And it’s been spearheading Volkswagen’s leap into cleaner vehicles. That doesn’t just mean zero emissions during ownership; VW says it has made the ID.4 carbon neutral all the way until you’ve driven it off the lot, by using renewable energy during the manufacturing process.

That’s all nice to hear, but is it even worth buying in the first place?

Considering it’s up against models like the Skoda Enyaq, Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Tesla Model Y, the ID.4 has its work cut out for it. 

So how does it drive?

Built on VW’s dedicated MEB platform, the Volkswagen ID.4 (and by extension ID.5) comes in easy-to-understand variants in Singapore. We only get one trim, and that comes with an 82kWh battery.

If you want more power, a performance version exists, dubbed the ID.4 GTX (GTI equivalent for the electric age).

Like any EV, the ID.4 responds instantly when you press the accelerator, delivering smooth, controllable power. Urban driving is a breeze thanks to the well-calibrated pedal that gets you moving without any jolts.

With 282bhp and surprisingly a healthy 545Nm of torque at your right foot’s disposal, the century sprint is done and dusted in 6.7 seconds. Power is sent to the rear too. Not exactly blistering, but more than adequate for overtaking. You’ll want to drive conservatively, though, to maximise your range.

VW designed the ID.4 for simplicity. No variable regen options; you get straightforward D and B modes on the main drive lever. Even in B mode, which stands for brake, the regenerative braking isn’t overly aggressive. The brake pedal itself is nicely progressive, offering more regen at the top of the travel.

In corners, the ID.4 is steadfast. It might understeer mildly at low speeds, but with power to the rear, it handles neutrally. It provides plenty of traction with little steering feedback except in quicker bends. The traction control is subtle, making for a composed drive on good roads without being a killjoy.

Is it comfortable?

At low speeds, the ride can be a bit bumpy; it feels like the springs are tuned for a full load of passengers and cargo. Even with just the driver, it doesn’t fully settle at higher speeds.

But, on the highway, it’s a different story. The ID.4 cruises nicely, stable and quiet with minimal tyre and wind noise.

How about range?

Smooth throttle inputs do pay off quite well, with the ID.4 averaging 16.4kWh/100km (6.09km/kWh).

Some quick maths shows that using the entire 82kWh capacity (which isn’t always realistic), you could travel about 492km on a single charge, which is enough for a typical week’s worth of commuting.

This does look familiar

There’s something warm and familiar about how the Volkswagen ID.4 looks, resembling VW models from ages past. It’s about the size of a Volkswagen Tiguan but with a creaseless, smooth design that’s unfussy.

Apple-inspired

Here’s the first thing you’ll notice when stepping in – the ID.4 doesn’t do physical switches. Like, at all. Your entire interaction with the car revolves around the big screen and capacitive inputs on the steering wheel. At the base of the screen, you’ll find volume and temperature sliders that are temperamental. The gear selector is fine in practice, but the stalk lacks any illumination.

The capacitive touch controls share a similar story. They’re too easy to brush against accidentally, so you can turn a corner, whilst turning up the volume of the radio at the same time. And if you’re someone who frequently hops out of the car for errands whilst leaving it “on”, it’s quite infuriating when the car shuts off every time you lift yourself off the seat. There’s no override for this either.

Despite some gripes, the screen itself is a 12.9-inch unit with high-resolution graphics. A group of four pads act as shortcuts to frequently used menus. While Volkswagen claims the ‘Hello ID’ voice assistant compensates for the screen’s quirks, not everyone is keen on using voice commands.

On the bright side, Volkswagen is listening. Some updates rolled out have improved the system, and the company is claiming to return to physical buttons in future models.

At least there’s space

The minimalist interior is complemented by tasteful cloth, leather, plastics, and ambient lighting. There’s ample room, even for three adults in the back, thanks to the flat floor. Console storage is generous, with numerous pockets for phones and other items, plus plenty of USB ports.

The boot offers 543 litres of space, outdoing most rivals. However, it’s a bit inconvenient that the cable storage is under the boot floor rather than in a dedicated space under the front bonnet, meaning you need to unload the boot to access the cable.

Any other cool features?

