The Volkswagen ID.4 is the brand’s first mass-market electric vehicle (EV). It hits the road as a spacious, flexible all-electric crossover that’s dog-friendly, comfortable, and smooth on the road.
At the moment, the Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric alternative to other CUVs like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. For the average Canadian who drives fewer than 50 kilometres per day, its 400-kilometre range should prove sufficient for days of errands and commuting between charges, all year long.
As the ID.4 begins to trickle into the marketplace, search traffic from EV-curious shoppers is increasing. According to Google Trends, Canada and the U.S. are tied for ‘interest by region’, just behind Sweden.
Below, we’ll answer 10 of the most common Volkswagen ID.4 web-searched questions.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 in Toronto Photo by VW
Is the Volkswagen ID.4 electric?
Yes, the Volkswagen ID.4 is a pure electric vehicle (EV) with no engine, exhaust pipe, or fuel tank. The ID.4 is built using a dedicated EV platform designed by Volkswagen to house the ID.4, as well as future models. Construction places a large battery pack in the vehicle’s floor, feeding power to axle-mounted electric motors that drive the wheels.
Is the Volkswagen ID.4 a 7-seater?
Nope. The ID.4 is a 5-seater, or a comfortable four-seater for four adults.
It has two seating rows, and a totally flat rear floor that enhances comfort and flexibility.
Rear-seat legroom is adult-friendly, though taller passengers will wish for increased headroom. Further rearward, the flat and wide cargo hold and low load-in height make the ID.4 easy to work with, and a cinch for most average-size family canines to board and exit. On cargo volume, it’s somewhere between a Ford Escape and a Honda CR-V.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Photo by Justin Pritchard
What is Volkswagen ID.4 Sit to Start?
Sit to start refers to the unique way the VW ID.4 (and other EV models) allow their driver to activate their car.
Remember: electric cars don’t need to be started, and there’s no need to turn a key or push a button to start an engine. With the VW ID.4’s smart key in their bag or pocket, drivers can ‘sit to start’ — literally, open the door, sit down, buckle up, shift into drive, and head off.
The car activates when your backside hits the seat, and the reverse is true on exit: park the car, remove your belt, and exit. The ID.4 powers down the instant your seat is vacated, freeing drivers to simply close the door and walk away. It’s incredibly convenient.
How much is the Volkswagen ID.4?
Pre-rebate Canadian pricing for the Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $44,995 for the PRO RWD trim grade, with a 201-horsepower configuration with rear-wheel drive. The PRO AWD trim grade, complete with 295 horsepower and AWD, starts at $49,995.
Standard equipment on Canadian models includes a heat-pump climate control system with cabin pre-heating, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a heated windscreen. Volkswagen’s IQ. DRIVE safety system is also standard, combining numerous advanced safety technologies under one umbrella.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Photo by Justin Pritchard
When is the Volkswagen ID.4 available?
The ID.4 is available now, though current market conditions mean that shoppers should anticipate long wait times.
At the moment, the ID.4 is only available in B.C. and Quebec, though it’ll arrive in other parts of the country soon as production capacity ramps up and an additional U.S. assembly plant comes online to help meet demand.
What does Volkswagen ID stand for?
Intelligent Design.
The ID.4 is the first model in this range, and more are incoming soon. The ID.4, as well as future ID models, will be built using Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive Matric Architecture. This is also known as the ‘MEB’ series platform.
MEB is a platform architecture specifically optimized for EV use. Key benefits include scalability to various models while maintaining core strengths like safety, mass efficiency and rigidity, and a high tensile strength, which allows engineers to more finely tune the chassis and suspension attached to the vehicle, to deliver a better drive.
Volkswagen ID.4 Photo by VW Canada
Where is the Volkswagen ID.4 made?
The ID.4 is built at VW’s Zwickau-Mosel plant in Germany, China’s Anting and Foshan plants, and will soon be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee to help better meet demand in the North American market.
Is the Volkswagen ID.4 a good car?
I mostly thought so, and you can read my full review here. It’s a highly convenient, highly flexible and nice-to-drive machine, and one I found especially relaxing on scenic highway drives thanks to great outward sightlines and a minimalist digital instrument cluster.
My golden retriever approved of the boarding and exiting process, and had plenty of space to ride along in the rear cargo area. Exterior styling is clean and assertive, though some shoppers will wish for additional flair from the interior’s colour palette, as well as some more straightforward steering wheel and window controls.
Additionally some drivers will long for a more meaningful steering and brake pedal feel to better match the ID.4’s solid road feel and confident handling.
The infotainment system is top-notch, and I especially appreciated a wireless charging pocket to keep my phone juiced up, connected (wirelessly) to Android Auto, and out of sight.
2022 Volkswagen ID.4 Photo by Justin Pritchard
Is the Volkswagen ID.4 AWD?
Yes, in the PRO AWD trim grade ($49,995).
The PRO RWD trim grade ($44,995) uses a single rear motor to drive the rear wheels. This single-motor, rear-drive configuration delivers 201 horsepower, and makes this ID.4 model the first rear-engine Volkswagen since the original Beetle and its derivatives.
The PRO AWD trim grade adds a second motor to the front axle, bumping system horsepower from 201 to 295, and enabling AWD capability.
Can the Volkswagen ID.4 tow?
On light days, yes. AWD-equipped models come standard with a trailer hitch mount and 2,700-pound towing capacity which outperforms some similarly-sized crossovers, though the added weight and drag of a trailer will have impact range.
Keyword: Your Questions Answered: 2022 Volkswagen ID.4