THE VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 IS A DISAPPOINTING ELECTRIC CAR (FOR NOW)

EV Channels Review

The Volkswagen ID.4, positioned as an electric car for the masses, shows significant potential but falls short in its current iteration, primarily due to its charging and navigation system integration. While the vehicle offers a smooth, quiet ride with decent real-world charging speeds comparable to a Tesla Model 3, and boasts a surprisingly good turning radius, its user experience is hampered by a cumbersome charging initiation process on the Electrify America network. Unlike competitors such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the ID.4 requires a multi-step app-based process to start charging, and its navigation system fails to intelligently select faster Electrify America chargers, instead defaulting to slow Level 2 options. The reviewer also notes the absence of one-pedal driving, a lack of a front trunk, and a considerable weight disadvantage compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y, which impacts driving dynamics. While future software updates are expected to address these issues, the current ID.4 is deemed not quite ready for prime time, especially for those relying on public charging for road trips.