutes.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Range & Size
Model |
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 |
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD |
---|---|---|
City (MPGe) |
104 |
103 |
Highway (MPGe) |
89 |
88 |
Combined (MPGe) |
97 |
96 |
Electric Range (mi) |
250 |
240 |
Battery Capacity (kWh) |
82 |
82 |
How safe is the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4?
Volkswagen cars have been very safe, especially the recent ones with the company’s IQ.Drive advanced driver assistance suite. The new ID.4, however, receives a full-on 5-star rating from the NHTSA but the IIHS is yet to test this SUV. We believe that the ID.4 will get the “Top Safety Pick+” award when the IIHS get their hands on it. As for the safety features, the IQ.Drive comes installed as standard enabling
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Blindspot monitoring.
- Lane-keeping assist.
- Lane-departure warning.
- Front and rear parking sensors.
Other important safety features include six airbags, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rearview camera, and an advanced stability control system.
Should you consider the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4?
We think that the ID.4 is a very important EV for the American mass as it ticks the right marks of an affordable EV. A lot of you guys are not enthusiasts and have hesitated to consider an EV like the Model Y because it is unnecessarily powerful to some while the cost is higher than expected. The ID.4 would be a true “People’s car” in the EV market and for its starting price of $40,760, it is heavily equipped and would like to call it a value king. Volkswagen plans to move its ID.4 manufacturing plant to the US by 2023, which might lower the price or lead to the development of a less expensive ID.4. targeting the sub-$35,000 market.
What is the range of the new ID 4?
FAQ
Q: Is the ID 4 available now?
Yes, you can get the new Volkswagen ID.4 in your nearest Volkswagen dealerships.
Q: Is the id 4 worth it?
Definitely. The new ID.4 is a great way to move forward with the EV revolution, plus it is heavily packed with quite a lot of features.
Q: How much does the ID 4 cost?
The base Pro variant with the default single motor will cost you about $43,000 including the destination charges.
Q: What is the range of the new ID 4?
You can get about 250 miles per full charge but you can get more than that if you play by the rules.