The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 has carved a niche in the burgeoning electric SUV market, largely thanks to a compelling $7,500 federal tax credit. But beyond this financial incentive, does the ID.4 truly stand out, or is it, as some suggest, just “meh”? We delve into the AWD Pro S version to see if this all-electric offering from VW can excite beyond its tax advantages.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a silver 2023 VW ID.4 parked on a paved road, showcasing its modern SUV design.
Power and Performance: Pro S AWD Steps Up
In Pro S guise with all-wheel drive (AWD), the 2023 Vw Id.4 significantly ups the ante in performance. Boasting 295 horsepower, it’s a considerable leap from the base model’s 201 horsepower. This dual-motor setup provides enhanced traction and a more confident feel, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in a respectable 5.5 seconds, placing it in a competitive spot within its class. While the acceleration tapers off at higher speeds, a common trait among many EVs in this segment, the ID.4 Pro S AWD offers enough pep for daily driving and confident highway merges. It certainly outpaces rivals like the Toyota bZ4X, offering a more engaging driving experience in terms of sheer acceleration.
Alt text: Angled side view of a blue 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S, highlighting its aerodynamic profile and alloy wheels.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Spacious and Mostly User-Friendly
The interior of the 2023 VW ID.4 is commendable for its spaciousness, comfortably accommodating passengers and cargo. It’s a practical choice for families or anyone needing ample room. The ride quality is generally comfortable and quiet, particularly on freeways, contributing to a pleasant driving experience. Technologically, the ID.4 is equipped with sought-after features, and thankfully, the infotainment system in this iteration appears more stable and less glitch-prone than earlier models.
One notable feature is the driver-selectable regenerative braking. The ID.4 allows drivers to choose between minimal regeneration for a more traditional driving feel, or a stronger setting approaching one-pedal driving. This adaptability is a welcome touch, catering to different driving preferences. The inclusion of a substantial 82 kWh battery pack is standard for the segment, promising a theoretical range to alleviate range anxiety for daily commutes.
Range and Efficiency: Real-World Expectations
While the 82 kWh battery suggests a competitive range, real-world efficiency is something to consider for the 2023 VW ID.4. During testing in mixed driving conditions, an average of 3 miles per kWh was observed, translating to a theoretical range of around 246 miles. However, this was achieved in relatively mild driving conditions, without exceeding 70 mph and minimal use of climate control, relying instead on seat and steering wheel heaters during a colder period.
Alt text: Close-up of the 2023 VW ID.4 interior, focusing on the driver’s side door panel and controls, showcasing the interior design and materials.
For typical drivers using climate control and driving at normal speeds, especially in colder climates, a more realistic range expectation might be closer to 190-210 miles in winter. While achieving 3 miles/kWh in winter is respectable, it’s essential to acknowledge that this might be an optimistic figure for average users. The ID.4’s efficiency is generally on par with competitors, but doesn’t necessarily lead the pack.
Drawbacks: Quirks and Uninspired Driving Dynamics
Despite its merits, the 2023 VW ID.4 has its share of shortcomings. The door handles, for instance, are a point of contention. Their lack of mechanical feedback and somewhat flimsy feel detract from the user experience. The decision to opt for electronic levers instead of traditional, more tactile mechanisms is questionable.
Alt text: Rear view of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, highlighting its taillights, rear bumper, and overall rear design.
Ergonomics also present some frustrations. The absence of a physical volume knob, replaced by a touch-sensitive slider, is a step back in usability. Climate controls are largely buried within the infotainment screen, although some physical defrost controls remain, oddly positioned to the left of the steering wheel. Visibility is another area needing improvement. A high dashboard and hood line, combined with thick A-pillars, can impede the driver’s view, especially peripherally. The front of the vehicle lacks additional storage, despite the absence of a traditional engine, and the oversized center console design seems to prioritize aesthetics over practical storage solutions.
Alt text: Detail shot of the 2023 VW ID.4’s center console, emphasizing its bulky design and cup holders, illustrating the critique of space inefficiency.
