DO WE STILL LIKE THE VW ID.4 AFTER 2 MONTHS? - LONG TERM TEST UPDATE #2

EV Channels Review

After two months and approximately 1500 miles, Branden and Kalie find themselves largely satisfied with their 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S. The vehicle excels in ride quality, comfort, and overall build, reflecting Volkswagen's long-standing automotive expertise. The comfortable seats, panoramic roof with a solid sunshade, and functional power liftgate are highlighted as significant positives. The reviewer also appreciates the ID.4's traditional car-like startup procedure and its handsome, understated styling, which avoids drawing unwanted attention. The integration of wireless Apple CarPlay is surprisingly effective, and the driver assistance suite, 'IQ.DRIVE,' is deemed competent for highway driving, with the capacitive steering wheel being a notable improvement over torque-sensing systems. A major draw is the three years of free, unlimited DC fast charging with Electrify America. However, the interior's extensive use of piano black trim is a significant drawback due to its susceptibility to scratches and fingerprints. The lack of a front trunk and the inclusion of a basic 120V charging cable are minor disappointments. More substantial criticisms are directed at the infotainment system's slow startup, the poorly implemented and unreliable 'CarNet' mobile app, and the absence of essential features like auto-hold and walk-away door locks. The most significant area for improvement is the navigation system, which lacks the robust route planning capabilities found in competitors like Tesla, making it less suitable for novice EV users embarking on long trips. Despite these shortcomings, the reviewers would repurchase the ID.4, valuing its driving dynamics and overall value proposition.