2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Review: Almost Perfect

Volkswagen's Electric Future: The ID.4

Volkswagen, initially exploring the electric vehicle landscape, is now heavily invested in this technology. The new Volkswagen ID.4—a five-passenger, fully electric crossover starting at $33,995 (prior to any federal or state incentives)—represents its initial worldwide endeavor to establish EVs as a mainstream product.

This launch is integral to Volkswagen’s broader ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The ID.4 aims to provide a compelling combination of technology, comfort, and design at a competitive price point.

Positioning in the EV Market

The VW ID.4 seeks to attract customers potentially seeking an alternative to the Tesla Model Y, particularly those desiring a more affordable option. It delivers robust technology without being overly complex for typical crossover buyers.

However, one notable drawback is the lack of a streamlined charging experience. Locating and connecting to third-party charging stations can be cumbersome and challenging.

As stated by Mark Gillies, VW’s senior manager of Product, the company’s objective is “to be the company that builds electric cars for the millions, not just for the millionaires.”

Addressing Current Limitations

Despite this ambition, some areas require refinement. The infotainment system exhibits occasional lag, though improvements are anticipated through forthcoming updates. The charging issue previously mentioned also needs resolution.

Successfully addressing these concerns could enable the VW ID.4 to gain significant traction within the expanding crossover market. The question remains: will consumers embrace a fully electric vehicle offering a driving experience comparable to gasoline-powered cars?

Image Credits: Volkswagen

A Global Electric Vehicle

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 crossover is the first globally available, dedicated all-electric vehicle from the VW brand. However, it isn’t VW Group’s first consumer-level electric offering.

The Volkswagen e-Golf, initially launched in California in 2013 and discontinued last year, preceded the ID.4. Porsche, VW Group’s luxury performance division, commenced sales of its all-electric Taycan in 2019.

From Niche to Mainstream

The e-Golf was initially positioned as a niche product, specifically targeting the California market. This region benefits from stronger electric vehicle incentives, a more developed charging infrastructure, and stricter environmental regulations.

In contrast, the ID.4 is considered one of the “most important Volkswagen debuts since the Beetle” and will be available nationwide, signifying a major shift towards widespread EV adoption.

Innovative Technology in the ID.4

Image Credits: Volkswagen

Instead of forcing conventional gasoline vehicle design principles onto an electric platform, Volkswagen seems to have adopted a strategy similar to Tesla's when designing the interior and dashboard of the ID.4.

The ID.4’s cabin evokes a vision of autonomous driving. One can easily imagine a future where components like the steering column and the infotainment system itself become obsolete.

Furthermore, the central console, featuring adaptable cupholders, storage compartments, and an NFC charging pad, could be reconfigured to maximize passenger room. This would enhance the already spacious and open ambiance of the ID.4’s interior.

The ID.4 is initially available in three configurations: Pro, Pro S, and 1st Edition. The base Pro model includes a 10-inch touchscreen display.

Image Credits: Abigail Basset

The Pro S and 1st Edition models feature a larger, 12-inch infotainment touchscreen centrally positioned on the dashboard.

An in-cabin camera detects hand movements towards the screen, enabling responsive icon interaction as you approach. The ID.4 minimizes traditional physical buttons.

Existing buttons utilize haptic technology, resembling those found in medical equipment, to manage functions like climate control, audio, and the panoramic roof’s shade. They also control driving modes and driver assistance systems.

These haptic buttons require a brief adjustment period, but they function similarly to sliders. Volume and temperature can be adjusted through subtle pressure variations and left-to-right movements.

Hello I.D.

Volkswagen has opted for hands-free voice control in the new ID.4, moving away from traditional buttons. However, our initial experience suggests the system is still under development and feels somewhat preliminary.

Access to the ID.4’s features and infotainment is achieved through the touchscreen interface or dedicated voice commands for both the driver and passenger.

Activating the system is done by stating “Hello I.D.” This prompts an illuminated strip along the windshield to activate, visually indicating readiness to accept a command. The light’s position corresponds to the speaker’s location – driver or passenger.

Image Credits: Abigail Basset

Currently, the range of available commands is restricted. Initiation requires either the “Hello I.D.” phrase or the voice control button on the steering wheel.

Users can issue simple navigation instructions, but the system also responds to conversational prompts. For example, stating “I’m cold” will trigger a temperature increase on the corresponding side of the vehicle, or requesting a joke will elicit a response.