The ID.4 comes with Volkswagen’s ‘ID’ light, a strip of LEDs below the windscreen that sweeps left or right as you approach a junction, or according to the satnav (though it doesn’t work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).

Each software update introduces new functionalities, such as pulsing when you approach a junction. It’s a nifty feature.

Transport-oriented, this is.

Crossovers are modern-age family transit pods, and judged by that metric, the ID.4 does hit the mark. The driver might complain about its start/stop idiosyncrasies and haptic controls, but other occupants will be alright with the rest of the package.

It might not be as stylish as its rivals, but it boasts a roomy cabin, clever storage spaces, good electric range for the price, and a smooth driving experience.

Technical Specifications

Volkswagen ID.4 Electric

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 210kW (282bhp)
Torque: 545Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 6.7 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 82 kWh
Drive Range: 550 km
Energy Consumption: 4.7 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$229,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Volkswagen Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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If you’ve been dreaming about making a switch to electric, here’s your chance to secure your spot in the driver’s seat, with indicative prices that are sparking interest citywide.

ID.4 Pro

Meet the ID.4 Pro, Volkswagen’s first fully electric SUV, where zero emissions meet carbon-neutral production.

This SUV boasts a 77-kWh battery that delivers a range of up to 550 km. Imagine cruising with confidence, powered by a rear axle electric drive motor and recharging to 80% in a mere 33 minutes.

Space inside is maximised for comfort, thanks to the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) architecture. Deliveries for the ID.4 series are expected to roll out in May 2024.

ID.4 GTX

Sporting the same robust 77 kWh battery, the ID.4 GTX promises a range of up to 515 km with rapid recharging capabilities.

What sets it apart is the dual electric drive motors, delivering a combined 250 kW and marking a first in electric all-wheel drive for the ID. family.

It’s about making a statement, with a sporty design that’s available in six dynamic colours.

ID.5 Pro and ID.5 GTX

Fast-forward to May 2024, and the ID.5 Pro and ID.5 GTX are set to redefine what it means to drive an electric SUV coupé. With short overhangs and lounge-style spaciousness, these models blend expressive design with functionality.

The ID.5 Pro comes with the same 77-kWh battery, a rear-mounted electric drive motor, and a range of up to 556 km. The ID.5 GTX, on the other hand, comes with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and a range of up to 533 km.

Safety, Style, and Support

Safety isn’t an afterthought with these models. Volkswagen has decked out these EVs with a comprehensive suite of safety systems. And to sweeten the deal, every new ID. model comes with a five-year complimentary servicing, 24-hour roadside assistance, vehicle warranty, and an eight-year battery warranty.

For those quick off the mark, Volkswagen is offering an early bird package worth $10,000. This includes a limited-edition welcome kit, charging credits, a GST subsidy, a Go-Green trade-in bonus, and premium accessory upgrades. Plus, the first batch of ID.4 and ID.5 models will sport unique “1st Edition” insignias, marking the pioneers of Volkswagen’s electric revolution.

Excited about making the electric leap? Head over to volkswagen.com.sg for more information. To place a pre-order on the ID.4 or ID.5 range, please visit shop.volkswagen.com.sg.

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Before we rev up the engine, or rather, juice up the batteries, let’s set the stage. The ID.4 is the SUV cousin of the ID.3, and it’s no secret that within the VW Group’s electric family tree, this one’s expected to be the best-seller worldwide.

So, the pressure’s on for this electric city runabout.

Under the sleek hood of the ID.4 lies VW’s specially designed electric platform, the MEB. And with this platform, you’ve got options; you can have it with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or go all-in with all-wheel drive (AWD). Plus, there are two battery sizes currently available in other territories: a 52kWh version and a beefier 77kWh one. 

The unit pictured here is an AWD variant with the chunkier 77kWh powerbank, but it’s worth noting that even though I am running around town with it, prospective customers might receive a slightly different variant come 2024. 

This electric SUV isn’t entering the arena alone either. It’s got a list of rivals that are also vying for a slide of the EV customer pie. Some are closer to home, like the Skoda Enyaq and Audi Q4 e-tron sibling cars, and some are already well established in this space, like the BMW iX3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Tesla Model Y. That’s quite a lineup.

