The 2023 Volkswagen Id.4 Pro has carved a niche for itself in the burgeoning electric SUV market. While the allure of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, and competition intensifies, the ID.4 Pro presents itself as a contender, particularly when considering the current landscape of federal tax credits. But beyond potential savings, does the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro offer a compelling package for EV buyers? This review delves into the details of the ID.4 Pro S AWD model to uncover its strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine if it’s the right electric vehicle for your needs.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the 2023 ID.4 Pro S AWD
The ID.4 range culminates in the Pro S AWD variant, a significant step up from the base model. This all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration boasts a dual-motor setup, delivering a robust 295 horsepower. This is a considerable increase from the standard ID.4’s 201 horsepower, translating to enhanced performance and a more confident driving experience, especially in varying weather conditions. The added grip from AWD provides assured acceleration from a standstill. Zero to 60 mph is dispatched in a respectable 5.5 seconds, placing it competitively within its class. However, like many electric vehicles in this segment, the acceleration does taper off at higher speeds, particularly beyond 50 mph.
Despite this, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD offers a noticeable performance advantage over rivals like the Toyota bZ4X, providing a more engaging driving experience in everyday scenarios.
Interior Comfort and Technology of the ID.4 Pro S
Inside, the 2023 ID.4 Pro S prioritizes passenger space and comfort. The cabin is generously sized, comfortably accommodating individuals and small families alike. The ride quality is generally smooth and refined, particularly on highways, contributing to a relaxed and quiet driving environment. Volkswagen has equipped the ID.4 Pro S with a suite of modern technology features that are highly sought after by today’s consumers. Notably, unlike earlier iterations of the ID.4, this model demonstrated improved infotainment system stability, free from frustrating lockups and glitches.
One appreciated feature is the driver-selectable regenerative braking. The ID.4 allows drivers to choose between minimal regenerative braking for a more traditional driving feel or a more aggressive setting enabling near one-pedal driving. This customizable energy recovery system offers flexibility and caters to different driving preferences.
Range and Efficiency: Real-World Expectations for the 2023 ID.4 Pro
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD is equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, a capacity that aligns with its competitors in the electric SUV segment. During a week of mixed driving conditions, an average efficiency of 3 miles per kWh was observed. Theoretically, this translates to a range of approximately 246 miles. While this figure might alleviate range anxiety for daily commutes, it’s important to consider real-world factors that can impact efficiency.
The tested efficiency was achieved under specific conditions, including conservative driving habits, limited use of climate control (relying primarily on seat and steering wheel heaters in cold weather), and avoiding speeds exceeding 70 mph. Typical drivers using climate control more liberally and driving at higher speeds can expect to see a decrease in efficiency, potentially averaging closer to 2.5 miles per kWh or even less. In colder climates, this could result in a real-world range closer to 190-210 miles during winter months, even though the test was conducted during a colder week in Northern California. While achieving 3 miles/kWh in winter conditions is commendable, it ultimately positions the ID.4 Pro S as an average performer in terms of efficiency within its competitive set.
Drawbacks and Design Quirks of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4
Despite its merits, the 2023 ID.4 Pro S is not without its shortcomings. Several design and functionality choices detract from the overall experience.
One notable point of criticism is the door handles. Their electronically actuated design lacks tactile feedback and feels somewhat flimsy. The absence of a traditional mechanical linkage raises questions about their long-term durability and user-friendliness. Furthermore, their operation on inclines can be problematic, occasionally causing the doors to become stuck in a partially closed position.
The interior ergonomics also present some questionable design choices. The omission of a physical volume knob, replaced by a touch-sensitive slider, is a significant ergonomic regression, making volume adjustments cumbersome and distracting while driving. While some essential climate controls remain physical buttons, their placement to the left of the steering wheel, alongside the headlight controls, is unconventional and less intuitive than a center-dash location.
Visibility is another area of concern. The high dashboard and hood line, coupled with thick A-pillars, create noticeable blind spots and impede peripheral vision. Despite the absence of a traditional combustion engine, the front of the ID.4 lacks a front trunk (“frunk”), missing an opportunity for additional storage space. The center console design is also perplexing. Its bulbous, sculpted form prioritizes aesthetics over practicality, consuming valuable cabin space without offering usable storage solutions. This design choice feels more stylistic than functional.
While the infotainment system’s responsiveness has improved compared to earlier ID.4 models, accessing certain vehicle settings remains unnecessarily complicated. For instance, deactivating the auto-hold feature requires navigating through multiple menus within the “brakes” submenu, rather than a simple physical button or a more easily accessible menu. Its absence from the “assist” menu, where other driver-assistance systems are configured, is also an oversight.
The PRND rocker switch, seemingly inspired by BMW’s i3, is another questionable design choice. Furthermore, the overall driving experience is described as uninspiring. While not slow, the ID.4 Pro S lacks the engaging and dynamic feel of competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD. The ride quality can be choppy on uneven surfaces, and the steering exhibits nervousness at higher speeds, with a lack of linear response and excessive sensitivity. While the AWD system provides adequate grip and power distribution, the driving experience ultimately feels detached and unrewarding.
Charging speeds are also a point of consideration. The ID.4 Pro S is limited to a peak DC fast charging rate of 150 kW. While this enables reasonably quick charging, several rivals now offer 350 kW charging capabilities, significantly reducing charging times at compatible charging stations. In a rapidly evolving EV landscape, Volkswagen will need to enhance charging speeds to remain competitive.
The Tax Credit Advantage and Value Proposition of the 2023 ID.4
Currently, the most compelling argument for the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro is the $7,500 US federal tax credit for eligible buyers. Being manufactured in the United States, the ID.4 qualifies for the full credit, unlike some foreign-made competitors such as the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Toyota bZ4X. This tax incentive can bring the net cost of the ID.4 Pro down to a more attractive price point, potentially undercutting rivals like the Ioniq 5.
However, it raises the question: should a tax credit be the primary driver for choosing a vehicle? While financial incentives are undoubtedly important, particularly for budget-conscious buyers, it’s crucial to consider the overall value proposition beyond just price. Alternatives like the Toyota RAV4 or Venza hybrids, offering excellent fuel economy, AWD, and no charging concerns, exist in a similar price range.
Competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, also eligible for tax credits, offer strong alternatives in the electric SUV market. The Model Y, despite its polarizing aesthetics, is a well-packaged and high-performing EV. The Mach-E presents a stylish and engaging option. The availability of the tax credit certainly enhances the ID.4’s appeal, but it’s essential to weigh it against the vehicle’s inherent strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader EV landscape.
Conclusion: Is the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro a Disappointing EV?
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD presents a mixed bag. While it benefits from a substantial federal tax credit, spacious interior, and improved infotainment stability, it falls short in several key areas. Ergonomic quirks, uninspired driving dynamics, and average charging speeds detract from its overall appeal. In a rapidly evolving EV market with increasingly compelling alternatives, the ID.4 Pro S struggles to stand out beyond its tax credit eligibility. While it surpasses less impressive EVs like the Toyota bZ4X, the ID.4 Pro S ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a truly compelling and innovative electric vehicle. For buyers prioritizing cost savings and tax incentives, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro may warrant consideration. However, those seeking a more engaging, refined, and technologically advanced electric SUV might find stronger options elsewhere, or may be better served waiting for the next generation of EVs to emerge.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S
As-tested price: $52,985
Pros: Tax credit eligible
Cons: Average in every objective and subjective category. Lackluster driving experience.
