Volkswagen id.4 125kW Match Pure 52kWh 5dr Auto

  • Automatic
  • Electric
  • 5 door suv
  • 9 secs 0 to 62 mph
  • 170 bhp Engine power
  • 224 mi Combined range
  • 55 kWh Battery capacity
  • 8 yrs Battery warranty

Ten Second Review

Volkswagen's most significant global EV is this one, the mid-sized ID.4 crossover, here usefully improved. An upgraded motor brings significant increases in both pulling power and driving range, while inside, the cabin's more media-savvy and user-friendly. As before, this contender's practical, decent to drive and reasonable value. And there's the option of AWD if you want it.

Background

The ID.4 was Volkswagen's first global EV, launched in 2020 and tasked with accounting for a third of all the brand's EV sales around the world. It's that important, built not only in Germany (at VW's Zwickau plant) but also by factories in China and the US. Under the skin (and dimensionally) the ID.4 is much the same as its cousin, the Skoda Enyaq iV and (like that car) uses an extended version of the predominantly rear-driven MEB platform we first saw on the smaller ID.3. All though, hasn't really gone to plan for Volkswagen with this car. From launch, its fortunes were hit by Pandemic-related shutdowns and lockdowns, then production suffered due to the global semiconductor shortage and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As well as all of that, there were criticisms of the original model's performance, driving range and cabin quality. All of which makes the introduction of the updated model launched in late 2023, the car we look at here, particularly significant.

Driving Experience

There's an entry-level 52kWh ID.4 model available with the brand's Pure 170PS motor (which goes up to 222 miles between charges) but the big news with this updated model applies to the mainstream 77kWh variants. These come with Volkswagen's latest APP550 Pro Performance electric motor, first seen on the ID.7, which delivers 286PS and puts out a massive 75% more torque than the original model's motor (up from 310 to 545Nm). There's a dual-motor AWD 4MOTION variant too - which might avert the need to stretch to the top sporty ID.4 GTX 4MOTION flagship sporty derivative, which now puts out 340PS (41PS more than before), enough to get you to 62mph in 5.4s. Despite the APP550 motor's extra torque, Volkswagen's managed to make the upgraded 286PS powerplant more effcient too: the rear-driven ID.4 77kWh variant is now supposed to make it up to 349 miles between charges (22 miles further than before) - or 326 miles in 4MOTION form and 319 miles in GTX guise. The battery is a reworked version of the previous 77kWh unit, which has a new charging management system. The brand claims that the steering now has greater feedback than before too. Otherwise, the whole ID.4 experience should be familiar if you've tried one previously. If you haven't, there's a bit to adapt to if this is your first experience of EV motoring. No gearstick, no handbrake, no ignition key and just the sound of silence as the fixed ratio transmission blends an almost endless wave of torque into meaningful and surprisingly rapid forward progress. Like Volkswagen's original post-war Beetle, base versions of this car are rear-driven and when you drive such an ID.4 in town, you quickly realise the real advantages of placing the powertrain - the electric motor and its associated single-speed auto gearbox - on the back axle, thereby freeing up the front wheels for steering duties; the result is a London taxi-like 10.2-metre turning circle. Beyond the city limits, that drive format allows for a near-50:50 almost perfect weight distribution which, together with the low centre of gravity provided by the central battery pack placement, helps disguise the portly weight this SUV must carry around. Traction through the turns is excellent and body roll is checked by firm damping cleverly engineered for suppleness over poor surfaces. All of which ought to provide the recipe for a decently sporting EV - and in some ways it does. There are four drive settings common across the model line-up - 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Individual'. Plus you get an 'Eco' setting that, to maximise range, you'll need to frequently use in combination with the available 'B' regenerative braking function, which slows the car significantly when you come off the accelerator. The GTX models has an extra 'Traction' mode too.

