volkswagen new electric car ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 is Volkswagen's all-electric midsize crossover SUV, the second car in the ID family after the ID.3. In the US the 2021 ID.4 came in two versions, the ID.4 1st Edition at $43,995 and the ID.4 Pro at $39,995, with an 82 kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery, and rear-wheel drive as standard (AWD is an option). It is an affordable family SUV with a big boot.

The EV market is getting very competitive: the ID.4 goes up against cars like the Skoda Enyaq iV and the Nissan Ariya.

TL;DR

• Two 2021 versions: ID.4 1st Edition ($43,995) and ID.4 Pro ($39,995).
• Battery: 82 kWh gross, 77 kWh net; AC onboard charger up to 11 kW.
• DC fast charging: 5% to 80% in 38 minutes.
• EPA rating: 97 MPGe combined (1st Edition) and 99 MPGe combined (Pro), per fueleconomy.gov.
• Battery warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Options on the Pro: Statement Package (+$4,500), Gradient (+$1,500), AWD (+$3,680).
• If this is not your case, read how the Mercedes EQE compares with the EQS.

Models

Volkswagen offers 2 models of the ID.4:

1. ID.4 1st Edition
2. ID.4 Pro

These are the main features of the standard ID.4 models:

Can you build and customize your own 2021 ID.4 1st Edition ?

No. Volkswagen does not allow you to customize the 2021 ID.4 1st Edition

Can you build and customize your own 2021 ID.4 Pro?

Yes. Volkswagen allows you to customize Pro models.

These are the options available:

Colors

1. Glacier White Metallic
2. Moonstone Gray
3. Mythos Black Metallic
4. Scale Silver Metallic

Customization Packages offered by Volkswagen

Statement Package (Cost you $4500 more)

The Statement Package is priced at $44,495, which is $4500 more than the standard ID.4 Pro price.

Statement Package Includes

1. Premium LED projector headlights with AFS, illuminated grille, and front Volkswagen logo
2. Panoramic fixed glass roof
3. Discover Pro Max navigation with 12" display
4. Hands-free Easy Open and Easy Close liftgate

Gradient (Add on package will cost you $1500 more)

You need to choose the Statement Package before you can add the Gradient Package.

The Gradient package offers:

1. 20" alloy wheels
2. Black painted roof
3. Silver roof rails and accents

Additional Features

Interior design and color

Volkswagen offers two interior options at no extra cost:

1. Galaxy Black V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces
2. Lunar Gray V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces

AWD (All Wheel Drive - It will cost $3,680 more)

If you want more power, AWD (all-wheel drive) costs $3,680 more.

The AWD package includes:

1. Dual motor powertrain
2. Tow hitch (2,700 lbs towing capacity with braked trailer)*
3. Heated windshield

(I do not know why the heated windshield is included in this package; Volkswagen could have made it standard for cities with sub-zero winters)

How Much Does The ID.4 Cost In The US?

Specification

For the technical details:

The EPA efficiency ratings for the 2021 models on fueleconomy.gov:

Infotainment and Dashboard

The touch screen dashboard makes the infotainment look clean and modern. Volkswagen's infotainment system provides:

Battery Life

The battery is the backbone of an electric vehicle, so I would not compromise on battery life and warranty.

Volkswagen offers : Gross 88 kWh battery

1. Volkswagen battery warranty (whichever occurs first):

2. Carefree Coverage It is standard on all MY21 vehicles

3. Volkswagen also has a Limited Warranty of 4 Years 50,000 miles

With this you get (check with the retailer for details)

4. If you run out of charge, the vehicle can be towed to the nearest Electrify America station at no charge.

How Long Does The ID.4 Take To Charge?

If you drive electric, plan trips around charging time, because electric cars need at least 40-60 minutes to reach full capacity.

Electrify America DC Fast Chargers

You can charge your ID.4 free of cost at any Electrify America DC Fast Charging station.

Automatic Gear Shifter

In the ID series Volkswagen has moved the gear selector next to the steering wheel, which frees up space between the front seats.

It may feel a bit odd if you are used to a manual gearbox. Like other EVs, the ID.4 can also recover energy when slowing down; the Mercedes regenerative braking guide explains how that works.

Boot space

The boot space in the ID.4 is 543 liters, which I think is decent for this segment.

With 543 Liters of boot space it makes a very good family car: a baby stroller fits easily and leaves plenty of room for a long trip. If you are comparing it with a petrol SUV, see the GLC 300 2023 preview.

Conclusion

Here are my 2 cents after reviewing the car:

Pros -

Cons -