With electric cars becoming more popular and charging infrastructure growing, the automotive industry is in the midst of another major revolution. While companies like Tesla have made EVs more desirable with sleek styling and sports car level acceleration, they remain unaffordable to the masses — especially popular SUV models. Volkswagen hopes to change that with the introduction of the all-new ID.4.

Priced from CAD $44,995, the ID.4 offers SUV styling and functionality at a more affordable price point that qualifies for federal and provincial government EV rebates. The four-door SUV is part of VW’s new generation of ‘Intelligent Design’ (ID), fully electric vehicles based on a modular design platform shared with the upcoming Audi Q4 e-tron.

The ID.4 features an 82-kWh battery with an impressive 400 kilometre range and can charge up to 80% in 40 minutes, using a Level 3 DC charger. An AWD model with 295 hp will join the model range in the future but for now the ID.4 comes with a single motor delivering 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque to the rear axle.

Volkswagen Canada gave me the keys to an ID.4 in Mythos Black Metallic with the Statement Package (black roof, leatherette power seats, panoramic sunroof, 20” wheels and power tailgate), to try out before it hits the Canadian market this fall. So I hit the road and headed out on a little road trip and photoshoot traveling from Toronto to Ottawa. Keep scrolling to see more photos from my travels and to see my list of favourite (and least favourite) features of the ID.4.

Highs

Exterior Design - The ID.4 features a handsome design characterized by clean lines, elegant curves and a classic SUV shape that strikes a nice balance between form and function. I also like the attention to detail seen in the design of the LED projector headlights, the slick 20” Drammen wheels and the illuminated front VW badge.

Ride - The ID.4 combines a smooth and refined ride quality with a silent cabin, aside from some cool/weird spaceship-like artificial sound for pedestrian safety. Acceleration is decent with a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds, but those looking for a little more muscle may want to wait for the AWD model, which is expected to be at least two seconds quicker. I was also surprised by the ID.4’s tight turning circle of only 10 metres, making it very easy to maneuver around town.

Fast charging and range - The ID.4 has an estimated range of 400 kilometres on one charge. The car’s battery has a peak charging rate of 125 kW meaning it can charge from 5% to 80% in an estimated 38 minutes according to Volkwsagen. It’s great for road trips because you can make a quick rest stop, have a bite to eat or use the bathroom while the car adds another 100 kilometres in range in around 10 minutes. This allows you to hop on towards the next charging station without having to wait for it to fully charge in one stop.

I only wish Ontario had a larger network of DC Level 3 chargers (especially ones that are free!). Petro Canada and Electrify Canada stations are equipped with chargers that can charge up to 350kW, but I found that most of the (free) Level 3 chargers I used reached peak charging rates of only 24 to 40kW. Ofcourse this is less of an issue if you have a Level 2 home charger as the ID.4 can be fully charged overnight.

ID Light - The ID Light is an LED strip that runs the length of the ID.4’s dashboard at the base of the windshield. It’s an intuitive light bar that gives visual cues to things like incoming calls, brake warnings and navigation instructions. Combined with the LED ambient lighting, the ID.4s interior is well-lit and feels very modern.

Exterior LEDs - Like its interior, the ID.4’s exterior light game is strong, starting with a distinct front fascia that features LED headlights, light bar and even an illuminated VW badge, which caught the attention of many Tesla and Mach-E drivers at the chargers.

At the sides, path lighting is emitted by an LED light under the side mirrors, while at the rear is a slim LED light bar that looks slick, especially from a ¾ view.

Interior details and storage - Designed for families, the ID.4 offers plenty of storage space throughout the cabin. A moveable cup holder can swallow most grande frappuccinos and can be stored inside the centre console should you wish to use the front compartment as a storage area.

The seats are very comfortable and mine were covered in a light-grey, vegan-friendly leatherette trim with a cool hexagon pattern and ‘ID.’ badging. The rear of the front seats has your typically map pocket but it also boasts a smaller smartphone-sized pocket just below the headrest.

Lows

Dashboard - Volkswagen has gone with a very minimalist design when it comes to the dashboard. While I appreciate minimalist design, I wish the ID.4 took a few more design cues from the existing line of Volkswagen cars. For example, the instrument pod mounted on the steering column is small, isn’t customizable and doesn’t show that much information, unlike the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit available in cars like the Tiguan and Arteon.

Infotainment system and controls - The dashboard’s minimalist design means that most controls have been moved into the infotainment system. That includes commonly used functions such as climate controls, seat heaters and a volume touchpad slider instead of a no-nonsense volume knob. I also found the system to be a little buggy at times and slow to respond including the voice controls and virtual assistant. I drive a BMW 330i that answers to ‘Hey BMW’ about 95% of the time, but I could never get the ID’s attention. Luckily, the ID.4 includes wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

I like the design of the steering wheel and the touch-sensitive controls with haptic feedback are cool, but I found them to be over-sensitive at times. For example, when backing into a parking spot or parallel parking, my hand would often touch the controls and inadvertently change the radio station.

Another feature I didn’t love was the design of the rear window controls. Instead of four dedicated power window switches, the ID.4 only has two switches to control all four windows. You have to toggle between the front and rear windows by pushing a ‘rear window’ button. Why the extra step?

No frunk - Many electric cars are known for having extra storage space where the engine would usually be. Unfortunately, the ID.4 has a bunch of vehicle components under the hood so you miss out on that extra practicality.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time with the ID.4. It looks good, it’s sized right and it’s priced right. It’s really exciting to see the next wave of electric cars and SUVs coming out with better range, faster charging rates, sleeker styling and MSRPs that more people can afford.

More photos from my time with the Volkswagen ID.4 below.

All images © James Bombales

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Test drive and photoshoot with the all-new fully electric Volkswagen ID.4