Having spent more time with the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S, my initial lukewarm impressions have unfortunately cooled further. While the Pro S model boasts a dual-motor setup and enhanced performance, it does little to elevate the ID.4 from being a rather uninspired electric vehicle. In a market brimming with compelling EVs like the Ford Mach-E and Tesla Model Y, the ID.4 Pro S struggles to justify its existence. It feels as though Volkswagen themselves haven’t fully committed to making the ID.4 a truly desirable EV.
Reasons to Consider the 2022 Id.4 Pro S (However Limited)
Frankly, the compelling reasons to choose a 2022 ID.4 Pro S are few and far between. Perhaps you’ve stumbled upon an exceptionally attractive lease deal, are a devoted Volkswagen enthusiast, or simply find its understated styling appealing. Beyond these niche scenarios, the ID.4 Pro S faces an uphill battle.
That being said, the performance of the dual-motor Pro S is a notable improvement over the base ID.4. The 0-60 mph sprint time of 5.7 seconds is respectable, shaving off roughly two seconds compared to the single-motor version. While it might not feel overtly quick in real-world driving, it’s a step in the right direction. In terms of value, the as-tested price of $50,870 for a well-equipped model positions it somewhat competitively against other dual-motor electric SUVs. However, it’s worth noting that a similarly configured Tesla Model Y, while pricier, offers significantly superior performance and range. The ID.4 Pro S delivers an adequate driving experience, typical of Volkswagen’s generally competent engineering, but it lacks any spark or memorable qualities. On a positive note, ride comfort is commendable.
Why the 2022 ID.4 Pro S Might Miss the Mark for You
The list of shortcomings for the 2022 ID.4 Pro S is considerably longer, and these criticisms are not simply rooted in a bias against electric vehicles. Initially, there was optimism that the ID.4 could serve as a palatable entry point to EVs for traditional VW buyers. However, in a rapidly evolving EV landscape, the ID.4 Pro S feels increasingly outpaced and uninspired. While other EVs boast unique selling points and attention-grabbing features, the ID.4 Pro S struggles to offer anything beyond its electric powertrain.
From a design perspective, the exterior is undeniably bland. While not offensively ugly like some might argue about Tesla’s aesthetics, the ID.4 Pro S lacks any visual flair. It could have been a bold statement, but instead, it settles for being utterly forgettable, especially when parked next to the striking Ford Mach-E or the futuristic Hyundai Ioniq 5. The front fascia appears disproportionately large and bulbous in person.
The missed opportunities extend beyond aesthetics. Electric vehicle architecture is supposed to liberate designers, allowing for more creative packaging and lower mounting of components. Yet, the ID.4 Pro S inexplicably lacks a front trunk (“frunk”). The space under the hood is occupied by various components, rendering it useless for storage. The rear cargo area is also not particularly spacious, and the overall interior volume feels unremarkable. Compounding matters is the oddly high placement of everything within the cabin. The hood line sits higher than the dashboard, significantly hindering forward visibility and creating a claustrophobic feeling. The interior design feels devoid of inspiration, suggesting a rushed and functional approach rather than a thoughtfully designed space.
While the minimalist cabin design has some aesthetic appeal, the material quality and execution are disappointing, especially considering the $50,870 MSRP. Even factoring in potential government rebates, the interior materials, characterized by hard plastics and subpar door handles, fail to live up to the price tag. A peculiar ergonomic misstep is the rear window switch operation. Instead of individual buttons for each window, you must toggle a switch to alternate between controlling the front and rear windows – an unnecessarily convoluted design.
The infotainment system, anchored by a large central touchscreen, initially appears modern and visually appealing. However, its performance is marred by persistent lag and unresponsiveness. This sluggishness is not only frustrating but also a potential safety concern when attempting to use the system while driving. Simple tasks like scrolling through Sirius XM channels become arduous, with the system frequently freezing and inadvertently selecting unwanted stations. Furthermore, the inability to adjust active driver safety systems while the vehicle is in motion is a perplexing oversight.
The gear selector, a small rocker switch for Drive and Reverse, feels cheap and unrefined. The digital gauge cluster is equally underwhelming in its layout and limited configurability. These design choices seem to borrow heavily from the BMW i3, but without improving upon those already questionable implementations. Again, the question arises: where is the innovation and creativity from Volkswagen?
The driving experience of the 2022 ID.4 Pro S is, in a word, bland. While the increased power is appreciated and provides a momentary thrill from a standstill, it doesn’t translate into an engaging driving experience. Volkswagen’s marketing often touts the fun-to-drive nature of EVs, but the ID.4 Pro S fails to deliver on this promise. The handling is uninspired, falling short of the dynamic capabilities typically associated with gas-powered Volkswagens. While all-wheel drive is standard on the Pro S, offering enhanced traction in adverse weather, this is hardly a unique selling point in the electric SUV segment.
In terms of efficiency, conservative driving in mixed city and highway conditions yielded an estimated combined range of 220 miles from the 82 kWh battery pack. This range figure is underwhelming for a battery of this size, and falls short of the range offered by the 2WD ID.4 model. Competitors like the Ford Mach-E with a similar battery capacity achieve comparable range, while the Tesla Model Y standard range surpasses both, even with a smaller 70 kWh battery.
Finally, the charging infrastructure experience with Electrify America, the network offered with the ID.4, is plagued with reliability issues. While the three years of free charging is a significant perk, the chargers themselves are frequently out of service. Multiple charging attempts often result in failures, and in one instance, a malfunctioning charger became physically stuck to the ID.4’s charging port. Despite some chargers claiming 350 kWh fast charging capability, the ID.4 Pro S never drew more than 130 kWh in testing.
Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
The 2022 VW ID.4 Pro S is not a step forward into the future of electric vehicles, but rather feels like a step backward in terms of innovation and execution. It’s a disappointing offering that struggles to compete in an increasingly competitive EV market. While not entirely without merit, the ID.4 Pro S ultimately fails to inspire and lacks the compelling qualities needed to stand out. If Volkswagen dedicated more attention to detail and innovation, the ID.4 could have been a truly great electric SUV.
2022 VW ID.4 Pro S
As-tested price: $50,870
Pros: Well-equipped for the price point, improved performance over base model.
Cons: Uninspiring design, subpar user experience, underwhelming range and charging experience.
Verdict: Volkswagen needs to invest more effort to make the ID.4 a truly competitive and desirable EV.
