Your Definitive Guide to the new VW ID.4

The new VW ID.4 - your definitive guide

The evolution of the UK’s electric car industry is very much in full force now. With manufacturers now on their 2nd (and 3rd) updates and revisions on their products, this is true testament to customer experience and improvements. And it isn’t just about aesthetics and practicality; this will also include charging speeds, range and battery performance, which is almost certainly the biggest aspect of any EV.

Manufacturers do need to get their products correct, as there are some challenges facing zero-emission uptake and manufacturers do have some responsibility with this, In particular their pricing approach has been one of the main obstacles to mass adoption. And further challenges will be coming as from 1 April 2025, the standard charge for VED (road tax) will apply to zero-emissions.

At present, there is no charge allocated to an EV because they essentially emit 0g of CO2 per km. However, the minimum £180 charge will apply to ALL cars, even pure electric, and this will be applied retrospectively to every EV registered on or after 1 April 2017.

Added to that will be the “expensive car supplement” which will be applied to any EV registered on or after 1 April 2025 - being a yearly sum of £355 for vehicles in excess of £40,000 (in list price). So while this shouldn’t dramatically impact uptake it does remove the adage that zero-emission cars are not liable to any road tax (from 1 April 2025).

And so with more work required from their brand, VW have decided to make some changes to the family-friendly SUV which has already been around since 2020. In terms of specifications, this will include:

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•  Life - key standard options will include 18” alloys, Art velours interior comfort seats, LED headlights, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, heated windscreen washer, navigation, wireless phone charger, alarm, comfort package, keyless entry, rain sensor, climatronic air conditioning system, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, lane assist and fatigue detection;
•  Style - this has the same 18” alloys but adds a panoramic glass sunroof, privacy glass, Matrix LED lights, 3-zone air conditioning; and
•  GTX - the sports and performance model has 20” alloys, GTX seats, Matric LED lights, 12” navigation display, HUD, 3-zone climatronic seats, privacy glass, keyless entry and start and Harmon Kardon Sound system. 

But what about the battery performance - will the 2024 ID4 offer more choice to the UK customer? 

The latest model will have 3 key battery options including: 

•  Pure - the RWD option will have a 52 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 9 seconds, 99 mph top speeds and 125 kW (or 168 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 145 miles with warmer weather allowing for 200 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 5 hours and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 115 kW DC maximum allowing 33 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 543L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 136 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1000kg (braked).  This EV will have no Bidirectional charging;
• Pro - the RWD option will have a 77 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.7 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 210 kW (or 282 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 225 miles with warmer weather allowing for 310 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hours and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 135 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 543L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 142 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1000kg (braked).  This EV will have no Bidirectional charging;

•  GTX - the AWD option will have a 77 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.4 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 250 kW (or 335 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 220 miles with warmer weather allowing for 300 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hours and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 175 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 543L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 142 mpg. This option can tow 750kg (unbraked) and 1200kg (braked).  This EV will have no Bidirectional charging.

The Pros of the 2024 ID4 include: 

1.  Improved exterior and interior aesthetics - with a more modern and sleek appearance plus new infotainment and options to meet the standard ones of the competition;
2.  Updated motor allows the car to be more responsive;
3.  Revision to the 77 kWh option to allow quicker charging speeds and improved range. 

The Cons of the 2024 ID4 include: 

1.  Entry model Life Pure will still cost around £39,000 - there needs to be a £35,000 model for customers on a budget;
2.  Still no DC charging in excess of 200 kW DC like some of the competition;
3.  GTX isn’t quite the performance car expected, falling behind the likes of the MG4 xPower, Hyundai Ioniq N and the EX30 Twin Motor.

If you, or your business, are ready for the new 2024 ID.4 please note that you can place your order from Thursday 9 November 2023. With production weeks due towards the end of 2023, this should be delivered in the 1st quarter of 2024. For more information, just get in touch with our expert team at e-car lease.

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