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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Volkwagen ID.4: VW’s New Era Begins
What do our experts think of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4?
Just two model years old, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is leading VW’s charge into the electric SUV segment. The return of the microbus – the ID.Buzz – and a new electric-powered sedan – the ID.7 – are hot on its heels. About the size of the gas-powered Tiguan, the ID.4 is a more spacious option thanks to the packaging efficiency inherent in EVs.
To deliver on Volkswagen’s promise of an electric vehicle for “the millions, not the millionaires”, a new low-cost Standard model has been added to the lineup this year. Other updates over the prior version include production being moved from Europe to the US, a new top-line Pro S Plus trim line, and a lineup-standard 12-inch infotainment touchscreen.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 – media.vw.com | Shop 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Snazzy cabin
Loads of standard driver aids
Solid range
Plain styling
Lacks typical EV quickness
No frunk storage
A solid EV option
2023 ID.4 Specs
- 201 horsepower from base engine
- 229 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 30 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 64.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Standard self-parking system
- “Intuitive Start” wakes car up when you sit
- Two years of complimentary maintenance
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Powertrain
A 2023 ID.4 in Standard or S trim comes with a 62-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor – rated for 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque – that drives the rear wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission. Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus (say that five times fast) are also RWD and have the same power but have a larger 82-kWh battery for increased driving range.
For an extra $3,800, the three Pro trim lines can also be fitted with a second motor, mounted up front, that enables AWD and bumps horsepower to 295 while torque remains the same. Though none of the ID.4 models are exceptionally quick, the AWD versions can go 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds versus 7.1 for the RWD variants.
A fully independent suspension ensures that in either case, the ride is comfortable and the handling is sure-footed, though the 20-inch wheels on top-spec models may add an unpleasant flintiness on rough roads. Interestingly, the AWD ID.4s have nearly an extra inch of ground clearance – 6.8 – over RWD models, but there are no other off-road oriented features.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Range
The driving range of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 runs from 209 miles for the Standard and S models up to 275 miles for the RWD Pro lineup and back down to 255 miles for Pro models with AWD. On an efficiency basis, owners can expect 107 MPGe combined for RWD models and 99 for the AWD versions. The ID.4 can increase its battery charge from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes using DC fast charging and VW includes three years of complimentary fast charge sessions.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
One of the updates for 2023 was improved cabin materials and it shows. Whether you have a base model with upscale fabric inserts surrounded by dark brown leatherette or a higher-end model with stitched blue V-Tex leatherette trim, it’s a good-looking cabin.
There are two rows of seating with room for five and heated front seats are standard. S models add massaging backrests up front while the Pro S Plus trim includes heated rear outboard positions and triple-zone automatic climate control. VW mirrors Tesla with the fixed all-glass roof that comes on S models and above, but it fortunately also has a power-operated sunshade.
The rear bench seat can be folded flat or in a 60/40 split configuration to open up a maximum cargo space of 64 cubic feet, which matches a Ford Mustang Mach-E. However, the Ford edges the ID.4 at 34 cubes behind the second row versus 30. Unfortunately, there is no front trunk storage in the VW, something the Mustang Mach-E does offer.
Entertainment & Technology
Across the 2023 ID.4 lineup, a small digital gauge cluster and 12-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, navigation, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all included as well.
Volkswagens ID. Light is a nifty bit of tech that sets the ID.4 apart and makes it feel like one of these future cars. The system consists of a thin LED light bar running across the dashboard to “communicate” with the driver via glowing visual and acoustic cues. Another delightful touch is “Intuitive Start”, which wakes up the car when the driver sits down and enables driving without touching any sort of key.
Safety Features
The 2023 VW ID.4 earns a Top Safety Pick+ safety score from the IIHS and a 5-Star overall rating from the NHTSA – both the highest available scores. Every model comes with IQ.Drive, the automaker’s suite of advanced safety systems and driver assistance features that include adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane-keeping system. Automated parking is also included while a surround-view monitor requires the Pro S Plus model.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Trims & Pricing
Standard – $40,290
For just over $40,000, the base 2023 VW ID.4 comes with 19-inch alloys, full LED lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and heated side mirrors. Cabin amenities include an auto-dim rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, and seats with cloth and leatherette upholstery. Along with a 7-speaker audio system, there is wireless Apple and Android integration, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a wireless charging pad.
Pro – $45,290
Pro models have all the same content as the Standard model but also have the larger battery pack that enables an extra 66 miles of range. When equipped with AWD, a heated windshield and trailer hitch are added.
S – $45,290
The ID.4 S adds 20-inch rims, adaptive headlights, a fixed panoramic glass roof, and fancy lighting in the form of illuminated badges and a front-end light line. Interior upgrades include massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and V-Tex leatherette upholstery.
Pro S – $48,995
Stepping up to the Pro S brings all the same features from the Pro along with the larger 82-kWh battery pack that delivers more driving range.
Pro S Plus – $51,445
As the top-spec model, the Pro S Plus is loaded with exclusive wheels, a two-tone paint job, heated second-row seats, a surround-view monitor, and an upgraded audio system.
Warranties
Volkswagen’s warranty provides four years or 50,000 miles of basic vehicle and powertrain coverage. The battery components are under warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles and there are two years of complimentary maintenance although EVs generally require less maintenance than a gas-powered vehicle.
What we think
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 – vw.com | Shop 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 on Carsforsale.com
With the addition of the Standard model and its $40,000 price tag, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 becomes an even more compelling proposition. Particularly in combination with the latest federal EV tax credit structure that may mean the new US-produced ID.4 is eligible for the full $7,500 credit. You can check the DOE site for more detail along with the latest car incentives to see if there’s more room to save money. In any case, the 2023 ID.4 is a solid option in the burgeoning EV segment with respectable range and a long list of standard features. If you can get away with 200 or so miles of range, stick with the low-cost Standard model, as it has plenty of creature comforts and technology.
