The 2023 Volkswagen Id.4 has emerged as a significant player in the burgeoning electric SUV market. This review focuses on the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Pro S variant, often considered the flagship of the ID.4 range, to assess its strengths and weaknesses in a competitive EV landscape. Priced at $52,985 as tested, the ID.4 Pro S AWD distinguishes itself with eligibility for a substantial $7,500 federal tax credit, a compelling incentive that sets it apart from many rivals in today’s market.
Image: Front profile of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, highlighting its modern electric SUV design.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the 2023 ID.4 Pro S AWD
The upgrade to the Pro S AWD model brings a notable power boost to the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. Leaping from the base model’s 201 horsepower to a robust 295 horsepower, this dual-motor configuration significantly enhances performance. The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in varied weather conditions and improved traction for quicker acceleration from a standstill. The 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in a respectable 5.5 seconds, a figure that places it competitively within its class. While the acceleration does taper off at higher speeds, typical of many EVs in this segment, the ID.4 Pro S offers ample power for everyday driving and confident highway merges. Compared to competitors like the Toyota bZ4X, the ID.4 Pro S offers a more engaging and responsive driving experience.
Image: Side view of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S, showcasing its SUV proportions and wheel design.
Beyond power, the 2023 ID.4 provides drivers with customizable regenerative braking settings. Drivers can choose between minimal regenerative braking for a more traditional driving feel or engage a stronger setting for near one-pedal driving. This flexibility caters to different driving preferences and can enhance efficiency. However, the ride quality can be perceived as somewhat choppy on uneven road surfaces, and the steering, while responsive, can feel a bit nervous at higher speeds, exhibiting a slight dartiness that detracts from overall driving confidence, especially on the freeway. While the AWD system provides competent grip, the driving experience of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S leans more towards functional than exhilarating.
Interior Space, Technology, and Ergonomics in the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4
The interior of the 2023 ID.4 prioritizes spaciousness and incorporates sought-after technology features. The cabin comfortably accommodates passengers and smaller families, providing ample headroom and legroom. The ride is generally quiet, especially during highway cruising, contributing to a relaxed driving environment. The infotainment system in the tested model showed improvements in stability compared to earlier versions, resolving previous concerns about glitches and lockups.
Image: Interior view of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, highlighting the dashboard and touchscreen interface.
However, the interior design of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is not without its quirks. The door handles, lacking mechanical feedback, feel somewhat flimsy and unconventional. The absence of a traditional volume knob, replaced by a touch-sensitive slider, is an ergonomic misstep, making quick volume adjustments cumbersome. Similarly, many climate controls are integrated within the touchscreen interface, diverting driver attention from the road. While physical buttons for defrost are present, their placement to the left of the steering wheel, alongside headlight controls, is unconventional and less intuitive than center-dash placement. The driver’s forward visibility is also compromised by a high dashboard and hood line, coupled with thick A-pillars that can obstruct peripheral vision. Furthermore, the front of the vehicle lacks a front trunk (“frunk”), a missed opportunity for additional storage space, especially given the absence of a traditional combustion engine. The center console design, with its bulbous and sculpted form, consumes significant space without providing commensurate storage utility, a design choice that prioritizes aesthetics over practicality.
Image: Rear three-quarter view of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, showing its taillight design and rear badging.
Accessing certain vehicle settings within the infotainment system can also be unnecessarily complex. For instance, disabling the auto-hold feature requires navigating through multiple menus buried within the ‘brakes’ settings, rather than offering a dedicated physical button or more readily accessible menu option. The PRND rocker switch, inspired by BMW’s i3, feels somewhat out of place and less intuitive than traditional gear selectors.
Image: Close-up of the center console of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, emphasizing the sculpted design and touch controls.
