The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 has carved a unique space in the burgeoning electric SUV market. As the automotive landscape shifts towards electrification, the ID.4 presents itself as Volkswagen’s earnest attempt to capture a significant share. This review dives deep into the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD model, aiming to provide a comprehensive perspective for potential buyers navigating the increasingly competitive EV segment. While the original review we’re building upon pointed out that the tax credit might be the primary draw, we’ll explore if there’s more to the ID.4 than just incentives.
The ID.4 Pro S AWD, the all-star variant in the ID.4 lineup, boasts a dual-motor setup enhancing both power and all-weather capability. With an as-tested price of $52,985, it positions itself against rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Toyota bZ4X. However, a significant advantage for the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 remains its eligibility for the substantial $7,500 federal tax credit, a crucial factor for many EV buyers.
Image: Front three quarter view of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 showcasing its exterior design.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Is the 2023 ID.4 Pro S AWD Enough?
Stepping up to the Pro S AWD trim of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 brings a noticeable power increase. The dual-motor configuration delivers 295 horsepower, a significant jump from the base model’s 201 horsepower. This translates to a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 5.5 seconds, making it adequately quick for daily driving and merging onto highways. The all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction, inspiring confidence in various weather conditions and offering improved grip during acceleration.
While the 0-60 mph figure is respectable, the acceleration does taper off at higher speeds, a common characteristic among many EVs in this class. However, for everyday driving scenarios and typical commutes, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD offers sufficient performance. Compared to competitors like the Toyota bZ4X, the ID.4 Pro S delivers a more engaging driving experience, though it may not match the outright thrill of some rivals.
Image: Side profile of a blue 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S highlighting its SUV proportions and wheel design.
The regenerative braking system in the 2023 ID.4 offers flexibility, allowing drivers to choose between minimal regeneration for a more traditional driving feel or a stronger setting for near one-pedal driving. This customization caters to different driving preferences and can contribute to maximizing energy efficiency.
However, the driving experience isn’t without its criticisms. The ride quality can feel somewhat choppy on uneven roads, and the steering, while providing decent grip, can exhibit nervousness at higher speeds, lacking linear response and feeling overly sensitive. While the AWD system ensures competent handling, the overall driving experience might be described as functional rather than inspiring. Vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD offer a more refined and engaging driving dynamic.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Mixed Bag
The interior of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is generally spacious, comfortably accommodating passengers and cargo. The cabin is relatively quiet, contributing to a relaxed driving experience, particularly on highways. The ID.4 incorporates modern technology features that are expected in contemporary vehicles, aiming to cater to tech-savvy consumers. Improvements have been noted in the infotainment system’s stability compared to earlier models, with fewer reported glitches or lockups.
Image: Interior view of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 dashboard and front seats, showing the minimalist design and digital displays.
Despite the spaciousness and technological integration, the interior design and ergonomics have drawn criticism. The door handles, for instance, are described as gimmicky and lacking tactile feedback, feeling less substantial than traditional mechanical handles. The absence of a physical volume knob, replaced by a touch-sensitive slider, is a point of contention for usability. Similarly, the placement of climate controls primarily within the infotainment screen can be distracting and less intuitive than physical buttons. While some physical controls for defrost are present, their location to the left of the steering wheel, alongside headlight controls, is unconventional.
The outward visibility is also noted as a potential drawback. A high dashboard and hood line, combined with thick A-pillars, can impede the driver’s view, particularly peripherally. The front of the vehicle lacks a front trunk (“frunk”), a missed opportunity for additional storage given the absence of a traditional combustion engine. The center console design, described as bulbous and “artsy,” is criticized for prioritizing aesthetics over practical storage space.
Image: Rear exterior angle of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 showcasing taillights and rear design elements.
While the infotainment system’s operational smoothness has improved, accessing certain vehicle settings can be cumbersome, requiring navigation through multiple menus. The placement of the auto-hold feature setting deep within the “brakes” menu, rather than a readily accessible physical button or a more intuitive menu location, exemplifies this issue. The PRND rocker switch, reminiscent of BMW’s i3, is another design choice that has been questioned for its ergonomics and inspiration.
