Specifications of Volkswagen ID.4 82 kWh (204 HP)
General characteristics of Volkswagen ID.4 82 kWh (204 HP)
According to VW, the ID.4's dimensions indicate that it is 4.6 inches shorter, 1.9 inches lower, but 0.5 inches wider than the Tiguan. All ID.4s have a 108.9-inch wheelbase, while the total body length is 180.5 inches. It is 72.9 inches wide and 64.4 inches in height. With its SUV body and battery pack, the ID.4 is quite heavy at 4,559 pounds in Pro RWD guise and 4,665 in Pro S and 1st Edition RWD guise.
At first, the VW ID.4 will be offered with just one powertrain. The rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor generates 201 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque and comes with a lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 82 kWh. It makes use of a single-speed direct-drive transmission. Later in the year, the dual-motor AWD version will add a second motor to the front axle and produce up to 302 hp and 330-lb ft of torque.
The Driving Mode Selection system allows the driver to choose between four modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Custom. At its best, the ID.4 gets up to around 40 or 50 mph with ease, feeling every bit like a swift EV with its immediately available torque. There's no Tesla-like shove into the seats, but acceleration feels on par with most conventional mainstream crossovers, albeit smoother and quieter. Thereafter, its responsiveness does taper off a bit disappointingly, but the more powerful AWD version should remedy any concerns you may have about the SUV's performance.
According to the EPA, both the ID.4 1st Edition and the Pro S trims will manage figures of 104/89/97 MPGe city/highway/combined and a total range on a full charge of 250 miles thanks to the 82-kWh battery. The Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor manages a significantly better 131/117/125 MPGe and a range of 326 miles. Other affordable EV options with slightly more range include the Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai Kona Electric with 259 and 258 miles, respectively. We noted that the ID.4 seemed to discharge electricity slower than expected. The onboard computer showed only a five-mile range loss after 20 miles of driving, leading us to believe the ID.4 could go further than 250 miles if needed. Later in the year, the more powerful ID.4 AWD model will offer a 230-mile range.
The ID.4 comes with an 11-kW AC onboard charger, a 110-volt charging cable, and has a DC charging acceptance rate of up to 125 kW. Using DC fast charging, the ID.4 can add 60 miles of range in 10 minutes or be recharged from five to 80 percent in around 38 minutes. With a Level 2 charger, either at home or at a public charging point, 33 miles of range can be added in about an hour, but a full charge will take 7.5 to 11.5 hours overnight. On the plus side, the ID.4 comes with three years of inclusive fast charging with Electrify America where customers can take advantage of over 17,000 chargers spread across the country. As with most EVs, the decision to buy an ID.4 will be predicated on how convenient it is to charge near you.
When equipped with the optional glass panoramic roof, the ID.4's cabin feels extremely spacious and airy. The lack of an engine or transmission tunnel left the designers to create a roomy interior that feels quite near to ergonomic perfection. We found the front seats to provide plenty of comfort with slight bolstering that feels reminiscent of an R-Line model, but not as grippy as a GTI or R variant.
The ID.4 seats five adults, with rear passengers receiving 37.6 inches of legroom. This is a bit less than what's found in a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, but the ID.4's lack of a transmission tunnel means middle seat occupants will feel more comfortable. The headroom is generally spacious in both rows, and is unaffected by the optional glass roof.
Behind the rear seats, the new ID.4 offers 30.3 cubic feet of space. This is much better than in any electric sedan, but some conventionally-powered crossovers like the Honda CR-V offer more space; the Honda's trunk measures 39.2 cubes. A closer competitor to the ID.4, the Honda CR-V Hybrid, manages slightly more cargo room at 33.2 cubes. With the 60/40-split second row folded, the ID.4's cargo area grows to 64.2 cubes. Tesla does not provide a specific figure for the Model Y's trunk, but says that its crossover offers 68 cubic feet of total enclosed cargo space, narrowly beating the VW. The ID.4 does not offer a 'frunk' as in some other EVs like the Model Y.
In the cabin, the ID.4 offers numerous clever storage solutions for small items. Between the seats, there is a massive storage space and a cupholder tray that can be removed or left in place. The center storage area also offers a space for your phone while it is being wirelessly charged. There are also well-sized door pockets front and rear, a usual glovebox, and rear phone pouches on the seatbacks.
