The wide and low 2022 VW ID4 is a study in aerodynamic styling — most of it smartly achieved

The battery-electric 2022 VW ID4 is available in rear- or all-wheel drive with a driving range of 280 miles. (Photos courtesy of VW of America)

Table of Contents

Overview
5 Cool Things
Driving Range
Motors and Battery Powertrain
Charging Times
Safety Features
Pricing
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo
Ride and Handling
Driver-Assist Systems
Why Buy the VW ID.4?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

Miles matter in an EV. The VW ID4 electric SUV made its debut in September 2020 as a 2021 model and already the engineers have boosted the driving range and made improvements to the charging system. Pricing, too, went up for 2022, but the ID4 is still a bit of a bargain for price shoppers.

Such is the way of electrification for new vehicles.

The 2022 ID.4 is available in rear- or all-wheel-drive powertrains in three trim levels of Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Gradient. Starting prices range from about $42,000 to $51,000. And unlike some new electric vehicles, the ID.4 is sold in all 50 states.

Pro S models include brown leatherette on the dashboard and door panels.

VW ID4 Overview

The ID4 is Volkswagen’s first all-electric SUV and the brand’s first global EV. It is built on Volkswagen’s modular electric drive architecture or MEB. It brings a rethinking and re-execution of body design, interior design, and packaging of the powertrain.

The ID4 exterior is a study in aerodynamics for sleek airflow, which helps extend the driving range.

As do the majority of new electric vehicles, the battery pack is assembled in a flat and low “skateboard” format. It forms the foundation of the vehicle, and from there the designers are tasked to craft an attractive body style. Because the “skateboard” raises the ride height, many designers default to the more upright SUV body style.

For a compact-class SUV, the VW ID4 has a very sleek drag coefficient of 0.28 (for RWD models). Finding ways to deter and reroute wind resistance forms the ID4’s wide stance, fast angle to the windshield, tall sides, and arching but somewhat lowered roofline. It is a motion-at-rest shape, at a slight cost to a sense of spacious in the cabin.

The wide and low ID4 is a study in aerodynamic styling.

VW ID4 By the Numbers

At 180.5 inches long the ID.4 is 4.6 inches shorter than the compact-class Volkswagen Tiguan. And it has a slightly shorter wheelbase (0.9 inch) of 108.9 inches. The ID4 is 1.9 inches lower than Tiguan at 64.6 inches tall, and 0.5 inches wider, at 72.9 inches.

By EV comparison, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is 182.5 inches long on a wheelbase of 118.1 inches. Its body is 74.4 inches wide and the roofline is 63 inches tall. Cargo space is less, too, at 72.2 cubic feet. The IONIQ 5 has headroom of 39.1 inches (with the sunroof) and legroom of 41.7 inches. And its all-wheel-drive curb weight is 4,662 pounds.

Sightlines are cramped at the side mirrors and rear views are cropped by the slim back glass.

5 Cool Things about ID4

The VW ID4 is a neural network of advanced technologies to enhance ownership. Here are five cool things about the car.

Gesture control. Menus in the infotainment screen can be moved by a swipe of the hand in front of the screen. Sliders for volume and temperature adjustment are located on the inclined surface below the display.

“Hello ID” natural voice control. The car responds to instructions spoken by the driver and passengers. “Hello ID” is capable of understanding such commands as “Hello ID., I’m cold” to turn up the heat.

ID Light system. A thin line of 54 multicolored LEDs runs below the windshield and uses pulses of light to communicate several types of messages. Using color and patterns, ID Light can signal readiness to drive, turn instructions from the navigation system, brake prompts from driver-assistance systems and incoming phone calls. When using voice commands, ID Light signals that it is listening, similar to how voice activation on mobile phones or virtual assistants. When the ID.4 is plugged in to charge, the ID. Light shows the current charge level.

3 years of free DC fast charging. To sweeten the deal of EV ownership, Volkswagen includes three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America DC fast chargers. Charging will be managed through the Electrify America app. Electrify America has more than 650 DC fast-charging stations and around 3,500 DC fast chargers in the U.S. The company promotes its charging network with two cross-country routes from Washington D.C. to L.A and Jacksonville to San Diego.

The 12-inch infotainment screen with gesture control.

ID4 Driving Range

Volkswagen said driving-range improvements to the 2022 ID4 came from “minor refinement and component maturity, such as more refined fit and finish over time in production.”