Image: Close up of the center console area in the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 highlighting the design and storage space.
Range, Charging, and Efficiency: Meeting Expectations?
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD is equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, which is typical for its segment. Real-world range is a crucial consideration for EV buyers, and the ID.4’s performance in this area is adequate but not class-leading. The original review noted an average efficiency of 3 miles per kWh during a week of mixed driving in colder conditions, translating to a theoretical range of approximately 246 miles. However, it’s important to note that this efficiency was achieved with conservative driving habits, minimal use of climate control (relying primarily on seat and steering wheel heaters), and avoiding speeds above 70 mph.
Image: Driver’s perspective of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 interior, focusing on the steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, and infotainment screen.
In more typical driving scenarios, especially with regular use of climate control and at higher speeds, drivers can expect to see a reduction in range. Estimates suggest that a real-world range of 190 to 210 miles in winter conditions might be more realistic for many drivers. While sufficient for daily commutes and urban driving, this range may be less impressive compared to some newer EVs entering the market with longer ranges.
Charging speed is another important factor. The 2023 ID.4 Pro S AWD has a maximum DC fast charging rate of 150 kW. While this allows for reasonably quick charging, it lags behind some competitors that now offer 350 kW charging capabilities. Faster charging speeds can significantly reduce charging times, particularly on long journeys, and the ID.4’s charging speed is an area where it could improve to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
Tax Credit and Value Proposition: The Deciding Factor?
The most compelling argument in favor of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, as highlighted in the original review, is the $7,500 US federal tax credit. Being assembled in the United States, the ID.4 qualifies for the full tax credit amount, unlike some of its foreign-made rivals such as the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Toyota bZ4X. This tax credit effectively lowers the net cost of the ID.4, making it a more financially attractive option.
Image: A wider view of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 interior showcasing the dashboard, seats, and overall cabin ambiance.
With the tax credit, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD becomes significantly more affordable, potentially undercutting competitors like the Ioniq 5. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing cost savings, the tax credit can be a decisive factor. However, it’s worth considering alternatives like hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Venza, which offer excellent fuel economy, all-wheel drive, and lower upfront costs without range anxiety concerns.
Competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, also eligible for tax credits, present compelling alternatives in the electric SUV segment. The Model Y, despite its polarizing aesthetics, offers strong performance and a well-rounded package. The Mach-E stands out with its stylish design and engaging driving dynamics. The question remains whether a tax credit should be the primary basis for choosing a vehicle, or if other factors like driving experience, technology, and overall appeal should weigh more heavily.
Conclusion: A Pragmatic but Uninspiring EV Choice
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD presents a mixed bag. It offers a spacious and relatively comfortable interior, adequate performance with the dual-motor AWD powertrain, and a crucial federal tax credit that significantly enhances its value proposition. However, it falls short in terms of inspiring driving dynamics, ergonomic interior design, and charging speed compared to some newer rivals.
Image: Front view of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 emphasizing its headlight design and front fascia.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 might be a suitable choice for buyers prioritizing affordability through the tax credit and seeking a practical, no-frills electric SUV for daily driving. However, those looking for a more engaging driving experience, cutting-edge technology, or faster charging capabilities might find other options in the EV market more appealing. In a rapidly evolving EV landscape, the ID.4, while competent, risks becoming overshadowed by more innovative and exciting offerings.
Pros:
- Eligible for $7,500 Federal Tax Credit
- Spacious Interior
- Available All-Wheel Drive
- Decent Performance in Pro S AWD Trim
Cons:
- Uninspiring Driving Dynamics
- Ergonomic Quirks in Interior Design
- Average Charging Speed Compared to Rivals
- Real-world Range Can Be Lower Than Some Competitors
Image: A dynamic shot of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD in motion, highlighting its stance and road presence.
Image: Close up of the 2023 VW ID.4 interior detailing the dashboard texture and vent design.
Image: Focus on the rear seating area of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, demonstrating legroom and seat design.
Image: Detailed shot of the steering wheel and digital instrument panel of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S.
Image: Rear cargo area of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 showcasing its storage capacity.
Image: Close up of the wheel and tire of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 emphasizing the wheel design.
