Volkswagen’s foray into the electric SUV market with the ID.4 has been met with mixed reviews. While updates have addressed some initial concerns, the 2024 Volkswagen Id.4 Pro S model, despite its improvements, still falls short of being a top recommendation in the competitive EV landscape. This review, focusing on the ID.4 Pro S, will delve into the details, highlighting areas where it excels and, more importantly, where it disappoints. The model tested here, a mid-range rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Pro S, carries a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,815. While seemingly competitive, the price tag doesn’t justify the overall experience offered by this still-evolving electric vehicle.
One undeniable strength of the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S lies in its driving range. Equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, it delivers a real-world range of approximately 250 miles. Opting for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version will slightly reduce this figure. Although this falls short of the EPA-estimated 291 miles, a 250-mile range is respectable and suitable for daily commutes and longer journeys. It marginally surpasses the real-world range of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 when similarly configured, demonstrating decent efficiency for everyday use. However, a significant drawback is the ID.4’s inability to utilize 350kW fast chargers, common among other EV manufacturers. This limitation means longer charging times, especially at public fast-charging stations, although home charging and slower public chargers will not be affected.
Image alt text: Front three quarter view of a blue 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S driving on a paved road, showcasing its updated exterior design.
Unfortunately, beyond range, the experience with the ID.4 Pro S takes a downward turn, primarily due to questionable design choices and execution. A key update was implemented in the central display’s user interface (UI), aimed at improving usability. While the updated UI is indeed quicker and more intuitive initially, the improvements are superficial. During testing, the infotainment system exhibited significant glitches, with both the radio and navigation pages becoming unresponsive, displaying blank screens and failing to load. Such software instability in a vehicle from a major manufacturer like Volkswagen in 2024 is simply unacceptable.
Image alt text: Close-up of the touch-sensitive volume control panel in the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S, highlighting the controversial buttonless design.
The rotating gear selector is a minor improvement, and the previously criticized touch controls for volume and temperature are now illuminated, making them visible at night. However, illumination does not solve the fundamental issue: these touch sliders remain clumsy and frustrating to use. Similarly, the steering wheel buttons, finished in gloss black, are prone to smudges and can be overly complicated to operate. While some elements have been tweaked, they are still far from user-friendly.
The build quality and interior design of the ID.4 Pro S also raise concerns. The door latches, both interior and exterior, feel flimsy and toy-like. The exterior door handles exhibit noticeable flexing and creaking when used, raising questions about their long-term durability. The interior door release handles lack tactile feedback, adding to the cheapened sensation. The placement of rear window controls is another ergonomic misstep. Rear window operation is relegated to a small, awkward button on the driver’s side door panel, requiring toggling between front and rear controls – a baffling design choice. The mirror adjustment knob also feels fragile and susceptible to breaking. Adding to the list of disappointments is the low-resolution and distorted rear-view camera, a surprising deficiency in a vehicle marketed as technologically advanced.
Image alt text: Open hood of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S showing the absence of a front trunk (frunk) and exposed components, criticizing the inefficient use of space.
Opening the hood reveals the absence of a front trunk (“frunk”), a missed opportunity for additional storage space in an EV. Instead, a disorganized array of cross braces and components is exposed, lacking even a basic cover. While the rear cargo area is commendably spacious, the absence of front storage is a significant drawback. The interior space utilization is also questionable. An excessively large center console dominates the front cabin, making it feel more cramped than necessary. Despite its bulky size, the center console offers limited practical storage, compounded by the omission of a glovebox in front of the passenger seat. The high hood line further obstructs forward visibility, sitting higher than the dashboard, which is a notable design flaw. While the material quality within the cabin is acceptable and the seats are comfortable, the poorly executed controls and design oversights detract significantly from the overall interior experience.
From a driving perspective, the ID.4 Pro S is adequately functional. Power output has been increased for this model year, reducing the 0-60 mph acceleration time to approximately six seconds for the RWD version. However, the vehicle doesn’t feel particularly quick in real-world driving. Handling is described as merely adequate. Steering is vague and lifeless, a common characteristic in this vehicle class, lacking the engaging feel found in some competitors. On winding roads, the ID.4 Pro S lacks the composure and agility of other EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, exhibiting delayed responses and a less refined driving dynamic. Although regenerative braking is present, it is not strong enough to enable true one-pedal driving, a feature preferred by many EV drivers.
Image alt text: Side profile of a silver 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S parked on asphalt, emphasizing its overall shape and stance.
In conclusion, while the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S demonstrates improvements in certain areas, particularly in user interface updates, it remains a compromised product. Considering Volkswagen’s standing as a global automotive leader, the ID.4’s shortcomings are particularly disappointing. Compared to alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the ID.4 Pro S struggles to justify its position in the market. Unless substantial manufacturer incentives or dealer discounts are available, prospective EV buyers are strongly advised to explore other, more polished and user-friendly electric SUVs. The Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S, even with updates, still feels like an unfinished product in a rapidly evolving EV landscape.
2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S RWD
As-tested price: $51,815
Pros: Acceptable driving range
Cons: Buggy software, cheap interior feel, ergonomic flaws, unrefined driving dynamics, strong competition from Hyundai and Kia.
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S dashboard and front seats, highlighting the minimalist design and large infotainment screen.
Image alt text: Wider interior shot of the 2024 VW ID.4 Pro S cabin, showing the spaciousness and layout of the front interior.
Image alt text: Rear seats of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, emphasizing the legroom and passenger space in the back.
Image alt text: Front view of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, showcasing the front grille and headlight design.
Image alt text: Exterior of the 2024 VW ID.4 in a light color, parked to show the vehicle’s overall proportions and SUV styling.
Image alt text: Closer interior perspective of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S, focusing on the steering wheel and digital cockpit area.
Image alt text: Steering wheel controls of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, pointing out the touch-sensitive buttons and their glossy black finish.
Image alt text: Abstract interior detail of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, possibly showing ambient lighting or textured interior surface.
