Opinion: Top Ways Volkswagen ID4 is a Game-Changer in 2023
The Future Is Now at VW
This article may contain affiliate links.
Electric vehicles aren’t merely the future, they are already here, and there is no company outside of Tesla that demonstrates its commitment to the idea of EVs more than Volkswagen. After a few years in the wild, unsure of how to transition from combustion engines to the electric variety, it seems that VW and the entire group have seen the light and finally begun making the change. Perhaps their most intriguing offering to date is the Volkswagen ID4, which really harks back to their “people’s car” philosophy by creating an EV that is comfortable, refined and full of features that families will find valuable and beguiling. Not convinced yet? Well, read on to discover how the ID4 is making waves in 2023 and will continue beyond to become one of the year’s most exciting new EV entries.
It’s Built with Practicality in Mind
Volkswagen’s electric car for the masses is the 2023 ID4 SUV. It nicely pairs practicality with comfort and adequate driving range to allow drivers to make the switch from internal combustion. We just wish its driving demeanor was more playful. Rear-wheel drive models come with one motor and 201 horsepower; opting for all-wheel drive adds a second motor and ups power output to 295. The maximum range is about 275 miles per charge. Still, while cheaper, the base standard trim pairs its more attractive price tag with a smaller battery and only around 208 miles of range, which is quite respectable for an EV intended to be used around town and for the occasional family outing. Luckily, since it’s been designed with families in mind, it’s straightforward to get to grips with, and for anything more complicated, you can usually find a manual for the ID4 with a quick online search. Moreover, the ID4 comes standard with DC fast-charging capability, which makes juicing up at public charging stations relatively quick and painless.
VW Has Unveiled a Fantastic Car with an Affordable Starting Price
When most folks are considering their first EV, the conversion inevitably trends toward cost. It’s no great secret that these cars often cost more than their fossil fuel-powered predecessors, but you may be surprised at how affordable VW has managed to make the ID4 this year. If cost is your main concern, you can strip away most of the bells and whistles you probably won’t need and opt for the base model, which comes in at a relatively tidy starting price of around $40,000. However, you will have to forgo the larger battery offered with higher specs for this initial price. Nonetheless, for most, the 200+ mile range will suffice, particularly when you factor in the price savings. Although $40,000 still seems a lot for those on a budget (which, let’s be honest, is most of us these days), VW and their dealers usually offer very generous finance packages you can take advantage of. [Don’t forget federal, state and local incentives! –ed.]
Nevertheless, if you have the budget and want to invest in a higher spec’d model, it goes up in roughly increments of $5000, finally culminating in a model called the Pro S Plus that comes in at just over $52,000. If you can afford the higher price, the climbing specifications throughout the range can result in a far smoother and more powerful ride thanks to the inclusion of a larger battery and an all-wheel-drive powertrain giving you a massive boost in torque, topping out at 295 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive model is best suited to families more prone to caravanning and hauling trailers thanks to its not insignificant 2,700-pound towing capacity!
The ID4 Boasts a Respectably Powerful and Refined Motor
As you have probably gathered by now, the ID4 is a quality offering by an extremely quality car brand. However, all vehicles, EV or otherwise, are typically rated on engine performance; fortunately, this is where the ID4 shines. With a strong and respectable selection of options, you can select one that suits your needs and budget. It also utilizes regenerative braking, as has become common in most EVs. However, while regenerative braking aids energy conservation during deceleration, the coveted one-pedal driving feature beloved by EV enthusiasts is notably absent in the ID4, even at its highest regenerative setting. The typical swift acceleration common to electric vehicles is also missing from this model’s repertoire. Although not sluggish compared to conventional compact crossover benchmarks, some tests reveal that hitting 60 mph takes a leisurely 7.6 seconds, a pace more relaxed than its swifter EV rivals. Nonetheless, its powertrain package is perfectly adequate for most casual drivers and more than enough for navigating the usual school runs and grocery tips.
Quality Design and Space Galore!
What the ID4 might lack in flashiness compared with its rivals, it more than makes up with its generous and clever use of space. Furthermore, whoever was in charge of its interior design should be promoted asap! The interior is full of clever little design tricks. It is very tastefully upholstered, combining just enough playfulness and seriousness to make it usable every day while still making each trip that little bit more enjoyable. As you might imagine, the higher up the spec tree you go, the more features you will unlock, but even the base model has enough to keep the kids occupied and the adults happy enough with its included components. One of the said features is its monstrous 12-inch infotainment display that’s included across the board and contains everything the discerning EV driver has come to expect from such devices, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay features, along with a generous selection of in-built options to entertain those in the car from one location. Moving onto the space and staying true to its family-friendly credentials, it features a sizable cargo space in the trunk that all families will come to adore the more they use it. Moreover, the vehicle features everything you might expect, including seats that fall to increase the interior cargo space up to a massive 64.2 cubic feet of usable area.
The ID4 is one of the more exciting EVs to come out of 2023. This might come as a surprise due to its relatively standard appearance, but that makes it so exciting. It shows that EVs have finally come to the masses and are available to all those willing to invest in the future of transportation.
The post Opinion: Top Ways Volkswagen ID4 is a Game-Changer in 2023 first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
