Volkswagen’s ID.4 has undergone updates, but is it enough to make it a top contender in the EV market? As an automotive expert at cardiagxpert.com, I delve into a comprehensive review of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S to determine if the improvements truly address its shortcomings and whether it’s a worthwhile electric SUV for English-speaking markets.
While Volkswagen deserves credit for listening to consumer feedback and making amendments to the ID.4, the updated model still feels like it’s in a beta testing phase. The mid-range RWD Pro S model, priced at an MSRP of $51,815, positions itself competitively. However, a competitive price tag alone cannot justify recommending a product that feels unfinished.
Range and Charging: A Mixed Bag
One area where the ID.4 performs admirably is its driving range. Equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, the rear-wheel-drive version offers a real-world range of approximately 250 miles. While this is less than the 291 miles advertised, it slightly surpasses the range achieved by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in similar configurations. For daily commutes and errands, the ID.4’s range is adequate.
However, a significant drawback is its charging capability. Unlike many other EV manufacturers, the ID.4 cannot utilize the fastest 350kW DC fast chargers. This limitation means longer charging times, especially on long journeys. While charging times might be comparable on slower chargers or at home, the inability to leverage ultra-fast charging networks is a notable disadvantage in today’s rapidly evolving EV infrastructure.
Interior and Technology: Software Still Lags Behind
Volkswagen has addressed criticisms regarding the central display’s user interface, and indeed, the updated system is more responsive and easier to navigate initially. The menus appear quicker, which seems like a positive step forward. However, the improvements are superficial.
During testing, critical software glitches emerged. The radio and navigation systems became completely unresponsive, displaying blank pages when selected and refusing to load. Such software malfunctions in a modern vehicle from a major brand like Volkswagen are simply unacceptable in 2024.
The touch-sensitive volume control remains a point of frustration.
While the rotary gear selector is now improved, the touch-sensitive controls for volume and temperature, although now illuminated, remain frustratingly imprecise and cumbersome to use, especially while driving. Similarly, the steering wheel buttons, finished in gloss black, are prone to smudges and can be overly sensitive, adding to the overall subpar user experience. These updated elements are still far from satisfactory.
Build Quality and Design: Compromises and Oversights
The ID.4’s build quality raises concerns. The door latches, both interior and exterior, feel flimsy. The exterior door handles exhibit noticeable flex and creaking when used, suggesting questionable durability. The interior door release handles lack tactile feedback, contributing to a cheapened feel.
Further cost-cutting measures are evident in the window controls. The door panel features only two window buttons, requiring users to toggle between front and rear windows – an inconvenient and illogical design choice. The mirror adjustment knob also feels fragile and prone to breaking.
The rearview camera’s poor resolution and distorted image quality are particularly disappointing in a vehicle marketed as technologically advanced. This low-quality camera detracts from driver confidence and safety.
The wasted space under the hood highlights the absence of a front trunk.
Opening the hood reveals another design flaw: the absence of a front trunk (“frunk”). The under-hood area is cluttered with exposed, poorly organized components that should ideally be concealed or at least covered. While the rear cargo area is spacious, the lack of front storage in an EV is a missed opportunity for added practicality.
Inside the cabin, the oversized center console consumes excessive space, making the front seating area feel cramped. Despite its bulk, the center console offers limited and poorly designed storage. The absence of a glove compartment further reduces practical storage options. Compounding the spatial inefficiency is the high hood line, which obstructs forward visibility, creating a disconcerting driving experience. While material quality is acceptable and seats are comfortable, the poorly executed controls and design oversights detract significantly from the overall interior experience.
Driving Experience: Serviceable but Uninspiring
The Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S provides an adequate driving experience. Power output has been increased for this model year, resulting in a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around six seconds for the RWD version. However, the vehicle doesn’t feel particularly quick in real-world driving scenarios.
Handling is unremarkable. The steering is vague and lacks feedback, a common trait in this vehicle class. On winding roads, the ID.4 lacks the composure and agility found in competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The driving dynamics are simply not as refined or engaging as other EVs in the segment. While regenerative braking is present, it’s not strong enough to enable true one-pedal driving, which many EV drivers prefer.
Final Verdict: Skip the ID.4
Despite updates aimed at improving the Volkswagen ID.4, fundamental flaws persist. Volkswagen, a global automotive giant, should deliver a more polished and refined product in the competitive EV market. Considering Volkswagen’s history with the Dieselgate scandal, this underwhelming EV effort feels like another misstep.
Compared to alternatives, the ID.4 falls short in numerous critical areas. Unless substantial manufacturer rebates or dealer discounts are available, exploring other electric SUVs is strongly recommended. Vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 offer a superior and more complete EV package. The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, even in its updated form, remains a difficult vehicle to recommend.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S RWD
As-tested price: $51,815
Pros: Adequate range
Cons: Software glitches, cheap build quality, unrefined interior controls, uninspiring driving dynamics, no front trunk, slow charging speeds compared to competitors.
