~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

Volkswagen delivers a vision of the future with its all-electric 2023 ID.4 Pro S crossover sport utility vehicle, which operates with robot-like reactions.

Approach the ID.4 with the key fob in pocket or purse and, as you get close, it unlocks all four doors and the tailgate while illuminating all the exterior lights, including the VW emblem.

Duck inside, step on the brake pedal and the instruments light up. Then grasp the knob at the top of the dash, which wakes up the electric power train. Twist forward to select “D” for Drive or “B” for Brake, or twist backward for “R,” Reverse. It even lights the word “Ready” in the instruments.

The “B” setting likely will be preferred by most drivers because it slows the vehicle with regenerative braking to help charge the ID.4’s battery pack, which improves the range. “D” works well for long-distance freeway cruising.

When you’re done driving, touch the button on the side of the shift knob and it sets the parking brake and takes the ID.4 out of “Drive.” But everything still seems switched on, including the radio, even if you open the driver’s door. Only when you swing your legs out over the door sill does everything shut down and the center screen says “Good-bye.”

Driven for this review was the ID.4 Pro S, a top trim level, with all-wheel drive and separate electric motors for the front and rear wheels. Together, they make 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, enough to accelerate the ID.4 to 60 miles an hour in the five-second range. Top speed is about 100 miles an hour.

Because it is electric, the ID.4 has no need of a typical automatic transmission. Electric motors deliver instant torque, or twisting force, as soon as they are switched on, so there’s no need to raise the revs for more power. They deliver forceful torque as they accelerate. The ID.4’s system is called direct-drive.

A full charge of the battery pack is rated by Volkswagen as enabling 275 miles of driving. During the test for this review, a 100% charge on a level two, 220-volt charger yielded a range of 265 miles, close enough given the differences among driving styles. The ID.4 can also be charged on commercial DC fast chargers.

As with most other fully electric cars, SUVs and trucks, the ID.4 driving experience is tranquil. It cruises quietly comfortable with little mechanical or wind noise and has decent insulation to block out all but the worst road and tire noise.

The Environmental Protection Agency, which certifies fuel economy, does not have a system to describe the sizes of SUVs, as it does for cars. It has just two descriptions: small and standard, with the ID.4 classified as small.

Yet the ID.4 has 100 cubic feet of space for five passengers and 30 cubic feet for cargo behind the back seat, for a total of 130. If it were a conventional sedan with those numbers, it would be classified as large, which is defined as any car with 120 or more cubic feet of interior space for passengers and cargo.

The tested ID.4 Pro S was well equipped, as would befit an SUV with a base price of $52,590, including the destination charge. There was only one option—Aurora Red metallic paint, which brought the as-tested price up to $52,985.

Standard equipment included a full suite of safety features: automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitor, semi-automated driving assistance with assisted lane changing, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, rear traffic alert, and front and rear park distance control.

The tested Pro S also came with comfortable V-Tex perforated leatherette upholstery, navigation, a panoramic glass sunroof, which did not open but came with a motorized cloth sunroof shade that admitted some light. Also, dual-zone automatic climate control, SXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless device charging.

At just an inch more than 15 feet long, with a four-wheel independent suspension system and 20-inch wheels and tires, the ID.4 Pro S delivers solid and capable handling, with responsive steering, though no seasoned driver would mistake it for a sports car. It tracks truly on Interstates and can handle most twisting rural roads.

It’s now also American made, in VW’s plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
  • Motors: Two electrics; Total 295 hp, 339 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Single-speed direct-drive with all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 15 feet 1 inch.
  • Height: 5 feet 6 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 100/30 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 4,788 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 2,700 pounds.
  • Equivalent miles per gallon city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 104/93/99 MPGe.
  • Range: Up to 275 miles.
  • Charging time: Level two, 220-volt charger, 6 to 7.5 hours.   
  • Base price, including destination charge: $52,590.
  • Price as tested: $52,985.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Volkswagen