2023 VW ID.4 ELECTRIC SUV SHOWS PROMISE!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com

Nearly two years ago, we drove the ID.4 on the roads, hills of Chattanooga, Tenn., where the all-electric SUV’s assembly plant is based. Employing 3,800 people, VW has invested $800 million more in the $2.6 billion factory to produce solely electric vehicles.

Recently, the German automaker dispatched over the 2023 ID.4 S for us to test in the Tampa Bay area. Similar in size to the Tiguan, our RWD SUV was equipped with a single rear motor putting out 201 horsepower and 229 pounds-feet of torque. In the underbody is the 62kWh lithium-ion battery pack. But range is just around 208 miles on a full charge. There is also an AWD version, which gets an additional electric motor that develops out 295 hp and 339 pounds-feet of torque. And that has a reach of 275 miles. Plus, there is a $7,500 federal tax credit to be applied. Plugging in the 11 kW charger can take 7½ hours, or best is the 125 kW DC fast charging capability, which requires just 38 minutes. Buyers do get three years to use Electrify America fast charging systems (30-minute session) free. Eco, comfort, sport and custom modes are offered.

It is definitely a bold-looking vehicle, especially up front with the illuminated light bar and the VW logo located centrally while surrounded by LED projector headlights. As soon as the driver settles into the 12-way power leatherette seats, he is greeted by a configurable 5.3-inch digital display or what the carmaker calls an ID.Cockpit. A Discover Pro 12-inch touchscreen for infotainment controls sits atop the dashboard. Passenger volume for the compact vehicle at 99.9 cubic feet is quite creditable. Front-seat passengers get 41.1 inches and rear has 37.6 inches. Fold down the second row and you gain 64.2 cubic feet. Other goodies include dual auto a/c, 60/40 fold rear seat, 7-speaker sound system, heated front seats and tilt/telescopic leather, heated steering wheel, panoramic glass moon roof and hands-free power lift gate.

Dual front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, rearview camera, front/rear park distance control, electronic stability control, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard along with the IQ.Drive, which fetches you forward collision warning and auto brakes with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

Base-priced at $43,995, the well-balanced ID.4 shows lots of potential as the electric SUV segment heats up. It is definitely a far better viable option for buyers (thanks to the fed tax credit) looking at the ever-popular but pricey Tesla or the Mustang Mach-E.

ID.4 S (RWD)

Tires: 235/50R20

Wheelbase: 108.9 inches

Length: 180.5 inches

Width: 72.9 inches

Height: 64.5 inches

Suspension: Strut-type front, multilink rear

Steering: electric power

Weight: 4,416 pounds

Tow capacity: 2,200 pounds

City: 115 MPGe

Highway: 99 MPGe

Combined: 107 MPGe

Web site: www.vw.com