The rear-wheel-drive 2022 ID.4 Pro now has an EPA-estimated battery-driving range of 280 miles. That is an increase of 20 miles from the 2021 model.

The 2022 ID4 Pro S was improved to 268 miles, up from 250 miles for the 2021 model.

All-wheel-drive models are now rated for 251 miles of range in the Pro and 245 miles for Pro S. Those are increases of 2 miles and 5 miles over the 2021 AWD versions.

The primary 201-hp electric motor is at the rear of the ID4. The motor for AWD is at the front.

Motors and Battery Powertrain

The primary electric motor is at the rear of the ID4, for standard rear-wheel drive. The 201-horsepower permanent magnet synchronous motor has 229 foot-pounds of torque.

The ID.4 AWD adds an asynchronous electric motor on the front axle. Volkswagen says, an asynchronous motor has less demand on the system compared to the synchronous motor, which is more efficient and more expensive.

The dual-motor system has a maximum output of 295 hp and 339 lb.-ft. of torque.

Power for both drivetrains is channeled through a two-stage single-speed gearbox.

In the rear-drive ID4, acceleration to 60 mph takes 7.7 seconds, according to testing by Edmunds.com. And the dual-motor ID.4 AWD Pro can make the same run in 5.4 seconds, VW says.

The liquid-cooled lithium-ion packs a max of 82 kWh, but 77 kWh is usable power, VW says, for prolonged life. The battery pack is made up of 288 pouch cells in 12 modules.

At 1,087 pounds the battery makes up a significant addition to the ID4’s AWD curb weight of 4,927 pounds.

The gear selector rocker switch is at the upper right corner of the ID Cockpit.

VW ID4 Charging Times

Volkswagen recommends charging to 80 percent for daily driving and increasing it to 100 percent for longer trips.

Level 2 charger, home or public: 7.5 hours for a depleted battery;

125 kW fast charging: from 5 to 80 percent in about 38 minutes.

Battery Recycling

Volkswagen is setting up a battery cell production facility with the Swedish company Northvolt. At the end of the usage phase for the lithium-ion batteries, VW anticipates that the ID.4 battery can be reused in second-life concepts or turned into a source of raw materials through recycling. A pilot recycling plant is being built at Salzgitter, Germany.

Charging Station Struggles

For a weekend drive, I hooked up at an EVgo fast-charging station. The ID4 had an 80 percent charge and 215 miles of range and it took 35 minutes to get to 100 percent for 266 miles. My cost was $10.45, but that included an outrageous 0.58 cents (per kWh) plus a $2.99 user fee.

I had checked the EVgo website that morning for costs. It appeared the San Diego rate for “pay-as-you-go” charging (without a membership) was 39 cents a kilowatt-hour for “off-peak” charging. Also added is a $1.99 “session fee.” I was charging at 11 a.m. and expected to receive the rate of 29 to 40 cents kWh. The “on-peak” rate from 4 to 9 p.m. is 38 to 52 cents per kWh.

I’ve had two bad experiences at this EVgo charging station, but it is the closest fast-charging to my home. Apparently, the “session fee” is for me to call EVgo and bitch that once again I was not able to connect. The officious customer-service rep took my credit-card info and connected the charger remotely.

At one of my charging events, a female customer approached me with a phone in hand. She, too, was calling for connection help. And she was an EVgo member using the EVgo app to connect. She was on hold but got disconnected as we griped about the poor service and poor customer relations.

And it’s not just the charging hassle with EVgo, both locations of chargers have dirty cables and grimy stations.

I will seek out Electrify America public charging try next time.

The robust 20-inch tire and wheel package in the Gradient Package.

VW ID4 Safety features

The VW ID4 rear-wheel-drive has earned a “5-Star” overall safety rating from NHTSA. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration runs the government’s New Car Assessment Program.

Among its standard safety features is the IQ Drive system of assistive technologies. Included in the package are:

Travel Assist, semi-automated driving assistance.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

Lane assist, lane-keeping system.

Emergency assist, which will brake the vehicle to a stop in a medical emergency; sensors detect if the driver’s hands are not on the wheel and the driver has not responded to a series of alerts.

Front assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring.

Active side assist, with a blind-spot monitor and rear traffic alert.

LED projector headlights on the Pro models with Volkswagen’s Adaptive Front-lighting System. The lights turn a few degrees with steering inputs.

