Thanks to over-the-air software updates, car owners can add new features, fix software bugs, or upgrade the performance or driving range remotely free of charge without even having to visit a car dealership. Since it launched in America, the Volkswagen ID.4 has been a massive success for VW, but it's had a few teething issues.

During our test drive, we encountered a few stability issues with the infotainment system, but this can easily be fixed with a software update. In the US, all ID.4s come pre-installed with ID.Software 2.1, which enables over-the-air-software updates, but customers in Europe had to visit their local dealer to install the update.

From now, though, all VW ID. models including the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.4 GTX will receive regular over-software updates roughly every 12 weeks to keep the EVs up to date. Until now, these updates were only available as part of a test phase for customers registered with the "ID. First Movers Club".

"The new updates are a central functionality of the digital, connected car. They will quickly become normal for our customers, in the same way as they have for their smartphones," said Thomas Ulbrich, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at VW. "Software development is iterative and fast. We work in short cycles, like a tech company, and provide updates to our customers at correspondingly short intervals."

VW's latest 2.3 update adds a raft of improvements. The ID. Light strip at the bottom of the windshield now includes information that can "provide intuitive support for energy-saving driving, and when driving with the automatic distance control system." Image processing for VW's multifunction camera has also been improved, allowing it to recognize motorcycles and other cars on the road faster.

Other updates added in ID.Software 2.3 includes "more precise headlight regulation" for the dynamic main beam and updated graphics for the infotainment system, making it more intuitive. VW hints that future software updates could improve the driving range of ID. cars for longer journeys and eventually offer automated driving.

"Vehicles that always have the latest software on board can provide an excellent digital customer experience and are therefore of the utmost importance for our future success," Ulbrich added. "Thanks to regular updates, the car will not just remain up-to-date - it will become even better."