Overview
Think of the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 as the spiritual successor to the original Type 1 Beetle, but with an emissions-free twist. The base version of Volkswagen’s first electric car even has its single electric motor mounted in the rear; all-wheel drive is optional, though, and opting for that puts a second motor in the front. Driving range is decent at up to 260 miles per charge and with DC fast-charging, the battery can be replenished quickly via public charging stations. While it lacks the driving verve that we appreciate in other VW models, the ID.4’s interior is quiet and relaxed when cruising. The ID.4’s almost entirely digital dashboard gives the interior a high-tech aesthetic, but it takes some getting used to, particularly the infotainment system that features quirks that may frustrate some users.
What’s New for 2022?
For its second year on the market, the ID.4 receives only minor changes. A new auto-hold brake feature is now standard, and the SUV’s DC fast-charging speed improves from 125 to 135 kW. Volkswagen also says that the ID.4’s driving range will be longer for 2022 but hasn’t said by how much.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The ID.4 is offered in Pro and Pro S trims, with the latter coming with more standard equipment. We’d opt for the entry-level Pro and use the money saved to pay for the optional $3680 dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain, which boosts horsepower and improves performance.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With the single rear-mounted motor, the ID.4 makes 201 horsepower, but the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model pumps out 295. Towing capacity is a stout 2700 pounds. Regenerative braking helps recapture energy when slowing the vehicle, but the familiar one-pedal driving that EV drivers have come to appreciate is largely missing here, even in the ID.4’s most aggressive regenerative mode. Also lacking is the traditional gut-punch acceleration that electric vehicles often provide. The rear-wheel-drive ID.4 isn’t slow by traditional compact-crossover standards, but its 7.6-second run to 60 mph in our testing demonstrates that it’s far more laid back than quicker EV competitors. Going for the more powerful all-wheel-drive model sharpens the ID.4’s accelerative performance, as evidenced by its 5.4-second jump to 60 mph at our test track. The ID.4 handles less sharply than some other EVs, but we appreciate its smooth and refined ride quality and quiet cabin.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
For now, the EPA estimates that the ID.4’s 77.0-kWh battery pack is capable of holding enough juice to power the SUV up to 260 miles between charges, which puts it in the mix with other electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV. Unfortunately for VW, that’s far less than the 330 miles of EPA estimated range for the Tesla Model Y. The battery can be charged at home on 110- or 240-volt connections, of course, but is also capable of DC fast-charging.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA rates the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro S’s fuel economy at 104 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway, with a driving-range estimate of 250 miles per charge; the rear-wheel-drive Pro model is slightly more efficient at 107 MPGe city, 91 MPGe highway, and up to 260 miles of driving per charge. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the rear-wheel drive ID.4 delivered 82 MPGe and sailed on for 190 miles. Note: we’ve found from our testing that EPA range numbers can overstate or understate the real-world highway range difference between EVs. Our testing was completed in near-freezing temperatures, which can drastically reduce driving range, so the 190-mile result is more impressive than it sounds. For more information about the ID.4’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the ID.4’s interior looks less flashy than the ID. Crozz Concept’s cabin, which featured a retractable steering wheel and sliding rear doors, it still offers a contemporary design with high-tech features, ambient lighting, and generous cargo space. The interior design is uncluttered and playful; cloth seats with heat for the front occupants are standard but going with the Pro S model brings faux-leather upholstery along with 12-way power adjustable front seats with memory functionality. The ID.4’s cargo area is quite spacious. We managed to fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the ID.4’s rear seat and 26 total with the rear seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The ID.4 comes standard with a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that can be upgraded to a larger 12.0-inch display. The software is unique to the ID.4, and we’ve found the interface fussier than the standard setup in other gasoline-powered Volkswagens. Navigation is standard with both displays and so are wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All ID.4 models also come with a 5.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display and voice-recognition capability.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The electrified VW offers a host of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the ID.4’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volkswagen currently offers an above-average limited warranty and below-average powertrain coverage compared with rival non-luxury brands, but it offers two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. The ID.4’s electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Battery components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles
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