Design and Build

There are no significant exterior visual changes to this ID.4. As before, it shares many styling cues with its ID.3 hatch stablemate but it's a slightly bigger thing, 4,584mm long, 1,852mm wide and 1,612mm tall. To give you some perspective, that makes it a little longer and wider than Volkswagen's more conventional Tiguan mid-sized SUV. Full-LED headlights are standard and top models get big 20 or 21-inch wheels. The big difference lies inside, where there's a new bigger 12.9-inch infotainment central touchscreen, with simpler menus, a more intuitive control structure and a more responsive IDA voice assistant. This offers fresh functions, including cloud-based weather information and the status of sporting events or stock market prices. Volkswagen has (at last) illuminated the cabin temperature control sliders. Plus the driving mode selector has been moved to the steering column and the optional augmented reality head-up display system has been enhanced. You still have to put up with a very small (5.3-inch) instrument display. Overall, build quality is generally good but cheaper plastics still betray the cost cutting necessary to undergird all that sophisticated EV technology. As previously, the interior design has an airy but minimalist and rather clinical feel which Volkswagen has tried unsuccessfully to lift by imprinting 'Play' and 'Pause' symbols on the two footwell pedals. At the back, as before, there's comfortable space for a couple of adults (it'd be a squash for three). And there's a very decently-sized 543-litre boot, extendable to 1,575-litres with the rear seat folded. A tonne of weight can be towed too if you specify the optional tow bar.

Market and Model

The ID.4 range kicks off with a base 52kWh model that uses a 'Pure' 170PS motor and costs around £40,000. Otherwise, your ID.4 will have a 77kWh battery and the VW Group's latest 286PS APP550 motor. Those more advanced models start up at around £45,000, which gets you base 'Match'-spec - it's around £1,800 more for the dual motor 4MOTION version. The top GTX 'Edition' 4MOTION version costs around £52,000, which is the only variant that can be had with Volkswagen's (now improved) DCC adaptive damping system. All ID.4s come with full-LED headlamps, LED tail lights, rain sensing wipers, all-round parking sensors, heated windscreen washer jets and an alarm. Inside, all versions feature the 'ID.Light', a wide, narrow light strip under the windscreen that assists the driver by flashing or moving in different colours to draw attention to various functions. There's also an 'Air Care Climatronic' 2-Zone air conditioning system, a leather-trimmed and a heated multi-function steering wheel. The upholstery is a smart alcantara-like 'Art Velours' microfleece and the front seats are heated, plus there's an auto-dimming rear view mirror, an electric auxiliary air heater, a wireless smartphone charger and an ambient lighting set-up with up to 30 colour options.

Cost of Ownership

As we said in our 'Driving' section, driving range with this improved ID.4 has increased significantly to as much as 349 miles thanks to the new APP550 motor. The other significant change is an increase in charging speed to 175kW - though the base 52kWh 170PS model can still only charge at at just 145kW. To achieve the quoted range figure, you'll need to frequently use the provided 'Eco' drive mode setting, ideally in combination with the available 'B' regenerative braking function, which slows the car significantly when you come off the accelerator. Whatever ID.4 model you select, your charging regime should be quite straightforward. There's a 'We Charge' app that helps you find and use over 150,000 public charge points. An AC1-phase 7.4kW garage wallbox would replenish the 77kWh battery from zero in about twelve hours. Out and about at a DC3 100kW charge point, it'll take no more than around 30 minutes to recharge your ID.4 with enough direct current to cover the next 137 miles. You should also make savings in BiK payments (there's the usual 2% EV rating), as well as exemption (until the 2025 review) from road tax and ULEZ/congestion charging. Volkswagen says that its aim is to make sure that the battery pack lasts as long as the car and, sure enough, that battery pack is warrantied to have at least 70% of its usable capacity after eight years or 100,000 miles.

