The perfect first EV above all else needs to make the transition from internal combustion to electric propulsion as smooth and effortless as possible, and there is no better car to make this switch than the new Volkswagen ID.4. This all-new compact SUV is as modern and conventional as cars get, which is great for first-time owners, and it also offers conventional looks, decent range, and plenty of clever touches. Here are some reasons that make the ID.4 the perfect first EV.

A great family SUV needs to be convenient to drive, but more importantly, it should be easy on the eyes and wallet, and the VW ID.4 check all these boxes. Thanks to its sedate looks, the ID.4 blends into the typical suburban setting effortlessly. Even the entry-level ID.4 offers an EPA-estimated range of 268 miles, which isn’t exceptional in the larger scheme of things, but it’s plenty to run errands like grocery shopping, soccer run, and even the average office commute. The drive won’t set your pants on fire, but it offers a level of space and refinement that gasoline-powered cars in this segment like the VW Tiguan just can’t match.

Unlike other EVs in the segment that focuses on neck-snapping acceleration, the ID.4 likes to take it easy with 0-60 mph coming up in 7.6 seconds for the single-motor, RWD version that makes a very modest 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the AWD variant of the ID.4 does 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, courtesy of a beefier dual-motor setup that bumps up the power output to 295 horsepower, which is quick for a compact SUV, but not intimidating as other similarly sized EVs like the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6.

It’s well established that when it comes to packaging, EVs have a clear advantage with the only drawback being the heavy batteries that can negatively affect the vehicle’s dynamics. All EVs have to use one or more electric motors for propulsion that are not only smaller than your typical engine, but also don’t need a transmission, which allows manufacturers to extend the cabin limits and offer more interior room than a similarly sized IC vehicle.

The ID.4 is based on VW’s new MEB platform that’s been designed for EVs from the ground up and optimizes space much better than VW’s Tiguan SUV. Despite sharing nearly the same wheelbase as the Tiguan, the ID.4 manages to offer significantly more interior room in a package with smaller exterior dimensions. With a passenger volume of 109 cubic feet and 30 cubic feet of cargo storage behind the second row, it’s a very practical SUV.

The ID.4 exudes a reassuring air of German excellence and quality, with great paint quality, uniform panel gaps (looking at you Tesla), and a good blend of plastics and metal on the exterior. The interior instantly offers a familiar feeling as the ID.4 shares quite a few things with other mainstream VW products, including the infuriating touch buttons that are everywhere, including the steering wheel. Apart from this minor gripe, the quality of materials such as the soft-touch dashboard, seat fabrics, and switchgear, all exude an air of quality.

The ID.4 is supposed to be a representative of the future of mobility and it’s not only limited to its electric running gear. Step inside the ID.4 and you are greeted by a 10.0-inch infotainment display while the upper trims bump the display size up to 12 inches. As mentioned above, switchgear is familiar, but the software is bespoke to this new EV platform. Unfortunately, this new interface suffers from a complicated UI and can overwhelm certain users, but for basic phone connectivity and navigation, VW still equips the ID.4 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through the infotainment comes with in-built navigation. The gauge cluster is a 5.3-inch unit that does feel small at first, but displays all the necessary information and offers good configurability.

With the convenience of AWD and a full suite of active and passive safety tech, the VW ID.4 is a brilliant choice for people concerned about safety and all-weather capabilities. If you live in a snow-free area then you can always opt for the RWD version and save yourself nearly $4000. As for the safety features here’s a list of standard safety features found onboard the ID.4:

The compact SUV segment is perhaps the most lucrative and competitive segment of all, and with all the EV releases in this segment over the past couple of years, it’s a reminder that manufacturers need to bring their A-game to survive in the segment. Pricing often plays a major part in determining the success of a vehicle, especially in a price-conscious compact SUV segment. The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 currently carries a starting price of $41,995, there’s an entry-level trim coming in the future which will be priced at around $35,000.

The ID.4 range takes the fight to rivals like the Mustang Mach-E, priced at $42,895, and the Tesla Model Y, priced at 52,990 but the entry-level Model Y does offer a significantly superior range at 326 miles. Speaking of the range-topping Pro S with all the equipment, that will set you back around $50,135. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain is a $3,680 option that adds more power along with the safety of the AWD system.

Due to the ongoing chip shortage, the automotive industry at large is facing delays and production issues, EVs in particular. As a result, the waiting period on VW ID.3 and ID.4 can be as long as 12 to 18 months.

Yes, the ID.4 is VW’s all-electric SUV that comes equipped with a 77.0 kWh battery pack that lends it a range of 288 miles.

No, the Tiguan is a 5-seater SUV that comes with a gasoline engine while the ID.4 is a similarly sized full-electric SUV that carries a starting price of around 35,000.

Volkswagen’s Bold Plan and Upmarket Aspirations

2022 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 - The First VW ID To Arrive In The United States