The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric vehicle and the first of its kind from the carmaker. Moreover, ID.4 is the first EV in the US on VW’s new MEB platform.
The MEB platform is a big deal because it’s a universal framework made specifically for EVs. And it’s one that Volkswagen plans to use for many electric vehicles to come.
✅ VW’s electric vehicles arrive –> get your best prices at Ontario VW.
Southern California’s leading Volkswagen dealer, Ontario VW, hosted an ID.4 driving event and invited me to get the inside scoop. So, the video below shares what ID.4 means to VW’s future. And more importantly, what local SoCal drivers have to say about the vehicle.
Plus, check out the glaring advantages ID.4 has over Tesla’s much more expensive Model Y!
Earl Reed, Ontario VW’s General Manager, told me that ID.4 will be produced in the United States. But that COVID caused that production plan to be delayed.
2021 VW ID.4: Drivetrain & Chassis Details
The SUV’s defining feature is its permanent magnet synchronous motor. Built for maximum efficiency, it uses a special technology called hairpin winding. VW uses this method to tightly pack the coils in the motor. Consequently, the motor puts off more power and torque. Additionally, the drive unit cools itself more efficiently.
Includes free DC fast charging at select locations.
Then there’s the 83 kWh battery. Separated into 12 modules and surrounded by a protective frame, a network of water channels keeps the unit at an optimal 77 degrees. The battery can last around 250 miles on one charge.
For convenience, all ID.4s come with a Combined Charging System (CCS) socket. This means that drivers can easily charge the car’s battery at home or at a public station. At a DC fast-charging station, it takes about 40 minutes to jump from five percent battery life to 80 percent.
Driving Modes
Moving on to the chassis, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 has excellent traction for all driving situations.
There are four modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, or Custom. The first three pre-set. But in custom mode, you can mix and match features for a unique driving experience. The ID.4 also comes with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, a VW feature that made its debut last year. This computerized system adjusts the car’s steering for maximum safety and control.
Regenerative Braking
Finally, there’s the regenerative braking system, available in two modes. The car uses a combination of generator-based and hydraulic braking. However, the movement between the two is so fluid that drivers won’t even notice the difference. The system adjusts automatically so that the rear wheels always have plenty of grip on the road.
VW ID.4 Safety Features
This year, VW is introducing its sophisticated IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology. Packed with features, IQ.DRIVE prevents accidents in both urban and rural areas. It has forward, side, and rear collision warning systems, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 also offers Travel Assist. This system allows for partially automated hands-on driving up to 95 MPH. Basically, the car does most of the work as long as drivers stay in control with their hands on the wheel.
Infotainment touchscreen
The collision warning systems use cameras and radar to spot obstacles around the vehicle. If it detects a threat, a visual and audio alarm will sound off so that the driver can react. And the system can automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to respond.
The IQ.DRIVE is VW’s most sophisticated safety package yet. Almost every aspect of the ID.4 features a safety enhancement, from the headlights down to the brakes.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Interior & Exterior
Not only did VW go all out on tech and safety in the ID.4. They built a sleek exterior with a comfortable and functional interior to match.
Starting outside, the car has a sculpted body with large intake vents on the front bumper. Narrow but powerful LED headlights sit above the vents. The aerodynamic body is built for maximum efficiency, and the SUV was assembled with light materials to reduce the overall weight.
Large door openings and high seating positions
The ID.4 comes in six colors, with other options available on the upgraded trim packages.
Moving on to the inside, the ID.4 is spacious and modern. The interior features include the following:
- Innovative all-digital display upfront
- Spacious center console with cup holders, USB chargers, and a wireless charging pad
- Optional panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade that prevents overheating
- Comfortable and stylish seating
- Ambient lighting for a luxurious feel
- Acoustic upgrades to minimize sound inside the vehicle
VW ID.4 Tech & Infotainment
Techies will find plenty to do while traveling in the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The entire cockpit display is touch-activated and features either a 10- or 12-inch display, depending on the trim package that you choose. You can navigate through menus using gesture control, which only requires moving your hand in front of the screen.
Dash digital display
Next, VW included Hello ID, a voice-controlled system that can understand basic commands. If you tell Hello ID that you’re cold, it’ll turn up the heat. It can sift through your music library, change settings in the car, and take care of other nifty tasks – without you needing to lift a finger.
The concluding feature is Car-Net. This high-tech package includes a variety of connected apps, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the ability to interface with Apple and Android smartphones.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4: Pricing And Tax Incentives
It’s already clear that this all-electric, feature-packed SUV is a hit. The special ID.4 First Edition model sold out shortly after launch, and VW designed the car with four unique trims at tiered price points. The entry-level model starts at $39,995 MSRP. The AWD Pro S models, which will be available later in the year, start at $48,175.
Additionally, US customers can get a tax credit of up to $7,500 by purchasing the ID.4, which brings the cost down on all models.
30.3 cu-ft cargo space with backseats up
Drivers who want the latest in tech and safety features along with an extremely efficient, environmentally-friendly design will find what they need in the ID.4. Best of all, they won’t have to sacrifice comfort or style. The ID.4 has it all.
Ontario VW – SoCal’s Volkswagen ID.4 HQ
