Volkswagen ID.4 review

The crossover sibling of the ID.3 hatch, to absolutely no one's surprise. It’s based on Volkswagen’s designed-for-electric platform known as MEB, and it’s available in rear- or all-wheel drive along with 52kWh or 77kWh battery variants. There’s also a performance version called the ID.4 GTX, which gets a 79kWh battery. A GTI or R for the electric age? We'll see about that.

Rivals are many. They include the ID.5 (essentially an ID.4 with a coupe roofline), Skoda Enyaq (and its coupe sibling) and Audi Q4 e-tron (and its Sportback sibling), all of which are closely related, sit on the same platform, and come from the VW Group megacorp alone.

There’s also the likes of the BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y.

What's the range like?

Entry-level ID.4s offer up to 221 miles of range with that smaller battery, mid-range models up to 339 miles courtesy of the bigger battery, while adding four-wheel drive into the mix means range takes a small hit. The range-topping all-wheel drive GTX (see below) claims up to 321 miles.

But. And it’s quite a big but. The entry-level Skoda Enyaq supplies more range across the board... and is cheaper. Awkward.

Look past that and you’ll find the ID.4 a comfortable, efficient and uncomplicated family cruiser. But it’s also rather bland to drive. Does that matter in a family SUV? Arguably not, but the GTX doesn’t add much to the picture either. Head over to the Driving tab for the full lowdown.

How big is it?

Think Tiguan outside but bigger inside. The wheelbase is actually the same as an ID.3, but sitting more upright means a sense of more legroom. Overall it's about 300mm longer than the ID.3, so the boot's a lot bigger.

The cabin cleaves to the minimalist aesthetic of many EVs, although that’s not necessarily a good thing. It also adopts the all-touch interface of the ID.3, which definitely isn’t a good thing. And no, the touchy-slidey steering wheel buttons and main dash controls (which do at least light up now) aren't getting any less infuriating.

How much does it cost?

Prices for the smaller batteried variant start from £39,590, the bigger battery from £44,400, all-wheel drive ups that to £46,120, and the AWD GTX range-topper is £52,245. Full details over on the Buying tab.

Want to know what the best electric cars are? Click here for the top 20

Volkswagen missed the mark with the launch of the ID.4, with the overall experience let down by a cabin that's infuriating to operate. Recent updates have fixed most of the woes, meaning it’s now a perfectly adequate family pod.

The smooth, silent driving experience demands nothing of you (though won’t appeal to you if you have even the slightest interest in driving enjoyment), it has a roomy cabin with loads of clever storage spaces, and it’s pretty efficient too.

But the bigger problem lies from within in the shape of the Skoda Enyaq, which is cheaper, has a more practical cabin, and goes further on a charge too. If it’s the cool factor you’re after, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 have it outflanked as well. There's nothing that the ID.4 is best at. Oh.