Volkswagen’s all-electric Id.4 has received updates aimed at addressing previous criticisms, but after thorough testing, it’s clear that these changes don’t fully elevate the ID.4 to a top contender in the EV market. While Volkswagen deserves credit for listening to feedback and making adjustments, the 2024 ID.4 still feels like a work in progress. The model tested here, a mid-range RWD Pro S, comes with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $51,815. While competitively priced, the lingering issues make it hard to recommend this vehicle over its rivals.
Decent Range, Disappointing Charging
One of the stronger aspects of the ID.4 is its driving range. Equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro S offers a real-world range of around 250 miles. Opting for all-wheel drive will slightly reduce this figure. While this is less than the advertised 291 miles, it’s comparable to, or slightly better than, what can be expected from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in similar configurations. For daily driving, the ID.4’s range is adequate. However, a significant drawback is its charging capability. Unlike many competitors, the ID.4 cannot utilize the fastest 350kW DC fast chargers, resulting in potentially longer charging times when using public charging infrastructure. Home charging and slower public chargers will not be affected, but this limitation is noteworthy for long journeys.
Software and Controls Still Lag Behind
Unfortunately, several issues persist with the ID.4, particularly in its software and control interfaces. Volkswagen updated the central display’s user interface, which is now somewhat quicker and easier to navigate. Initially, menu responsiveness seems improved, but this quickly becomes unreliable. During testing, both the radio and navigation systems became completely unresponsive, displaying blank screens and refusing to load, even after multiple attempts. Such software glitches in a 2024 vehicle from a major manufacturer are simply unacceptable.
While the rotary gear selector is improved, the touch-sensitive slider controls for volume and temperature remain frustrating. Although they are now illuminated for nighttime use, addressing a previous complaint, they are still finicky and imprecise. The steering wheel buttons also suffer from similar usability issues, compounded by a glossy black finish that easily attracts fingerprints and smudges. While some controls have seen minor improvements, they remain below par compared to competitors.
Questionable Build Quality and Interior Design
The perceived build quality of the ID.4 also raises concerns. Both interior and exterior door latches feel flimsy and toy-like. The exterior door handles, which use rubber squeeze pads for operation, exhibit noticeable flexing and creaking when used, suggesting potential long-term durability issues. The interior door release handles lack tactile feedback, further contributing to a cheap feel.
The window controls are another point of frustration. The ID.4 features only two window switches for all four windows, requiring users to toggle between front and rear controls – an inconvenient and illogical design choice. Similarly, the small, rotary knob for adjusting the side mirrors feels fragile and poorly made. Adding to the list of disappointments is the low-resolution rear-view camera, which produces a distorted image, a surprising oversight in a supposedly tech-forward electric vehicle.
Opening the hood reveals a missed opportunity for front trunk (frunk) storage. Instead, the space is occupied by exposed, poorly arranged components that lack any form of cover or aesthetic consideration. While the rear cargo area is reasonably spacious, the absence of a frunk in an EV is a significant drawback in terms of practicality.
The interior space utilization is also questionable. The overly large center console takes up considerable space in the front, making the cabin feel more cramped than necessary. Despite its bulk, the center console offers limited storage, and the ID.4 notably lacks a glovebox in front of the passenger seat. Compounding the issue is a high hood line that obstructs forward visibility, sitting higher than the dashboard itself – a significant design flaw.
While the general quality of interior materials is acceptable, the poorly executed controls and questionable design choices detract significantly from the overall ownership experience, making the ID.4 feel less refined than it should.
Driving Dynamics are Merely Adequate
From a driving perspective, the ID.4 Pro S is adequate but uninspiring. Power has been increased for the 2024 model year, bringing the 0-60 mph acceleration down to a claimed six seconds for the rear-wheel-drive version. However, in real-world driving, the ID.4 doesn’t feel particularly quick. Handling is similarly unremarkable. The steering is vague and lifeless, a common characteristic in this vehicle class, offering minimal feedback to the driver. On winding roads, the ID.4 lacks the composure and agility found in other EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The driving experience is simply not as engaging or refined as many of its competitors. While regenerative braking is present, it is not strong enough to enable true one-pedal driving, which some EV drivers prefer.
Final Verdict: Look Elsewhere
It’s important to state clearly: this review is not intended as an attack on Volkswagen, but rather a frank assessment of the ID.4. As one of the world’s largest automakers, Volkswagen is capable of better. Following the Dieselgate scandal, the ID.4 feels like an undercooked attempt at redemption in the EV market. Compared to alternatives, the ID.4 simply does not measure up. Unless heavily incentivized with manufacturer rebates or dealer discounts, prospective EV buyers would be significantly better served by considering other options. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, as mentioned, represent far more compelling choices in the electric SUV segment.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S RWD
As-tested price: $51,815
Pros: Range is acceptable
Cons: Outclassed by Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 in almost every other aspect.