VW ID4 Pricing

Starting prices include the $1,195 from Zwickau, Germany, but 2023 model-year vehicles will be built in Chattanooga, Tenn. AWD adds $3,680.

1. ID4 Pro: $41,955
2. ID4 Pro S: $46,455
3. ID4 Pros S Gradient: $47,955

The VW ID4 AWD Pro S Gradient was $51,635, including freight, and had no options.

The Gradient package adds a black roof with silver rails and accents; silver accents on the front and rear bumpers; 20-inch wheels and Bridgestone Alenza luxury performance all-season tires (255/45).

All models have a long list of standard equipment, and there are just a few factory options. Choices include:

Protection & Convenience Package, $380. Included are four Monster Mats with the ID4 logo, a heavy-duty trunk liner with CarGo organizer blocks, an EV roadside assistance kit with a warning triangle, an LED flashlight, emergency poncho, pair of work gloves, and tire-pressure gauge, and a first-aid kit.

Enhanced Rear View Mirror, $375. It features a frameless design, an electronic compass, auto-dimming, and three HomeLink buttons.

Trailer Hitch Extras, $345. Included are a 2-inch hitch ball and a 1¼-inch ball mount. It is rated for a 270-pound maximum tongue weight to tow a maximum of 2,700 pounds.

Find current VW ID4 pricing here.

Incentives and Rebates

The 2022 VW ID4 qualifies for up to $10,250 in federal and state rebates or incentives.

Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit: $7,500.  IRS tax forms are here.

California Clean Fuel Reward: $750. Available toward the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle with a battery capacity greater than 5. The customer must register the vehicle in California and the customer must reside in California.

California Clean Vehicle Rebate: $2,000. Eligibility is based on gross annual income, as stated on the latest federal tax return.

Find federal and state laws or incentives here.

And the ID4 qualifies for High-Occupancy-Vehicle freeway access, with the green DMV decal

Paint Colors

The base VW ID4 Pro model has a choice of four no-cost paint colors (three metallic, one solid). The base interior upholstery is fabric, but V-Tex leatherette is standard on pricier models.

Upper trims are available in six colors: Glacier White Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Moonstone Grey, Scale Silver Metallic, Blue Dusk Metallic, and King’s Red Metallic.

All models have a body-color roof and black roof rails as standard.

AWD Pro models add a tow hitch with a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds with a braked trailer and a heated windshield. Pro S and AWD Pro S models add a panoramic fixed-glass roof and power-folding side mirrors with a diamond-pattern puddle lamp signature. Pro S also adds brown leatherette trim on the dashboard and door panels.

Interior colors are Galaxy Black or Lunar Gray.

The 5.3-inch ID Cockpit

ID4 Interior Function

The ID4 cabin is a vertical environment. The tall doors, rearward sloping roofline, and rather narrow back glass create a snug and secure feeling. Headroom is quite tall at 41.1 inches, and that is with a 0.5-inch benefit from the panoramic glass roof. But very tall drivers will have to duck on entry and might have to recline the seatback for clear visibility through the windshield. Sightlines are cramped at the side mirrors and rear views are cropped by the slim back glass.

The driver faces a small digital gauge array, the ID Cockpit, with the gear selector rocker switch at the upper right corner. Upon unlocking the driver’s door, the EV is ready to go, just buckle up, engage a gear and go. End your drive by selecting Park and pressing the ignition button off switch on the steering column.

In the center of the dashboard, a Discover Pro touch infotainment display functions by touch or voice control. There are very actual buttons. Base models have a 10-inch display and the upper trims are upgraded to a 12-inch screen.

From the display screen, the driver has access to the navigation system, entertainment, driver-assistance systems, and vehicle settings. Menus can be moved using gesture control, but it takes practice to master. And sometimes the action of the swipe or touch is touchy.

Volkswagen’s “We Connect ID” app works through a smartphone for remote vehicle functions. The app can be used to set cabin temperatures, monitor current charge level, and plan drive routes, including charging stops.

Between the front seats is a clever and convertible cupholder space.

Cabin Comfort

The ID4 Pro S interior includes handsome brown leatherette on the dash and door panels with satin metal and some piano black elements. It neatly breaks up the black plastics, but some of which in lower areas are SUV durable.

Massaging 12-way power front seats in the Pro S have adult thigh support, and comfort that will last at least through a full battery charge. The V-Tex leatherette is supple and handsome, with perforated centers. The seats are heated but not ventilated.