Range, Charging, and Efficiency of the 2023 ID.4
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD is equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, a capacity typical for its segment. During testing in mixed driving conditions, an average efficiency of 3 miles per kWh was observed, translating to a theoretical range of approximately 246 miles. While this range figure might alleviate range anxiety for daily commutes, it’s important to note that this efficiency was achieved under relatively conservative driving conditions, without exceeding 70 mph and with minimal use of climate control features beyond seat and steering wheel heaters in winter. Real-world range, particularly with regular climate control use and at higher speeds, is likely to be lower. During colder temperatures, as experienced during the test week in Northern California, battery efficiency can be further reduced. Consequently, drivers can expect a more realistic range of 190 to 210 miles in winter conditions under typical driving habits. While achieving 3 miles per kWh in winter is commendable, it positions the ID.4’s efficiency as merely average compared to its EV competitors.
Image: Interior detail of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S, showing the steering wheel and driver information display.
In terms of charging, the 2023 ID.4 Pro S AWD supports DC fast charging at a peak rate of 150 kW. While this allows for reasonably fast charging times, some key competitors are now offering 350 kW charging capabilities, significantly reducing charging durations at compatible fast-charging stations. For drivers prioritizing rapid charging on long journeys, the ID.4’s 150 kW limit may be a disadvantage compared to rivals with faster charging technology.
The Decisive Factor: Federal Tax Credit and Pricing
Currently, the most compelling advantage of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 lineup is its eligibility for the full $7,500 US federal tax credit. Being manufactured in the United States, the ID.4 qualifies for this incentive, unlike some of its foreign-made competitors such as the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Toyota bZ4X. This tax credit significantly alters the value proposition of the ID.4, effectively reducing the net cost of the Pro S AWD model to around $45,000. This price point makes it a more financially attractive option compared to similarly equipped EVs, potentially undercutting the price of favored alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. For budget-conscious buyers, this tax credit could be the primary reason to consider the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. However, it is worth considering alternatives like the Toyota RAV4 or Venza hybrids, which offer excellent fuel efficiency (around 35 MPG), all-wheel drive, and avoid charging complexities, often at a lower upfront cost of around $40,000.
Image: Interior perspective of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, showcasing the driver’s seat and minimalist design.
When evaluating EVs in this segment, the Tesla Model Y is an unavoidable benchmark. Despite polarizing aesthetics, the Model Y offers a compelling package of performance, range, and technology, and also qualifies for the federal tax credit. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, another stylish and tax-credit-eligible crossover, also warrants consideration. The fundamental question arises: should a tax credit be the sole determinant in choosing a vehicle? While ethical considerations might suggest otherwise, the reality for many buyers is that monthly payments and overall affordability are paramount.
Conclusion: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 – A Pragmatic EV Choice, Not a Thrilling One
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD presents itself as a competent but not particularly inspiring electric SUV. While it offers improvements over earlier iterations and boasts a significant tax credit advantage, it falls short of delivering a truly compelling and future-forward EV experience. Compared to rapidly evolving competitors that are pushing boundaries in driving dynamics, design, range, and charging speeds, the ID.4 feels somewhat dated in its execution. While it surpasses less inspiring EVs like the Toyota bZ4X, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 ultimately positions itself as a pragmatic choice primarily driven by its tax credit eligibility. For buyers prioritizing affordability and seeking a straightforward transition to electric vehicles, the ID.4 could be a viable option. However, those seeking a more engaging, technologically advanced, or dynamically superior electric SUV might find greater satisfaction in exploring alternatives or awaiting the next generation of EVs.
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S
As-tested price: $52,985
Pros: Federal tax credit eligibility, spacious interior
Cons: Unremarkable driving dynamics, ergonomic quirks, average charging speed, uninspired design.
Image: Front quarter view of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, showcasing its overall styling.
Image: Side profile of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S, emphasizing its ground clearance and roofline.
Image: Dashboard and infotainment screen of the 2023 VW ID.4 interior, highlighting the digital instrument cluster.
Image: Front seats and center console area of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 interior, showing the spaciousness.
Image: Rear seats of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S interior, demonstrating passenger legroom.
Image: Close up of the touch-sensitive volume controls in the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 interior.
Image: Rear cargo area of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, highlighting its storage capacity.
