The arrival of the Volkswagen ID.4 in 2021 introduces fun-to-drive and more style to the all-electric SUV segment. Yet, there are a few things you need to know if you want to have fun driving an adult toy to drive around the streets and not have to buy gas.
As more vehicles transition from gasoline to electric power, the first thing you need to know is how to buy an all-electric SUV that matches your needs. It’s not simply picking a vehicle from a company that receives lots of press coverage, like Tesla, Toyota, or Ford. There’s more to it than the mileage range and lowest price.
Each brand has its unique features, technology, long-term plans, charging options, types of regenerative braking, passenger room, and costs.
It seems that Volkswagen took many of those factors into account before launching the 2021 ID.4 SUV, which began the German automaker’s long-term strategy to introduce a lineup of affordable, mass-market electrified vehicles in the U.S.
The 2022 V.W. ID.4 is priced lower than many competitors, charges fast, and has a battery range of 260 miles. It is also beautiful and spacious inside, with a starting price from $39,995 to $44,495 MSRP, making it an ideal choice for families on a budget.
Models/Price: The five-seater ID.4 comes in three trim levels – Pro Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) ($39,995)/Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) ($43,695), 1st Edition RWD ($43,995), and Pro S (RWD $44,495/All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ($48,175).
Power: The base Pro, 1st Edition, and Pro S RWD versions produce 201 horsepower from a single electric motor, while the available AWD models with the dual-motor get 295 and 339 pound-feet of torque.
Electric Range: The ID.4’s 77kWh battery holds enough energy to drive 260 miles on a full charge and takes less than an hour to recharge. Depending on the type of charger, it can take 38 minutes to get up to 80% charge on a 150-kW D.C. fast charger. VW partnered with Electrify America to provide owners with home chargers and free unlimited charging at Electrify America charging stations.
Although the second electric motor uses more energy, it sends more power to the front axle and increases traction and speed, adding 107 horses and 110 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, it also drops the electric range on the Pro AWD down to 249 on a full charge and the Pro S to 240 MPGe.
The new Volkswagen ID.4 has a smooth, slick-looking design and unique paint colors that make it look animated. It is comfortable inside and equipped with many high-tech features, including ambient lighting, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, partially powered adjustable front seats with heating, dual-zone automatic climate control, front/rear parking sensors, and a digital driver’s display. Other standard features include navigation, a 5.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Upgrading to the ID.4 Pro S adds leather upholstery, fully power-adjustable front seats with a massage function, a 12-inch infotainment display, a panoramic fixed glass roof, a hands-free tailgate, and 20-inch wheels.
Fuel Economy: Still called fuel economy, the EPA rates the ID.4 Pro at 107 MPGe city/91 highway, while the 1ST Edition and Pro S are rated at 104 MPGe city/89 highway. The main advantage of owning an electric vehicle is not worrying about fuel costs.
For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.randolphp.sg-host.com. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.
2021 VW ID.4 SUV