With no bulky transmission protruding into the cabin, there are plenty of storage spaces. The cupholders in the center floor console are deep and versatile with a removable insert to create an open bin. There is also under console storage for a small handbag or parcel.

Another deep box between the seats includes the wireless charging pad and two charging USBs. The box design includes a pair of bracketlike inserts that can be flipped to hold a Big Gulp or removed to place your bag of takeout food.

VW went deep on soundproofing. Helping to calm the cabin are “aero-acoustics,” such as the shape of the side mirror housings and the acoustic windshield. And there is special insulation for the body to reduce wind noise and intrusive sounds from the drivetrain, running gear, and tires. The sound-isolating treatment works well around town, but there is still noticeable ambient noise at highway speeds.

The flat floor is a back-seat asset for three-across foot space.

ID4 Back Seat and Cargo Space

The flat floor is a back-seat asset for foot space not constricted by a tall AWD tunnel. Legroom of 37.6 inches seems longer than its dimensions would suggest. While the seatback does not recline, it has a relaxed angle. And the expansive panoramic roof is an engaging picture window.

Cell phone pockets in the backs of the front seats are a nifty idea, with a pair of USBs in the floor console.

Cargo space behind the second row is 30.3 cubic feet, measured from floor to ceiling. The space is cropped somewhat by the rake of the tailgate. But fold the 60/40 seatback, with a ski-passthrough, for a very usable 5 ½ to 6 feet of length. Oddly, there are no seatback releases in the cargo area, so owners will have to step around to the back door and reach in to release the seatback.

The cargo opening is wide at 43 inches but not tall at 27 inches (because of the battery below). However, the Pro models add an adjustable trunk floor, that can be repositioned a few inches down to allow for taller items. And there is below-floor space for the charging cable.

While the seatback does not recline, it has a relaxed angle.

ID4 Pro S AWD Ride and Handling

Sadly, the ID4 lacks the VW driving DNA that elevates their gas-powered vehicles. But replicating an electronic driving soul has been elusive for most mainstream EVs.

Weight is the enemy of an electric vehicle and the ID4 is heavy, more than 5,000 pounds with a brace of passengers. The quick uptake of torque helps get the ID4 moving, but it can be a reserved start before acceleration builds with intensity. There is no Sport mode, so the driver just has to push harder on the accelerator to get stronger performance.

It will take the driver some time to adapt for smooth acceleration and braking. While there is plenty of stopping power, the brake system has considerable mass to stop. The first few times I drove, it was sort of a “Whoa, Nelly!” experience as I neared a stop. And then there was a bit of nose dive and resettling.

The brake system is not the usual setup. VW uses front discs and rear drums because disc brakes on the rear can be less effective than drums after long periods of not being put to heavy use. The front discs on rear-drive models are 13.4 inches in diameter and 14.1 inches on AWD models.

The two-stage gearbox includes a Braking mode to recapture more energy when slowing or on downhills. To use the B mode, the driver must use the gear selector rocker switch at the upper right corner of the 5.3-inch gauge display, called the ID Cockpit.

B braking is a little awkward to use, but it does provide noticeable braking-regen force, though B will not bring the vehicle to a complete stop. I would prefer an e-pedal experience, activated through the accelerator pedal. For me, it is easier to use and seems a little safer.

Suspension

The ID4 has a strut-type front suspension and a rear multilink, both ends have coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars. All-wheel-drive models have a half-inch taller ride height and firmer springs and dampers and thicker anti-roll bars.

But something more is needed. The all-wheel-drive tester did not feel steady when making simple maneuvers; there was noticeable sway and quick rebound.

The girlfriend-wife accused me of careless driving that was making her nauseous. “Really, it’s the car,” I insisted.

On the highway, the steering lacked solid tracking and required continual inputs. The ride even felt squishy on rain-grooved concrete highways. At those times, I was thankful for the many eyes and steering inputs of Travel Assist.

I can’t blame the 20-inch Bridgestone Alenza tires. The luxury performance all-season tires are robust in size and footprint, (255/45). But they also are not the quietest at highway speeds. These tires have a very high (hard) treadwear rating of 800 and a tread-life warranty of 5-years/80,000-miles.

VW engineers were able to create a very tidy turning circle of 31.5 feet on RWD and 36.4 feet on AWD. That is an appreciable asset with 19- or 20-inch tires and a wheelbase of 108.9 inches.

Travel Assist enables Level 2 partially automated driving from 0 to 95 mph.

