Volkswagen’s foray into the electric SUV market with the ID.4 has been met with mixed reactions. While the 2024 model year brings some improvements, particularly in user interface and performance, it still falls short of being a top recommendation in the competitive EV landscape. This review, focusing on the mid-range RWD Pro S trim, aims to dissect whether these updates truly elevate the 2024 Id.4 or if it remains a work in progress. With an MSRP of $51,815 for the tested model, value is a key consideration, and unfortunately, the ID.4 continues to present itself as an unfinished product in several crucial areas.
Alt text: Front three quarter view of a silver 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S parked on an asphalt road, showcasing its updated design.
One aspect where the 2024 ID.4 attempts to shine is its driving range. Equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, the RWD model promises a real-world range of approximately 250 miles. While this figure is less than the EPA estimated 291 miles, it’s still a respectable number for daily driving and marginally surpasses figures seen in competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in similar configurations. Opting for the AWD version will slightly reduce this range. However, a significant drawback remains its charging capability. Unlike many newer EVs that boast compatibility with rapid 350kW chargers, the 2024 ID.4 is limited to slower charging speeds. This means while everyday efficiency is adequate, road trips and quick top-ups might be less convenient compared to rivals that can leverage faster charging infrastructure.
Alt text: Close-up of the illuminated touch-sensitive volume control and other minimalist dashboard features in the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4.
Moving inside, Volkswagen has addressed criticisms regarding the infotainment system. The updated central display’s user interface is undeniably more responsive and easier to navigate. Initially, menu interactions feel improved, but the system’s reliability remains questionable. During testing, the radio and navigation functionalities became unresponsive, displaying blank pages and failing to load, highlighting persistent software glitches. Such issues in a 2024 vehicle from a major manufacturer are unacceptable. While the gear selector operation is now smoother and the previously criticized touch sliders for volume and temperature are now illuminated, improving nighttime usability, they remain cumbersome and imprecise. Similarly, the steering wheel buttons, while functional, suffer from a gloss black finish prone to smudges and can be confusing to operate. These incremental improvements are overshadowed by the fundamental issues that persist, suggesting that while some annoyances are addressed, core execution remains lacking in the 2024 ID.4.
Alt text: View of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4’s front interior cabin, emphasizing the spacious center console and the absence of a front trunk.
Build quality and material choices further detract from the overall experience of the 2024 ID.4. The door latches, both interior and exterior, feel flimsy. Exterior grab handles exhibit concerning flex and creaking during use, raising durability concerns. Interior door release handles lack tactile feedback. The placement of rear window controls, accessible only via a toggle switch on the driver’s side, is inconvenient, and the mirror adjustment knob feels fragile. Adding to the list of disappointments is the low-resolution and distorted rear-view camera, a significant oversight for a vehicle marketed as technologically advanced. Upon opening the hood, the absence of a front trunk is a missed opportunity for storage in an EV, and the exposed, haphazardly arranged components under the hood present a poor impression. While the rear cargo area is spacious, the interior packaging feels inefficient. An overly large center console consumes cabin space without offering commensurate storage solutions, and the omission of a glovebox is perplexing. The high hood line further compromises forward visibility. While material quality is acceptable in some areas, the poorly executed controls and design flaws diminish the overall sense of quality in the 2024 ID.4.
Alt text: Side profile of a silver 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 highlighting its aerodynamic silhouette and wheel design.
From a driving perspective, the 2024 ID.4 Pro S is adequate but uninspiring. Power output has been increased for this model year, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of around six seconds for the RWD version. However, this performance doesn’t translate to a particularly engaging driving experience. Handling is described as mediocre, with vague and lifeless steering, a common characteristic in this vehicle segment. Compared to other EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the ID.4 lacks composure and agility on winding roads, exhibiting delayed responses and less refined driving dynamics. While regenerative braking is present, it’s not strong enough for true one-pedal driving, a feature preferred by many EV drivers. The driving experience of the 2024 ID.4, while functional, ultimately fails to excite or distinguish itself from competitors.
Alt text: Front passenger perspective of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 interior showing the minimalist dashboard design and seat details.
2024 VW ID.4 interior
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 rear seats
Alt text: Close up detail of the front headlight and fender of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 emphasizing design elements.
2024 VW ID.4 exterior
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 interior review
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 steering wheel controls
It’s not a matter of lacking sympathy for the 2024 ID.4, but rather a question of expectations from a global automotive giant like Volkswagen. Following the Dieselgate scandal, the ID.4 appears to be a rushed attempt at redemption in the EV market, still feeling very much like a beta product. When considering alternatives in the electric SUV segment, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the 2024 ID.4 struggles to present a compelling case. Unless significant incentives or discounts are available, exploring other options is strongly advisable. The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, despite updates, needs further refinement to truly compete with the leading EVs in its class.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S RWD
As-tested price: $51,815
Pros: Marginally improved user interface.
Cons: Software glitches, questionable build quality, inefficient interior packaging, uninspiring driving dynamics, slower charging speeds compared to competitors, strong competition from Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
