Gridly
Overview
The Volkswagen ID.4 is the MEB platform’s volume mid-size SUV - the most important electric vehicle in Volkswagen’s global lineup and the product that the company needs to succeed to maintain relevance through the EV transition. The Pro uses the 77 kWh battery (per vehicle data) for strong range.
The ID.4’s character reflects VW’s mainstream positioning: sensible, practical, and well-executed without the design ambition of Audi or the performance focus of the Kia EV6. It is a family SUV for buyers who want an EV without either a learning curve or a compromise in daily practicality.
The 544 km WLTP range (per vehicle data) and 543 L boot - one of the largest in the segment - reflect the MEB platform’s packaging efficiency. The flat floor allows cargo to fill the width of the boot with no intrusion from a drivetrain tunnel.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Battery | WLTP Range | Drive | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID.4 Pro | 77 kWh | ~544 km | RWD | ~$63,990 |
| ID.4 Pro AWD | 77 kWh | ~490 km | AWD | ~$75,990 |
| ID.5 Pro (coupe-SUV) | 77 kWh | ~543 km | RWD | ~$73,990 |
Performance
Single rear motor. Output: approximately 210 kW. 0-100 km/h: 6.7 seconds (per vehicle data). Top speed: 180 km/h. The single motor RWD configuration is smooth and well-balanced - VW’s powertrain calibration prioritises linear, confident acceleration over drama.
One-pedal driving is available; regen settings are adjustable through the infotainment system.
Range and Charging
WLTP range: 544 km (per vehicle data). Real-world highway range at 110 km/h: approximately 435–470 km. Urban and mixed driving: 480–520 km.
DC fast charging: 175 kW (per vehicle data). 10–80%: approximately 32–36 minutes. AC: 11 kW three-phase. Full charge from 11 kW AC: approximately 8 hours.
Running cost at $0.30/kWh: (77 / 544) × 100 × 0.30 = $4.25/100 km.
Interior and Technology
A 12.9-inch central touchscreen dominates the dashboard. Physical buttons are largely absent - climate, media, and navigation are all touch-only. The touch-slider controls for common functions (volume, temperature) generate the most consistent negative feedback from ID.4 owners: adjusting the fan speed or seat heating requires a touchscreen interaction rather than a physical reach.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. VW’s infotainment software has improved significantly through over-the-air updates - the current software generation is substantially more stable and responsive than the ID.4’s launch software.
Head-up display, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof are available at higher specification points.
Practicality
Five seats. Boot: 543 L - among the largest in the segment. The flat floor provides an unobstructed cargo surface. Front storage: 44 L under-bonnet compartment handles charging cables. Towing: 1,000 kg braked. V2L: not available. V2H: not available.
Rear legroom is generous for the class; the MEB platform’s long wheelbase relative to overall length maximises passenger accommodation.
Safety
Five-star NCAP. Travel Assist standard: combined adaptive cruise and lane centring on supported roads. AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Side Assist (blind spot), Rear Traffic Alert, Emergency Assist. Park Assist with memory available on higher specifications.
Running Costs and Ownership
Running cost: approximately $4.25/100 km at $0.30/kWh. Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 km (per vehicle data). VW’s Australian dealer network is comprehensive in metropolitan areas and well-represented regionally. Over-the-air software updates are supported and regularly deployed.
Verdict
The ID.4 Pro is for buyers who want a mainstream European family EV. 544 km range, 543 L boot, and a familiar VW family SUV character at a competitive price. The touch-only controls are the most common ownership complaint - buyers who regularly adjust climate settings while driving should evaluate this before purchase.
The MEB platform’s 175 kW DC ceiling and the 5-year/100,000 km warranty (a combined km cap) trail Korean competitors at comparable prices. But the VW badge, dealer network, and interior quality deliver genuine value for buyers who prioritise European engineering provenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the ID.4 have no physical buttons?
Volkswagen made a deliberate design decision to remove physical climate and media buttons across the ID range, concentrating all functions in the touchscreen and touch-slider controls. This is one of the most divisive decisions in the car’s design. Recent software updates have improved responsiveness, but the fundamental interaction model - touching a screen to adjust temperature - remains in place.
How does the ID.4 Pro compare to the Kia EV5 Air LR?
The Kia EV5 Air LR (~$64,900) offers 350 kW DC charging, V2L, and a 7-year unlimited warranty. The ID.4 Pro offers a larger boot, VW brand recognition, and a more established dealer network in Australia. For pure specification value, the Kia leads substantially; for buyers who specifically want a European brand with a long local dealer history, the ID.4 justifies its position.
Can the ID.4 Pro tow a caravan?
The 1,000 kg braked towing rating allows small to medium trailers. Most Australian caravans require higher towing capacity; the ID.4 Pro is not recommended for family caravanning. Buyers who need towing above 1,000 kg should evaluate the Kia EV9 or Hyundai Ioniq 5.