ID4 Driver-Assist Systems

Volkswagen’s IQ DRIVE advanced driver assistance technology includes hands-on semi-automated driving or Travel Assist.

IQ DRIVE is a package of integrated technologies. It “sees” road conditions through a front radar, front camera, two rear radars, and eight ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area

Its advanced technologies include:

Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring);

Active Side Assist (with Blind Spot Monitor);

Rear Traffic Alert;

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go;

Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System);

Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). If the system does not detect driver input, it engages a series of warnings (visual, audible, and brake jolts). If still no input is detected, Emergency Assist will slow the vehicle to a gradual stop in its own lane.

Travel Assist enables Level 2 partially automated driving from 0 to 95 mph. The systems are intended for use on divided highways and the driver must keep a light touch on the steering wheel with both hands. The assist system uses Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist to help steer, accelerate and brake the vehicle in response to traffic and center the vehicle within lane markings.

On the highway, IQ DRIVE provides very accurate lane centering. I highly recommend it for driving in the congested commute. The eyes of the sensors are ever ready to guard the driver’s line, even when the driver is distracted.

The ID4 exterior is a study in aerodynamics for sleek airflow.

Why Buy the VW ID.4?

With up to $10,250 in various incentives and rebates, the ID4 pricing is enticing to the skeptic or price-point shopper.

I’d recommend all-wheel-drive for its power even with the reduced driving range. It becomes a non-argument with a Level 2 home charger. And owners will appreciate that perk of off-peak charging, and always having a full tank to start the day.

However the gasoline price war settles out, the pricing won’t go back to what we once thought was acceptable.

2022 VW ID.4 AWD Pro S Specifications

Body style: 5-seat, 5-door compact SUV; unibody construction with stamped steel panels, plastic, and composite bumpers

Motors: Rear, 201-hp permanent magnet synchronous; 229 lb.-ft. torque; Front, asynchronous 107-hp electric motor on the front axle; 119 lb.-ft. torque

Total system power: 295 hp and 339 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: single-speed automatic

0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds

Battery: 82 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion (77 kWh usable power); 288 pouch cells in 12 modules

Electric range: 245 miles

AWD MPGe: 100/90/95 city/highway/combined

On-board Charging: 11 kW onboard charger for home or public AC systems; 135 kW max for DC public charging

CHARGING TIMES

Level 2 charger home or public, 7.5 hours for depleted battery;

125 kW fast charging: from 5 to 80 percent in about 38 minutes;

Volkswagen recommends charging to 80 percent for daily driving and increasing it to 100 percent for longer travel.

BY THE NUMBERS

Cargo space: 30.3-64 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 41.1*/41.1 in. *40.6 in. w/o glass roof

Rear head/leg room: 38.4/37.6 in.

Length/wheelbase: 180.5/108.9 in.

Curb weight: 4,927 pounds

Turning circle: 36.4 feet (31.5 ft. w/RWD)

Max tow capacity: 2,700 pounds, w/braked trailer; 1,650 lbs. w/o brake

FEATURES

ID.4 AWD Pro S standard equipment includes: KESSY keyless access, panoramic fixed-glass room for power sunshade, 12-way power seats (with massaging lumbar and memory), ID. Cockpit (digital driver display), Pro Max touchscreen navigation system with 12-inch color display, rear-view camera system, leather-wrapped and heated multi-function touch steering wheel, V-Tex leatherette upholstery, heated steering wheel and heated front seats, heated side mirrors and washer nozzles, heated windshield (standard on AWD models), electric resistance cabin heater, 30-color customizable enhanced interior ambient lighting, high beam dimming control, wireless smartphone charger and Bluetooth streaming audio

Driver-assist features: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor (Side Assist), rear traffic alert, dynamic road sign display, front assist with pedestrian monitoring, park distance control (front and rear), Travel Assist with lane assist, emergency assist,

Safety features include: 6 air bags, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock, intelligent crash response system, automatic post-collision braking, brake-force distribution, brake assist, stability control

PRICING

AWD Pro S base price: $51,635, including $1,195 freight charge; price as tested $51,635

Where assembled: Zwickau, Germany

Warranties: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper (transferable to a subsequent owner); high voltage system 4-years/50,000-miles; high-voltage battery 8-years/100,000-miles (10-years/150,000 miles in California); 2-years/24,000-miles free scheduled maintenance; 3-years/36,000-miles 24-hour roadside assistance