2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Performance

Newer EVs promise more immediate acceleration than their conventionally-powered counterparts, especially when darting from one traffic light to the next at city speeds. The base rear-wheel-drive model produces 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque; reports from independent testing suggest that the ID.4 can sprint from 0-60 mph in as little as 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 99 mph.

Some might find this acceleration figure to be a bit disappointing considering that the Hyundai Kona Electric can achieve the same sprint in well under seven seconds, and even the Tesla Model Y Long Range only needs 4.8 seconds to do the same. For this reason, it may be worth going for the dual-motor AWD version with its 295-hp powertrain, which is significantly quicker with a 0-60 time in 5.8 seconds. This AWD version also offers a braked towing capacity of 2,700 lbs compared to 2,200 lbs on the RWD model.

The RWD VW ID.4's powertrain comprises a rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor that generates 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque and comes with a lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of either 62 or 82 kWh. It makes use of a single-speed direct-drive transmission. The dual-motor AWD version adds a second motor to the front axle and produces 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.

The Driving Mode Selection system allows the driver to choose between four modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Custom. The RWD ID.4 gets up to around 40 or 50 mph with ease, feeling every bit like a swift EV with its immediately available torque. There's no Tesla-like shove into the seats, but acceleration feels on par with most conventional mainstream crossovers, albeit smoother and quieter. Thereafter, its responsiveness does taper off a bit disappointingly, but the more powerful AWD remedies any concerns you may have about the SUV's performance, cutting nearly two seconds from the 0-60 sprint and feeling strong, while assuring secure grip thanks to the AWD system.

According to the EPA, the RWD ID.4s with both the 62- and 82-kWh batteries will manage figures of 115/99/107 MPGe city/highway/combined and a total range on a full charge of 209 miles on the 62-kWh battery and 275 miles on the 82-kWh battery. The Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor manages a significantly better 127/117/122 MPGe and a range of 330 miles. Other comparable SUV EV options include the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric with 247 and 258 miles, respectively, so the ID.4 is right on par with most of its obvious rivals.

The ID.4 comes with an 11-kW AC onboard charger, a 110-volt charging cable, and has a DC charging acceptance rate of up to 125 kW with the 62-kWh battery and up to 170 kW with the 82-kWh battery. Using DC fast charging, the ID.4 with the large battery can add 60 miles of range in 10 minutes or be recharged from five to 80 percent in around 38 minutes. With a Level 2 charger, either at home or at a public charging point, 33 miles of range can be added in about an hour, but a full charge will take 7.5 to 11.5 hours overnight. On the plus side, the ID.4 comes with three years of inclusive 30-minute fast-charging sessions with Electrify America. Customers can take advantage of over 45,000 chargers from different suppliers spread across the country that are able to charge an ID.4. Electrify America expects to have expanded its own charging network to around 9,500 chargers nationwide by the end of 2025. As with most EVs, the decision to buy an ID.4 will be predicated on how convenient it is to charge near you.