So, why the ID.4, you ask? Well, because SUVs are all the rage these days. And VW knows it. They’re giving the people what they want – a practical, accessible, and relatively affordable SUV. No, it’s not your classic Golf gone electric; that’s the job of the smaller ID.3. This one’s all about embracing the SUV trend.

And the Volkswagen ID.4 really makes itself known. Minus the polarising decals etched onto the car, the ID.4 has an interesting facade going for it. Think swoopy lines and organic shapes, not the sharp edges you’d expect on a modern SUV. Plus, it’s sizeable, akin to a Tiguan.

But, unlike the Tiguan, thanks to its dedicated EV platform, it boasts a roomy 2,771mm wheelbase, nearly 100mm more than a Tiguan. Translation? There’s space to spare inside.

And speaking of the interior, it’s a different world from what you’d find in your typical VW. The digital cluster is pint-sized, almost comically so, perched on the steering column.

The gear shifter? It’s attached to the side of that cluster, and while easy to operate, I must admit I have mixed up Drive and Reverse a couple of times. Blame it on personal hardwired muscle memory.

But here’s where it gets interesting. Without a traditional gearbox, the centre console becomes a blank canvas, low to the ground, creating a sense of space that amplifies the ID.4’s roominess. 

There’s tons of storage space for all your various bits and bobs, and the thing I like about it is that it’s thoughtful design. Close your eyes, and you can still fish for an item without bumping your hand into a million different surfaces.

However, there are some quirks. The window switches – there are just two. If you want to control the rear windows from the driver’s seat, you’ll be tapping a digital ‘Rear’ control before adjusting the same switches. A tad unnecessarily digital, if you ask me. 

And then there’s the infotainment system. It’s sleek, but it can be finicky at times, especially when essential functions are tucked away. The touch slider controls seem alright in practice, but while on the move it can be a challenge to swipe accurately. 

Overall, there’s a lot of touch and gesture action going on, and that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

So what about road feel? Well, the Volkswagen ID.4 feels familiar in some classic EV ways but throws a few curveballs. Power is abundant; it’s an EV, after all. However, it doesn’t deliver that instant ‘kick’ you’d expect. Instead, it serves up power in a more gradual manner. I actually prefer this, as it prevents would-be first-time drivers from accidentally giving everyone whiplash.

The brakes are probably the weakest aspect of the ID package. They might feel a bit weak at first touch, with a fair bit of dead zone before you sense the car slowing down. This is understandable to a certain degree, as a chunk of the initial braking happens via regenerative braking. So, don’t expect the bitey brakes you’d find on the back of a heavy, RWD car. 

To make life easier on the move, VW hasn’t added more features than necessary. No complicated energy consumption charts or a driver-only climate mode, or even selective regen levels. It’s straightforward – just D and B on the main drive selector. And even the B for brake mode doesn’t slam on the brakes. Great for prospective customers who are just getting into the EV-owner bubble.

Range is pretty decent too. Over a weekend of cruising, I managed a neat 17.4 kWh/100km, roughly translating to 430 km on a full charge. Not too shabby for this class of vehicle, even with some enthusiastic pedal-pressing instances.

The ID.4 was built to compete against SUVs, and no one really buys a SUV for the driving, do they? SUVs are essentially conceptualised to be efficient family transit pods, and judged through that lens, the ID.4 is right on target.

It boasts a roomy cabin, numerous nooks and crannies that act as clever storage spaces and offer good electric range and charging. Not to mention a smooth, silent driving experience that demands nothing of you.

There’s a certain laid-back vibe to the ID.4 that’s unusual, yet intriguing. It’s not shouting about instant performance and tech wizardry; it’s more about easing you into the electric experience.

It may not be love at first sight, but it’s a grower. 

Technical Specifications

Volkswagen ID.4 Pro 77kWh 

Engine: PSM Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Power: 150kW (201bhp)
Torque: 310Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 8.8 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 159km/h
Battery Capacity: 77kWh
Drive Range: Unknown
Energy Consumption: 5.5 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: Available early 2024
Contact: Volkswagen Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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