While the infotainment system’s responsiveness has improved, certain vehicle settings remain deeply buried within menus, making adjustments cumbersome. The PRND rocker switch, seemingly borrowed from the BMW i3, is another peculiar design choice. Driving dynamics are where the 2023 VW ID.4 truly falls short of inspiring. It’s not slow, but it rarely feels quick, especially when compared to more engaging EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD. The ride quality can be choppy on uneven surfaces, and the steering can feel nervous at higher speeds, lacking linearity and feeling overly sensitive. While AWD provides decent grip, the overall driving experience is described as “wooden” and uninspired.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2023 VW ID.4 Pro S showing the dashboard, infotainment screen, and steering wheel, highlighting the tech interface and cabin layout.
Charging speed is another area where the ID.4 lags behind some competitors. With a peak DC fast charging rate of 150 kW, it’s reasonably quick, but some rivals now offer 350 kW charging capabilities, significantly reducing charging times at compatible stations. In a rapidly evolving EV landscape, VW will need to enhance charging speeds to remain competitive.
Tax Credit and Value Proposition
The most compelling argument for the 2023 VW ID.4 remains its eligibility for the $7,500 US federal tax credit. Being assembled in the United States, it qualifies for the full credit, unlike some key competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. This tax credit can bring the net price down considerably, making it a more affordable EV option. At a net cost potentially around $45,000, it undercuts some of its rivals, including the highly-regarded Ioniq 5.
Alt text: A detailed look at the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4’s steering wheel and digital instrument cluster, focusing on the driver interface and control layout.
However, it begs the question: should a tax credit be the primary driver for choosing a vehicle? While ethically questionable as potential market manipulation, the financial incentive is undeniable. For budget-conscious buyers, the ID.4’s reduced price after the tax credit is a significant draw. Yet, comparing it to alternatives like a Toyota RAV4 or Venza hybrid, which offer excellent fuel economy, AWD, and no charging concerns at around $40,000, raises further questions about value. Competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mach-E, also tax credit eligible, present compelling alternatives with different strengths.
Conclusion: A Disappointing EV Contender?
The 2023 VW ID.4 AWD Pro S, while benefiting from a potent tax credit and offering decent performance in Pro S guise, ultimately feels underwhelming. It lacks the spark and innovation seen in newer EVs. While it represents a step into the electric future for Volkswagen, it doesn’t inspire confidence in leading the charge. Compared to more exciting and dynamically superior EVs emerging in the market, the ID.4 feels like it’s already lagging behind. It’s a modest and restrained EV that doesn’t offend, but also fails to excite. While it might outperform the Toyota bZ4X, that’s a low bar to clear. The 2023 VW ID.4 is an average EV in a segment demanding more, making it hard to wholeheartedly recommend beyond its tax credit advantage. Perhaps waiting for the next generation of VW EVs, or exploring more compelling rivals, would be a wiser move for most EV buyers.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S
As-tested price: $52,985
Pros: Tax credit eligibility
Cons: Average in nearly every category, uninspired driving experience.
Alt text: Vertical shot of the front grille and headlight of the 2023 VW ID.4, emphasizing the Volkswagen logo and modern lighting design.
Alt text: Side profile of a silver 2023 VW ID.4 AWD Pro S in motion on a highway, illustrating its SUV stance and road presence.
Alt text: Wide angle shot of the 2023 VW ID.4 interior, showcasing the dashboard, seats, and panoramic sunroof, emphasizing the spaciousness and modern cabin design.
Alt text: Close-up of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4’s infotainment screen displaying navigation and vehicle information, highlighting the digital interface.
Alt text: Driver’s perspective of the 2023 VW ID.4 Pro S interior, showing the steering wheel, digital cockpit, and minimalist dashboard design.
Alt text: Image focusing on the rear seats of the 2023 VW ID.4, emphasizing legroom and the spaciousness for rear passengers.
Alt text: Front passenger view of the 2023 VW ID.4’s dashboard and minimalist interior design, highlighting the clean lines and uncluttered layout.