The system’s response time during testing proved noticeably slower when compared to competing voice control technologies. It also encountered difficulties with tasks like changing Sirius XM channels.

Despite remaining within the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas during the test drive, the system repeatedly failed to locate requested channels, either by number or name. Furthermore, canceling the voice control system often took an extended period – approximately 10 seconds or longer – when a command was misunderstood or connectivity issues arose.

Navigation System Responsiveness

The ID.4’s navigation system exhibited some sluggishness and a lack of precision during testing. Consequently, I found myself relying on Google Maps and the integrated wireless Android Auto system (compatible with both Apple CarPlay) for guidance. A unique aspect of the ID.4’s built-in navigation is the illuminated strip along the windshield, which visually signals upcoming turns by lighting up on the appropriate side.

The infotainment display mirrors the interface of a smartphone or tablet, allowing users to swipe through applications and windows. However, a combination of network latency – despite a strong 4G signal as indicated by the system – and slow loading times occasionally caused the screens to freeze during transitions, displaying incomplete page elements.

It’s important to note that my evaluation involved three separate extended test drives with different ID.4 vehicles from the Los Angeles press fleet. The lag and freezing issues were only present in one of them. Volkswagen representatives assured me that the software in these test vehicles is not final and will be updated prior to customer delivery, addressing the observed stuttering and voice command inconsistencies.

Image Credits: Abigail Basset

Later this year, the ID.4 will gain Alexa integration through the Car-Net service. This service includes a mobile application enabling remote vehicle monitoring, providing information on location, charge level, and status.

The interior design of the ID.4 incorporates several unconventional choices, notably the positioning of the instrument panel and transmission selector. Instead of the traditional mounting on the dashboard or center console, these components are affixed directly to the steering column. The instrument panel and transmission control move in unison with the steering wheel. A 5.3-inch screen on the steering wheel displays crucial data, including speed, direction, range, trip information, and basic navigation details.

Driving modes are selected using a rhombus-shaped rocker switch on the steering wheel, replacing the conventional button or shift lever. A start/stop button is located somewhat discreetly on the right side of the steering column, though its function is largely redundant. The ID.4 automatically powers on when the driver enters and unlocks the vehicle, and shuts down when the seatbelt is unlatched upon exiting.

This automated system can present challenges when passengers remain in the vehicle during brief stops. However, the ID.4 allows passengers to maintain climate control for a limited time via controls on the infotainment screen, even without the driver present.

Image Credits: Abigail Basset

Transitioning Drivers to Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen’s research indicates approximately 30% of crossover vehicle owners would contemplate switching to an electric crossover model. The ID.4 is entering a highly competitive crossover market, facing established gasoline and hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Volkswagen asserts that consumers are unlikely to experience range concerns, as the average daily driving distance for crossover owners is around 60 miles, while the ID.4’s battery provides an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles.

Charging the ID.4 from a 5% to 80% state of charge takes approximately 38 minutes when utilizing a 125 kW charger. A complete charge using a home charging system is projected to require around 7.5 hours. However, Volkswagen provides complimentary, unlimited charging at Electrify America DC fast chargers for the initial three years of ID.4 ownership, a benefit that, while appealing, has certain limitations.

Volkswagen anticipates that the majority of owners will primarily charge their vehicles overnight using standard residential power. The company doesn’t foresee frequent reliance on public charging stations, largely because the process of identifying an available charger isn’t entirely straightforward, particularly upon the ID.4’s initial release.

Image Credits: Volkswagen

Electrify America functions as a separate entity from Volkswagen, despite being a subsidiary. The company currently maintains 550 charging stations and over 2,400 DC fast chargers nationwide. While the on-board navigation system allows searching for “charging stations,” it displays all nearby stations without indicating which are currently operational and available.

To pinpoint specific Electrify America chargers that are online and accessible, owners must utilize the Electrify America mobile application. Subsequently, the charger’s location can be transmitted to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for navigation purposes. Currently, the Electrify America app is not integrated within Android Auto.

This procedure is somewhat cumbersome, potentially requiring drivers to safely pull over and park before completing the process en route to a charging station. Volkswagen has announced an over-the-air software update, scheduled for later this year, which aims to integrate Electrify America stations more seamlessly into the on-board navigation system.

