2022 Volkswagen ID.4: If Only VW Had More Units to Sell

Strong points
  • Good price
  • Generous space
  • Low energy consumption
Weak points
  • Slow infotainment system
  • Unreasonable delivery times
Full report

Volkswagen got a lot of people excited when it introduced the all-new ID.4 in the fall of 2020. There was a spacious, fully electric vehicle with a base Canadian MSRP of $44,995, making it eligible to both federal and provincial rebates. Almost too good to be true.

Nearly two years later, demand is still strong, but the automaker just can’t deliver. The wait list is so long that Volkswagen Canada stopped taking orders back in March. For many potential customers, the ID.4 is simply a mirage.

The poor little plant in Zwickau, Germany is unable to meet global demand, and the microchip shortage is definitely not helping. On the bright side, Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant in Tennessee will start making units for the North American market later this summer, which will speed up deliveries and calm a bunch of frustrated customers.

Photo: Frédéric Mercier

Get the Pro AWD Model

Last year we got to test drive the RWD-only ID.4 Pro, but our second time behind the wheel was with a Pro AWD model. Offering better all-season traction and close to 300 hp, this one is nearly 50 percent more powerful than the standard 201-hp model. And it costs just $5,000 extra, too, making it a pretty sweet deal.  

By the way, the ID.4 is a compact crossover similar to other EVs such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. While shorter than a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it boasts a longer wheelbase that comfortably accommodates rear passengers. Trunk capacity is a respectable 858 L.

Photo: Frédéric Mercier

Visibility up front is quite good thanks to a large windshield and side windows, as well as a tiny instrument display. The latter comes with a shift controller mounted on the right side. Overall, the interior is a bit plain yet nicely executed. Nearly all vehicle functions and settings go through the centre touchscreen, but the infotainment system is annoyingly slow to respond to driver input. Volkswagen needs to address this ASAP.  

Our tester came with the Statement Package ($8,000), which includes a panoramic roof, power liftgate, larger touchscreen, power-adjustable front seats and 20-inch wheels.

Photo: Frédéric Mercier

Electric But Not Electrifying

Our two-way trip between Montreal and Quebec City turned out to be a pretty smooth experience. The ID.4’s seats are rather comfortable, and those sitting in the back can’t complain, either. On the other hand, this electric crossover is no rocket despite its 300 hp. Also, it doesn’t have the soul of a Golf GTI as the company claims. Weight is over 2,000 kg, and it shows. Oh sure, the 82kWh battery helps lower the centre of gravity, but the ID.4 can’t be described as being particularly sporty.

In Pro AWD trim, maximum range is officially rated at 394 km, whereas the RWD-equipped Pro model achieves 422 km. Both numbers are realistic if not a bit conservative. During our trip, we recorded an average energy consumption of about 18 kWh/100 km, which is better than what we had with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a week earlier in similar conditions (over 20 kWh).

As for charging, the ID.4 needs approximately 7.5 hours to top its battery using a level 2 charger. With a DC fast charger that can provide up to 125 kW, 38 minutes are enough to go from 5-80 percent charge. We plugged the vehicle into a 100kW charger and managed to regain 45.3 kWh capacity in 39 minutes.

Verdict

As our latest experience has shown, the Volkswagen ID.4 has many things going for it and ranks among the most compelling EVs on the market right now. If only VW had more units to sell…

Watch: Volkswagen ID.4 Makes Global Debut

Share on Facebook

More on the subject

ElectricVolkswagen Stops Taking Orders for ID.4 in Canada
With only one assembly plant for all global units and the same kind of supply chain issues that are slowing deliveries for a number of vehicles across the industry, the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover is nowhere near able to meet demand. Many customers are waiting for more than a year …
ElectricVolkswagen Group to Launch 25 New EVs in North America by 2030
Volkswagen Group has said it will launch more than 25 new electric vehicles in North America across its various brands ( Volkswagen , Audi , Porsche , Bentley , Lamborghini ) by 2030. At that point, EVs should account for 55 percent of total sales. The automaker will begin to …
ElectricVolkswagen ID.4 to Offer Free, Unlimited Fast Charging for 3 Years
Good news for customers of the all-new ID.4 electric crossover (and a compelling incentive for those looking to make the switch to EVs): Volkswagen Canada today announced they will get three years of unlimited, complimentary ultra-fast charging from the date of purchase on the Electrify Canada network. Electrify Canada currently …
ElectricVolkswagen ID.4 Production Finally Kicks Off in the U.S.
Volkswagen today marked the start of production of its ID.4 electric crossover at the Chattanooga, Tennessee assembly plant. This is what many customers have been waiting to hear for a long time given the strong demand. More than 190,000 units have been delivered to customers globally since the model’s launch …
ElectricCheaper Volkswagen ID.4 With Smaller Battery Headed to Canada
The good news keep coming for those wanting a piece of Volkswagen’s new electric crossover. Not only did the ID.4 recently enter production in the U.S. to help speed up deliveries across North America, but a new entry-level variant is joining the Canadian lineup for 2023. Sometime in the fourth …
ElectricVolkswagen ID. XTREME May Spawn Off-Road-Ready ID.4
Earlier this year, Volkswagen announced a plan to launch over 25 new EV models in North America by 2030 , covering all of the brands in its portfolio and addressing many different needs. Fans of rugged trucks and off-road driving will likely turn to the SUV and pickup to be …
Test Drives2023 Volkswagen ID.3: Tasting the Forbidden Fruit
Before the Volkswagen ID.4 , the German automaker kicked off its next generation of electric vehicles with the ID.3, a small hatchback that first debuted in concept form at the 2016 Paris Motor Show then launched across Europe in September of 2020. Unfortunately, there are no plans to bring it …
Test Drives2023 Volkswagen ID.4: Next in Line to the Throne?
Volkswagen Canada executives believe the ID.4 could become their best-selling model in the country, ahead of the Jetta and even the Tiguan , which sold a little more than 19,000 units last year. We’re a long way from getting to that point, however, as ID.4 deliveries are still few and …
Recalls2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Recalled for Fire Risk From 12V Battery
Volkswagen has announced a new recall on the ID.4 electric crossover due to the risk of a fire caused by the battery—not the high-voltage unit feeding the motors but rather the 12V battery. The good news is that only a small number of units are affected including just over a …