ID.4 has got so much right it’s impossible to ignore

Andrew Walker

The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first fully-electric SUV and the brand’s first global electric vehicle. Like the ID.3, it’s based on the brands modular, electric drive matrix (MEB) and its entry into the compact SUV market has given Volkswagen a competitor in a sector that sees no sign of slowing

Entry model is the 109kW City Pure 52kWh costing £34,650, with eight more specs; Life, Style, Life Edition, Style Edition, Family, GTX, Max and GTX Max versions offered, right up to the range-topping 220kW 4Motion GTX Max 77kWh which will set you back £58,415.

The smaller 52kWh batteries come with a range of 213-223 miles. The larger 77kWh batteries offer 288-322 miles and the largest 82kWh batteries, available on Life Edition, Style Edition and GTX versions will give you 301-325 miles of range.

Unlike the ID.3, which looks very much like a Volkswagen, the ID.4 is a bit more of a generic SUVs, so think Vauxhall Grandland, Nissan Qashqai and KIA Sportage. The front features narrow, sweeping front lights and a large windscreen. Mirroring the latest Audi EV trend, the rear light cluster spreads right across the back of the car. The VW badge is prominently located centre front and rear with the ID.4 logo located on the centre rear.

Inside it is almost identical to the ID.3, so factor in a centrally mounted 10″ infotainment touchscreen, a 5.3″ dash panel display, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a gear lever on the right end of the centre console that you twist to select from Drive, Reverse or Neutral.

Build quality is pretty good, although there are some cheaper, harder plastics located lower down.

Many of the advanced features on the ID.3 and ID.5 are shared with the ID.4, namely ID.Light (the intelligent strip of light below the windscreen that communicates with the driver), the central airbag that prevents front seat occupants colliding in a side-impact or rollover and Car2X, a system that allows the car to wirelessly exchange information about local hazards with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure.

Our test car came with electronic parking brake, a Driver Alert system with fatigue detection, ESC (Electronic Stability Control Programme) including traction control, 2-Zone ‘Air Care Climatronic air-con, with keyless entry and starting.

Infotainment and tech isn’t bad, with driver profile personalisation allowing you to set multiple pre-set profiles to your favourite radio stations, phone connectivity and contacts.

Charging

Using a standard 7.0kW home charger, it will take 11 hours to fully charge the battery from zero. All ID.4s use a 3-point 32-amp / 7.2kW charging cable, with a three-year mobility guarantee in case of breakdown

It can also be fast charged, either via a 125 kW DC (direct current)or 11 kW AC (alternating current). Using the former means charging to 80% capacity in just 25 minutes.

The 77kWh battery has a 201bhp electric motor which offers 150kW or 204PS and 310Nm of torque. It makes it quick in a straight line, but on country roads it’s a little more cumbersome than the ID.3. Thanks to its single-speed automatic transmission and rear wheel drive set-up, it is best enjoyed dawdling in traffic or on the motorway, with both tasks undertaken in supreme quiet and relaxing comfort.

Regenerative braking boosts range. Unlike some, the strength isn’t that high, but that does help make the ID.4 better to drive than some of its competitors.

As far as driving modes go, you can select from Eco, the best for saving battery range, limiting you to a top speed of 80mph, Comfort, Sport or Individual.

An 85-mile motorway journey at motorway speeds saw us use up 100 miles of range. In town, the B regenerative braking kicks in and you’ll likely see at least a 1:1 ratio of miles travelled to range used. We reckon the larger 77kw/h battery is good for 250-mile range without having to work too hard to achieve it.

We estimate that if you do 10,000 miles a year and charged your ID.4 regularly from your home wall box, it would cost £500£600 to charge through the cheapest home tarifs. Zero emissions means you’ll pay only 2% BIK.

Pros

The pros for a company car driver are impossible to ignore. Good savings on fuel bills and reduced BIK; what’s not to like?

Cons

It’s heavy so not as fun to drive as a petrol Tiguan. Some of the plastic fixtures and fittings were disappointing.

While the ID.3 impressed, the ID.4 is more impressive. It’s a proper family five-seater with loads of practical space, on-trend tech and the latest safety features. Furthermore, the BIK benefits are immense. If you’re a company car driver who needs a large family car and can live with a real world 250-mile electric range, it’s time to consider the ID.4

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