► Mildly uprated Volkswagen ID.4 on sale now
► Addresses key sticking points with previous model
► Also ups range to 339 miles
Volkswagen has given its ID.4 and ID.5 electric cars a very mild mid-life refresh, addressing some key criticisms owners and reviewers had of the car as well as bringing it closer in line to the latest models in the ID. range.
The key upgrade is the introduction of VW’s latest 12.9-inch infotainment system. Similar to the setup in the new ID.7, this has a new menu structure and, praise be, illuminated touch-sensitive sliders underneath it for volume and temperature control. The previous system had drivers blindly stabbing in the dark, often turning the stereo up to full when what they wanted was the temperature down by half a degree.
To facilitate the installation of this large screen the drive selector has moved to the steering column, replacing the right-hand column stalk and leaving the left-hand stalk to control lights, wipers and indicators.
There’s a new voice assistant, improved heads-up display and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
More range and power
The ID.4 and ID.5 now feature the APP550 drive unit from the ID.7. This improves efficiency but also delivers a significant boost in torque, with the new base-spec ID. models having 282bhp and 402lb ft.
Performance-branded GTX cars now deliver 335bhp, up 40bhp from before and endowing them with a 0-62mph sprint of 5.4 seconds.
Range, meanwhile – at least according to WLTP – has been boosted by 10.5 and 11.8 miles for the ID.4 and 5 respectively. The boxy ID.4 will now go a maximum of 337 miles while the slinkier ID.5 manages 339 miles. Improved thermal management means charging speeds are also bolstered – all-wheel drive cars can now top up at 175kW instead of the 135kW previously available.
The price? The range kicks off from £46,035 for the ID.4 Life Pro, up to £49,440 for the Style Pro and £53,865 for the GTX. The ID.5 represents a heftier investment – base Life trim is not available, so the range runs from £50,940 for a Style Pro up to £56,545 for a GTX Style.
Volkswagen ID.4: the CAR lowdown
VW’s second ID model is here: this is the new ID.4 SUV. The all-electric people mover is the next step in Wolfsburg’s plans to bring out an entire series of EVs numbered 1 to 7.
The new ID.4 is designed to be a roomier and more practical model to the ID.3 hatch, with the same powertrain options underneath. If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s based off the ID Roomzz concept.
So it’s a family SUV, then…
Yup. It’s longer, with a longer wheelbase, than a Tiguan – so VW claims it has as much room as a full-size SUV. Still a five-seater, but with a much larger boot area than the ID.3 – 543 litres as opposed to the 3’s 385.
The overall look hasn’t changed a great deal from the concept; there’s almost a shooting brake-like swept-back silhouette to the car, with a bluff front end. VW says the ID.4 can be had with LED Matrix lights under its IQ.Light tagline, with 3D-effect rear lights as an option (pictured on the yellow car).
Power and range specs, please
The ID.4 uses the same basic platform and drivetrain as the ID.3. To ensure as much power and range as possible, the SUV has the 201bhp, 229lb ft version of the ID.3’s electric motor driving the rear wheels, kept spinning by a 77kWh battery pack. It’s capable of a 0-62mph sprint in 8.5 seconds, and VW claims a maximum range of 323 miles.
VW’s electric plans explained
Choices will expand to include all-wheel drive and a larger-capacity battery pack in 2021.
Any other details?
Little else that isn’t already available on the ID.3. The interior concept is essentially the same, even if there’s more space inside than the hatchback; clean cockpit with a twist-action gear selector attached to the drivers’ instruments and storage cubbies in the centre console.
An augmented-reality head-up display is on the options list – something VW managed to get out of the door before Mercedes did with the new S-Class – and the connected infotainment system has real-time traffic data, live updates on the state of nearby chargers and the ability to pre-condition your car via a phone app.
When and how much?
The ID.4 will first go on sale in two limited editions: 1st and 1st Max. The 1st version has 20-inch wheels, heated seats, parking camera, two-zone climate control, adaptive cruise, navigation and more.
Go for the 1st Max and that spec list is topped up by the aforementioned LED matrix headlights and 3D rear lights, 21-inch wheels, adaptive dampers, a panoramic glass roof and a powered, hands-free tailgate, augmented reality head-up display and more safety tech.
Now the range has expanded, the ID.4 range starts at £41,570 for the Life trim.
Check out our VW reviews