Volkswagen ID.4 review
The Volkswagen ID4 is a spacious electric car with a modern, minimalist interior. It’s not the sleekest looking SUV though and you may struggle to get near the claimed range.
- Cash
- £34,137
- Monthly
- £424*
- Used
- £42,790
What's good
What's not so good
Find out more about the Volkswagen ID.4
Is the Volkswagen ID.4 a good car?
You love SUVs and more and more of you are loving electric cars, so the new Volkswagen ID4 electric SUV has come along just at the right time – especially as you have to wait a bit for likely alternatives such as the Tesla Model Y and Nissan Ariya.
The VW ID4 is about the same size as Tiguan and should be just as practical – but a bit more futuristic-looking. If you and your sibling are the VW Golf and Tiguan, then the ID3 and ID4 are a bit like your posh cousins who always have the latest fashion and tech.
The ID4 is supposed to follow the look of the ID3 and it like that car, it has slim LED headlights connected by a full-width LED light bar, while a large intake sits low on the bumper. You’ll spot that there’s no grille (electric cars don’t need them because they don’t have a hot engine to cool).
And that’s about it for the front-end highlights. At the back, a wide lightbar mimics the similar element of the front of the car.
But with a high bonnet and bulbous back end, the ID4 is a bit blobby and heavy-looking.
It has a more simple design inside, though. For a start, there’s no gearlever — rather, you simply twist a large knob behind the steering wheel, similar to that on a BMW i3. However, the wheel obscures the switch, so you have to crane around the rim to see it.
Speaking of that driver’s display, it gives you key information, such as speed and charge status, on a sharp display. For other functions, there’s a 10-inch infotainment system.
The looks might not be to all tastes, but there's a good all-round EV underneath the ID 4's skin
There are comparatively few buttons, because most functions are operated through the central screen. You won’t have to rely solely on using the infotainment on the move though, because voice control is present and correct. That said, the system is glitchy.
Interior quality isn’t great either – there are some scratchy plastics – but at least the ID4 is comfortable. There’s lots of adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel so you should be able to find a good driving position. And there’s loads of space in the rear seat, so passengers in the back should be comfy too – even in the middle seat.
As for boot space, the Volkswagen ID4 offers 543 litres — ever so slightly more than the 510 litres in the BMW iX3’s boot. To keep with the Volkswagen Tiguan comparison, the ID4 doesn’t quite match its 615 litres, but given the size of the batteries underneath the floor in the ID4 it’s a fair effort.
VW ID4 range and charging
The Volkswagen ID4 is available with four battery options, with power outputs ranging from 148hp to 299hp, and range figures starting at 213 miles and rising to 322 miles.
As with all electric cars, the ID4 picks up briskly and smoothly, and cruises quietly. In the absence of engine noise, some EVs suffer lots of wind and road noise, but that isn’t the case here.
It’s nimble, too, because the ID4 has a tremendously tight turning circle, which is a huge help in town or when parking.
Check out our deals on the VW ID4 here.
How practical is it?
It may be quite bulbous on the outside, but the benefit is that this translates into decent cabin space.
What's it like to drive?
As with all electric cars, the ID4 picks up briskly and smoothly, and cruises quietly. It’s a heavy car though, so achieving the claimed range may be difficult
What's it like inside?
It’s roomy, stylish and quite high-tech inside, although some of that tech could be easier to operate
Volkswagen ID.4 colours
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- Free
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- From £685
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- From £685
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- From £685
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- From £685
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- From £685
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- From £685
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- From £685
- Cash
- £34,137
- Monthly
- £424*
- Used
- £42,790
Build your own ID.4 on carwow
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*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.