ID.4

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
SUV

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 first arrived in the United States sporting one powertrain option, a rear-mounted electric motor developing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft. This base rear-wheel-drive Pro model could hit 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and travel 260 miles on a charge, or 250 miles in the Pro S and 1st Edition variants. Now Volkswagen has officially introduced the ID.4 AWD, which adds a second electric motor on the front axle to improve performance dramatically.

VW says the ID.4's additional front motor produces 107 hp and 119 pound-feet of torque, combining with the rear motor to generate 295 total hp. This is slightly lower than the original 302-hp claim, though it's still more than a 46% increase over the RWD model. With so much more power on tap, the ID.4 AWD takes only 5.7 seconds to hit 60 mph. Towing capacity rises too, from 2,200 to 2,700 pounds.

"We're committed to making EVs the default choice for Americans," said Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Volkswagen. "The all-wheel-drive ID.4 merges the utility and zero-emissions driving delivered by the rear-wheel-drive vehicle with the performance from our sporty vehicles." Since there is no physical connection between the two motors, the front one only needs to engage when needed, improving the driving range.

The EPA estimates the AWD Pro model can travel 249 miles on a charge, while the AWD Pro S model drops slightly to 240 miles. An 11-mile drop in range (from 260) seems like a small price to pay for the added power and all-wheel drive grip.

Pricing for the ID.4 AWD Pro starts at $43,675, making it the least expensive AWD electric vehicle in the US. By comparison, the cheapest Ford Mustang Mach-E with AWD costs $45,595, while the Tesla Model Y Long Range starts at $52,490. The pricier ID.4 AWD Pro S comes in at $48,175 and offers the Gradient Package, including 20-inch alloy wheels, a black roof with silver trim, and a slightly revised bumpers. All ID.4 models carry a $1,195 destination charge but are eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.

VW says the ID.4 AWD hits dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2021.