Modularity has been a mantra for Volkswagen as it works towards its stated goal of “electric cars for millions, not millions”. Its MEB platform is the versatile foundation for the ID.4 electric crossover you can get right now, for the much-anticipated electric Microbus reboot, and for many more EVs yet to launch.
This method helps keep costs down, but one of the potential downsides is that products start to feel the same. During a recent first drive of the ID.4 in all-wheel drive guise, I was impressed to see that VW was able to bring another driving feature to the ID.4 just by adding it. one of those building blocks: an engine module in front.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
The original ID.4 AWD keeps its tags closed. Drive is fairly light and the ID.4 has the same nice, linear input from the stop lights as the single-engine rear-wheel drive versions of this EV. With a combined 295 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque from both engines — a big increase over the RWD models’ 201 hp and 229 lb-ft — the AWD versions can accelerate. to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, compared to 7.5 seconds in the single- RWD engine versions. But the ID.4 doesn’t leap out of the line like other EVs; it’s like an earth well built after the cart rolls over.
Synchronize out the sportier side
The front-drive gives the “instant torque” moniker often applied to electric cars, so long as that’s whatever you’re running, giving the ID.4 a significantly more exciting feel. from city speeds to highway crossing situations.
The ID.4 defaults to Comfort mode, which as Eco mode seems to minimize any front-engine role. Sport mode, on the other hand, makes it all dynamic, completely changing the car’s personality and allowing for a deft torque distribution that’s nuanced enough to maintain a ready stance at high speeds. narrow corners.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
Personality differences may be related to engine layout. Instead of adding another permanent magnet motor like what’s on the front wheel, VW added a current-excited asynchronous unit at the front. The different engine format at the front has its advantages, that it doesn’t use any rare earth elements and can “move” without drag when it gives the best performance, eliminating demand for special clutches at the front, such as those used in Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
At a brief preview of the platform earlier, VW engineers told us that part of the reason for choosing the front-engine layout was that it also allowed high braking speeds when needed. So far, it doesn’t appear that VW has exploited that potential, however, when regen is in the shifter’s ‘B’ mode – what you choose for more, compared to the more relaxed ‘D’ – it seems as not much higher than the single-engine model.
More wheels to drive, more power
My testing 2021 ID.4 Pro S AWD has an EPA-rated 250-mile range. It came in with the 2,885-mile unreset computer long-term trip average, showing 2.9 mi/kwh over that distance, representing a 33 mph average. That works for a range of 223 miles, considering its 77 kWh usable battery capacity – with no evidence of how it was operated or used, of course, during that period.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
Based on what I’ve seen in about 150 miles and three days, that’s probably a good estimate for what many motorists will see in the real world, if you include multiple styles.
On about 52 miles of mostly highway driving on a chilly 46-degree evening, I only averaged 2.5 miles/kwh, according to the trip computer. Then, on a vigorous 47-mile loop at less responsive speeds on the highway and a quick burst on reverse, with an outside temperature of 49 degrees, I saw 2.7 mi/kwh . And finally, over a 57-mile period that includes more city driving and daytime errands (with temperatures hitting around 55 degrees), I averaged 3.3 mph/kwh.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
At the end of my three days with ID.4, the trip computer believed the 100% charge was a 238-mile range. From what I’ve seen so far, rear-wheel drive models can possibly even outperform current models’ EPA ratings by up to 260 miles, while all-wheel drive models The gear with more fines matches the ratings closely.
On 220 miles of mostly highway in the rear-wheel drive ID.4 last fall (temperature around 55 degrees), I hit an excellent 3.3 mi/kwh average — indicating a range of more than 250 miles — so it seems from this first time with AWD that it couldn’t deliver close to that time. We’ll follow up with a long-term or long-distance test when we can.
Bring on all the spaciousness and comfort
In the past few rear wheel drives ID.4 First Version, I found it to have excellent ride quality, precise steering, and fairly leisurely (for an EV) acceleration overtaking. The ID.4’s rear seat space has ample head and legroom, and cargo space is excellent (30.3 cubic feet with the seat backs up, 64.2 cubic feet with them flipped forward. ).
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
All in all, it’s good to see that AWD models carry nearly all of this potential — with a few minor exceptions. The near-luxury ride quality of the single-engine version translates to something a bit busier in the dual-engine model — especially on rougher roads or highway expansion joints where the The front end feels more solid. Compared to the single-engine ID.4, the all-wheel drive model is 0.6 inches taller, so that’s likely.
That aside, this dynamic of ID.4 is in sync with our first impressions from early last year. The doors of ID.4 are tightly closed; windows and doors seem super tight; and road noise is eliminated from the cabin by the luxury brand’s standards — perhaps in part because of the 19-inch Bridgestone Atenza Sport A/S tires. Wind noise, another challenge in EVs because they are so quiet, is nearly absent at speeds near 75 mph, as it begins to adjust around the side mirrors.
With the ID.4 AWD for a sharper ride, I weighed in on one moving point I’d like to see less of: the delayed infotainment and virtual button behavior we’ve seen on ID models. 4 earlier. Some later versions of hardware firmware — but still on the same software version — were better than before, although the screen often “hangs” when swiping left/right.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
The 2021 ID.4 AWD Pro SI version is priced at $49,370. It was a bit of a confusing time because VW has revealed the price for 2022up $765 from 2021, but all dealer stock across the dealerships we surveyed last week are still 2021 models. Regardless of the model year, ID.4 buyers are eligible. (with tax liability) for a $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
For 2022, in Pro or Pro S form, the AWD dual-engine layout costs $3,680 more than rear-wheel drive. VW has said that the 2022 models will add slightly higher DC fast charging rates (135 kw, versus 125 kw), Plug and Charge compatibility, and a keep-parking feature — some of them. that can be supplied out of -air updates. They can also be increased EPA coverage.
Compared to the more affordable Pro models, the flagship Pro S models feature larger 12.0-inch infotainment screens, panoramic glass roofs, adaptive headlights, and 30-color ambient lighting. But the Pro models include a great feature set, with heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging and adaptive cruise control — and an AWD version of the car. The Pro has a heated windshield. There’s no AM radio anywhere, and the only cold-weather gear the ID.4 doesn’t include in the US is a heat pump — something Kia, Hyundai and others decided to incorporate with AWD.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
VW set out to ensure that the ID.4 measures value against mass-market petrol models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. With the addition of AWD models, the ID.4 series is closer to fulfilling that mission. And I think in Pro AWD, the ID.4 is a great choice for those who need all-wheel drive in an EV. For those looking to maximize value and affordability, look forward to the next modular iteration — a lower-priced rear-wheel drive version with a smaller battery pack coming later this year .
