Anyone with a parking space Wallbox is his own, gets by with an electric car as the first vehicle in many cases. At least that should work with our test copy.
The Volkswagen ID 4 is the big brother of the ID 3 and is intended to boost global sales of VW brand e-models. Accordingly, it competes in the globally popular class of compact SUVs and has already overtaken its compact brother, at least in this country, as the Tiguan did with the Golf in the old gasoline world. We asked the ID 4 in the performance version with a large battery and rear engine for everyday testing. The 77 kWh storage promises almost vacation ranges and the 204 PS should provide the necessary sovereignty.
The recognition value of the ID 4
But let's stay in front of the car for now. The designers at VW are often accused of having a boring, but relatively timeless design. This also applies to the ID 4 and, in our opinion, sets it apart from its technical twins of Skoda, Cupra and Audi. The ID 4 looks a little lighter, more open, even a bit more elegant, which is not least due to the silver-colored C-pillar, which contrasts nicely with the paint of the test vehicle. We also like that the ID 4 neither has a large mouth in the form of an overflowing radiator grille nor looks otherwise aggressive.
This simple, relaxed line is also continued in the interior. The small display on the steering column shows the essential information about driving and houses the rotary switch on the right for the transmission control, which, apart from forward, backward and neutral, only knows the P position and is housed very discreetly but practically. Most of what you otherwise have to regulate in the car today works with the large display on the center console and a few switches. The fact that you don't find anything to turn to change the volume of the radio, but has to act, we accept as operating nonsense and hope for the first facelift. You get used to it.
Simple and practical
VW has managed to rethink the car from the inside, so to speak. The ID 4 is different from a conventional car and also from its siblings from the other group brands, which did not go as far as possible in terms of interior design. Ultimately, it's a matter of taste, but we liked it a lot, especially since the reduced chic doesn't have any practical restrictions. On the contrary. There is plenty of space. In view of the knee room in the back, even Passat drivers should look astonished - elsewhere you need a luxury model.
Subtle progress also includes the initially somewhat irritating but then taken for granted that there is no need for a start button. When you approach the car, the door unlocks. If you sit inside with your keys in your pocket, the car is ready to go. Conversely, the car is off when you get out with your keys. To be on the safe side, the ID 4 also reminds you to remove the smartphone from the wireless charging cradle. Thank you, very kind.
Power from behind
The ID 4 can also drive. Which brings us to the core virtues of electric cars. The 150 kW / 204 PS electric motor lives on the rear axle and drives it like the boxer does the blessed Beetle. The battery in the underbody ensures even weight distribution and a theoretically possible range of 477 kilometers according to WLTP. It is of course less practical. In summer test conditions - but not exactly in the heat - we achieved ranges of around 450 kilometers, although we did listen to the request to charge to calm our nerves. It takes place around 100 kilometers before the calculated end of the journey.
So we didn't try to completely drain the battery and therefore gave the Ionity Hypercharger a chance. In just under a quarter of an hour's coffee break, it packed around 35 kWh into the battery and ensured a relaxed onward journey. In everyday life without travel ambitions, the range is almost always sufficient, and the necessary electricity comes every evening or just once a week - depending on requirements - from the wallbox at home.
Will be even cheaper
When traveling, it is advisable not to exceed the recommended speed limit on motorways. This is thanks to the car with consumption values between 18 and 19 kWh per 100 kilometers. VW specifies 17,7 kWh as the standard value. If you want, you can get there with less on country roads with some recuperation options. With the exception of winter, you hardly ever get more than 20 kWh when you drive quickly but in accordance with the rules, which means that energy costs are around 6 euros per 100 kilometers. A diesel has to consume less than 5 liters to keep up. We paid 49 cents on the fast charger. If you only charge there, the costs rise to just under 10 euros, but diesel is no longer available on the autobahn for 1,30 euros.
The costs are of course still an issue with an e-car, even if the battery prices fall in the long run and the vehicles become relatively cheaper. Our test car had a basic list price of just under 45.000 euros and easily came to 54.000 euros with a few additional assistants, the excellent matrix light and a sunny panorama roof. That's a lot of money for a mid-range car. On the other hand, you can also bring a Tiguan to similar regions and the ID 4 is currently still € 9.570 subsidy from the price. There is also a good environmental conscience for free, especially since more and more new studies show that the electric vehicles do not need as long as always claimed to compensate their CO2 production backpack compared to a combustion engine.
Technical data
Five-door, five-seat compact SUV; Length: 4,58 meters, width: 1,85 meters, height: 1,61 meters, wheelbase: 2,77 meters, trunk volume: 543-1.575 liters
Electric motor, 150 kW / 204 PS, maximum torque: 310 Nm at 1 rpm, 1-speed gearbox, rear-wheel drive, 0-100 km / h: 8,5 s, Vmax: 160 km / h (regulated), standard consumption: 17,7 , 100 kWh / 2 kilometers (WLTP), CO0 emissions: 18,8 g / km (WLTP), emissions standard: not applicable, efficiency class: A +, test consumption: XNUMX kWh
Price: from € 44.915
In brief
Why: you don't need more electric cars
Why not: because you cannot install a wallbox
What else: the siblings Skoda Enyaq iV, Audi Q4 etron