Summary

This still isn't yet a mainstream Volkswagen model, but the day isn't very far off when it will be. When that happens, we can only hope that EVs will have become rather more affordable than they are now. But if this ID.4 sells globally in the kind of numbers Volkswagen is hoping for, that's unlikely to happen. Like all brands, the Wolfsburg maker will charge what customers show they're prepared to pay. So is this ID.4 worth its sticker price? We weren't entirely certain when we tried this car in its original form, but this updated version's greater power, longer range anfd improved cabin make it a much more credible alternative to established mid-sized class EV rivals. Ultimately, if all you care about in a Crossover EV of this kind is value and driving range, this probably won't be your first choice. But if your priorities are a little broader than that, this ID.4 might well have your number.

  • Tailgate/trunk lid release from outside
  • 6 speakers with 140 watt output
  • DAB Digital radio
  • Diversity antenna for FM reception
  • Radio - Ready 2 discover
  • Black roof rails
  • Body colour door handles
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Roof trim strip in matte black
  • 2 USB-C ports in the front, 2 USB-C charging sockets on the centre console in rear, charging capacity up to 45 W
  • Armrests for both front seats
  • Art Velours microfleece cloth upholstery
  • Backrest with ID perforation
  • Central control unit in black
  • Centre console with illuminated storage compartment with sliding cover and two drinks holders
  • Door and side trim panel with leatherette insert
  • Headliner in recycled material
  • Illuminated smartphone storage compartment
  • Leatherette-wrapped multifunction heated steering wheel with touch control
  • Operating voltage 12V
  • Play and Pause brake and accelerator pedals
  • Pockets and smartphone pockets in seats
  • Reach + rake adjustable steering column
  • Sides,rear and armrest in leatherette
  • Storage compartments in driver and front passenger
  • Tool kit + Tyre mobility set (including 12-volt compressor + tyre sealant)
  • 3 Point seat belts in front with pretensioners
  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • Child safety lock
  • Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation
  • First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest
  • Front curtain and side airbags with center airbag
  • Proactive passenger protection system in combination with front assist
  • Seat belt reminder (Japan design)
  • Single tone horn
  • Tyre pressure loss indicator
  • Alarm with interior protection
  • Anti theft wheel bolts
  • Immobiliser
  • Keyless entry and start
  • Remote central locking with 2 remote keys
  • Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 55
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 480
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 11
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 28
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-80
  • Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 145
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N
  • Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N
  • Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N
  • Battery Leased: False
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear
  • Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2
  • Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 145
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8
  • Usable Battery Capacity: 52
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.4
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 16.4
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.4
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.8
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.8
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.8
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 470
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 361
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 361
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 361
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 292
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 224
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 224
  • WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 224
  • CO: N
  • CO2 (g/km): 0
  • HC: N
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Noise Level dB(A): N
  • NOx: N
  • Particles: N
  • Standard Euro Emissions: N
  • Camshaft: N
  • Catalytic Convertor: N
  • CC: 1
  • Compression Ratio: N
  • Cylinder Layout: N
  • Cylinders: N
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): N
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N
  • Engine Code: E212DF
  • Engine Layout: N
  • Fuel Delivery: N
  • Gears: 1 SPEED
  • Number of Valves: N
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • EC Combined (mpg): N
  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): N
  • EC Urban (mpg): N
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Badge Engine CC: 0
  • Badge Power: 170
  • Based On ID: N
  • Coin Description: Pure
  • Coin Series: Match
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 24E
  • Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • Safety Concerns: False
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24
  • Service Interval Mileage: 999999
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
  • Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 9
  • Engine Power - BHP: 170
  • Engine Power - KW: 125
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 229
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 31.6
  • Engine Torque - NM: 310
  • Top Speed: 99
  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: N/A
  • Alloys: False
  • Space Saver: False
  • Tyre Size Front: 235/60 R18
  • Tyre Size Rear: 235/60 R18
  • Tyre Size Spare: SELF-SEALING TYRES
  • Wheel Style: N
  • Wheel Type: 18" STEEL
  • Height: 1634
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4584
  • Wheelbase: 2770
  • Width: 1852
  • Width (including mirrors): 2108
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2490
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1734
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 543
  • Max. Loading Weight: 578
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1000
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1912
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6