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Thanks: Elektro Motors 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Starting at $ Highs Practical and cargo-friendly cabin, decent driving range with the larger battery pack, quiet when cruising. Lows Infotainment system isn't as intuitive as we'd like, unexciting driving dynamics, base model doesn't offer as much range as more expensive trims. Verdict The ID.4 is an electric car for the people, but it provides drivers little to get enthused about. Overview Volkswagen's electric car for the masses is the 2023 ID.4 SUV, and it nicely pairs practicality with comfort and adequate driving range to allow drivers to make the switch from internal combustion. We just wish its driving demeanor was more playful. Rear-wheel drive models come with one motor and 201 horsepower; opting for all-wheel drive adds a second motor and ups power output to 295. The maximum range is about 275 miles per charge, but the base Standard trim, while cheaper, pairs its more attractive price tag with a smaller battery and only around 208 miles of range. Luckily, the ID.4 comes standard with DC fast-charging capability, which makes juicing up at public charging stations relatively quick and easy. What's New for 2023? Volkswagen has moved production of the ID.4 to its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee for the 2023 model year. The entry-level Standard model joins the lineup this year with an attractive base price, but it uses a smaller 58-kWh battery pack and comes with an estimated 208-mile driving range. Also new to the ID.4 family is the fanciest Pro S Plus trim, which adds luxury features such as heated rear seats, a three-zone automatic climate control system, unique 20-inch wheels, and a premium stereo system. All models now come standard with the larger infotainment display that was optional last year and VW has peppered in several minor design enhancements such as gloss black exterior trim, updated wheel designs, and changes to the available paint colors. The center console has been slightly redesigned, interior upholstery options have been refreshed, and Pro S models receive illuminated Volkswagen logos on the front and back. Pricing and Which One to Buy Standard: $40,290 Pro: $45,290 Standard S: $45,290 Pro S: $50,290 Pro S Plus: $52,740 Although the new Standard model carries the most budget-friendly price tag, we'd opt for the mid-range Pro to help maximize the ID.4's range and unlock the ability to DC fast charge at public charging terminals. The optional dual-motor, the all-wheel-drive powertrain is worth the upgrade, too, as it boosts horsepower and improves performance. EV Motor, Power, and Performance With the single rear-mounted motor, the ID.4 makes 201 horsepower, but the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model pumps out 295. Maximum towing capacity is a stout 2700 pounds. Regenerative braking helps recapture energy when slowing the vehicle, but the familiar one-pedal driving that EV drivers have come to appreciate is largely missing here, even in the ID.4's most aggressive regenerative mode. Also lacking is the traditional gut-punch acceleration that electric vehicles often provide. The rear-wheel-drive ID.4 isn't slow by traditional compact-crossover standards, but its run to 60 mph in our testing demonstrates that it's far more laid back than quicker EV competitors. Going for the more powerful all-wheel-drive model sharpens the ID.4's accelerative performance, as evidenced by its jump to 60 mph at our test track. The ID.4 handles less sharply than some other EVs, but we appreciate its smooth and refined ride quality and quiet cabin. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The EPA estimates that the ID.4's optional battery pack is capable of holding enough juice to power the SUV up to 275 miles between charges, which puts it in the mix with other electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV. Unfortunately for VW, that's less than the 330 miles of EPA estimated range for the Tesla Model Y. The battery can be charged at home on 110- or 240-volt connections, of course, and it's also capable of DC fast-charging. The cheaper Standard model sports a smaller 58-kWh battery and a shorter 208-mile driving range. Read More 📌 Instagram ▶ 📌 Tiktok ▶ @cartvpress