Notably, the EPA-estimated fuel economy equivalent for the Pro S and 1st Edition models is 104 MPGe in city driving, 89 MPGe on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 97 MPGe.

The driving experience offered by the ID.4 is a prominent characteristic. The vehicle includes transmission modes, notably a “B” or brake mode, which facilitates one-pedal driving – a convenient feature common in electric vehicles. Lifting off the accelerator pedal initiates a slight deceleration, regenerating electricity and returning it to the battery.

This feature proves particularly useful in congested traffic conditions, and Volkswagen has deliberately calibrated the one-pedal driving experience to be less assertive than in some other electric vehicles, intending to provide a more familiar sensation for drivers new to electric vehicle technology.

While driving, the ID.4 exhibits a stable and controlled feel, and doesn’t feel as large as its exterior dimensions suggest. It handles nimbly, although acceleration from a standstill isn’t particularly rapid (VW has not yet published 0-60 mph acceleration figures), but provides sufficient power for merging into traffic. It isn’t designed for high-performance acceleration.

Due to its shape, some minor wind noise is perceptible at higher speeds, but the ride quality is generally comfortable and inspires confidence. Below 20 mph (and when in reverse), the vehicle emits a distinctive sound to alert pedestrians. This sound is not audible within the cabin when the windows are closed, but may attract attention from those nearby, potentially resulting in inquiries about the source of the unusual noise.

ADAS Operation and Capabilities

Volkswagen’s Travel Assist represents the company’s Level 2 autonomous driving technology. This system functions effectively across a speed spectrum from 0 to 95 mph.

Travel Assist integrates both adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems. This combination enables the vehicle to maintain its position relative to the road and preceding traffic.

Real-Time Hazard Detection

The system demonstrates proactive safety features. For instance, should a motorcycle unexpectedly enter the vehicle’s lane, a visual alert depicting the motorcycle appears on the instrument display.

Furthermore, if the motorcycle initiates sudden braking, the ID.4 will automatically apply its brakes in response.

Traffic Flow Management

Travel Assist is capable of managing complete stops in traffic. The ID.4 will remain stationary when traffic halts and resume movement when the flow restarts.

Its performance closely mimics a human driver’s reactions to changing traffic conditions. It avoids excessive delays and the resulting “rubber banding” effect, while also preventing overly aggressive acceleration.

Enhanced Commuting Experience

The system significantly improves the driving experience in congested traffic. During a one-hour commute on Los Angeles’s 405 freeway during peak hours, minimal driver intervention was required.

Only light contact with the capacitive steering wheel was necessary to maintain system engagement throughout the duration of the drive.

Image Credits: Abigail Basset

The VW ID.4 Powertrain and Architecture

The Volkswagen ID.4 utilizes a novel vehicle architecture known as MEB, which stands for modular electric drive matrix. This platform serves as the foundation for the vehicle’s electric powertrain. A 201 horsepower and 229 foot-pounds of torque AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, directly above the rear axle.

This rear-mounted motor configuration echoes the design found in the classic Volkswagen Beetle. Initially, the ID.4 is being released as a rear-wheel-drive model. However, an all-wheel-drive variant, boasting an increased power output of 302 horsepower, is scheduled for availability later in the year.

Battery Production and Sourcing

Volkswagen has established partnerships with Panasonic for the procurement of batteries used in the ID.4. The 82-kWh battery packs, comprised of 12 modules and 288 pouch cells, are assembled by Volkswagen at its manufacturing facilities located in both China and Germany.

Future plans include the commencement of battery production within the United States. Notably, Volkswagen also independently manufactures its own electric motors, ensuring greater control over its supply chain.

Image Credits: Volkswagon

The ID.4 aims to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible to a wider range of consumers in the crossover segment.

It presents a compelling alternative to more expensive, all-electric luxury crossovers such as the Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model Y, Polestar, and Audi e-tron.

The vehicle also effectively competes with traditional gasoline-powered crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, particularly when factoring in potential government rebates of up to $7,500.

A key differentiator for the VW ID.4 is its successful integration of cutting-edge technology with an affordable price point, all packaged within an aesthetically pleasing EV design. This combination helps to alleviate concerns about limited driving range.

Whether the ID.4 will become the widely adopted “car for the millions” remains to be seen, and will be determined by market reception.

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