Volkswagen finally has an official EV presence in Singapore with the new ID.4.
And it’s been spearheading Volkswagen’s leap into cleaner vehicles. That doesn’t just mean zero emissions during ownership; VW says it has made the ID.4 carbon neutral all the way until you’ve driven it off the lot, by using renewable energy during the manufacturing process.
That’s all nice to hear, but is it even worth buying in the first place?
Considering it’s up against models like the Skoda Enyaq, Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Tesla Model Y, the ID.4 has its work cut out for it.
so how does it drive?
Built on VW’s dedicated MEB platform, the Volkswagen ID.4 (and by extension ID.5) comes in easy-to-understand variants in Singapore. We only get one trim, and that comes with an 82kWh battery.
If you want more power, a performance version exists, dubbed the ID.4 GTX (GTI equivalent for the electric age).
Like any EV, the ID.4 responds instantly when you press the accelerator, delivering smooth, controllable power. Urban driving is a breeze thanks to the well-calibrated pedal that gets you moving without any jolts.
With 282bhp and surprisingly a healthy 545Nm of torque at your right foot’s disposal, the century sprint is done and dusted in 6.7 seconds. Power is sent to the rear too. Not exactly blistering, but more than adequate for overtaking. You’ll want to drive conservatively, though, to maximise your range.
VW designed the ID.4 for simplicity. No variable regen options; you get straightforward D and B modes on the main drive lever. Even in B mode, which stands for brake, the regenerative braking isn’t overly aggressive. The brake pedal itself is nicely progressive, offering more regen at the top of the travel.
In corners, the ID.4 is steadfast. It might understeer mildly at low speeds, but with power to the rear, it handles neutrally. It provides plenty of traction with little steering feedback except in quicker bends. The traction control is subtle, making for a composed drive on good roads without being a killjoy.
is it comfortable?
At low speeds, the ride can be a bit bumpy; it feels like the springs are tuned for a full load of passengers and cargo. Even with just the driver, it doesn’t fully settle at higher speeds.
But, on the highway, it’s a different story. The ID.4 cruises nicely, stable and quiet with minimal tyre and wind noise.
how about range?
Smooth throttle inputs do pay off quite well, with the ID.4 averaging 16.4kWh/100km (6.09km/kWh).
Some quick maths shows that using the entire 82kWh capacity (which isn’t always realistic), you could travel about 492km on a single charge, which is enough for a typical week’s worth of commuting.
this does look familiar.
There’s something warm and familiar about how the Volkswagen ID.4 looks, resembling VW models from ages past. It’s about the size of a Volkswagen Tiguan but with a creaseless, smooth design that’s unfussy.
Apple-inspired.
Here’s the first thing you’ll notice when stepping in – the ID.4 doesn’t do physical switches. Like, at all. Your entire interaction with the car revolves around the big screen and capacitive inputs on the steering wheel. At the base of the screen, you’ll find volume and temperature sliders that are temperamental. The gear selector is fine in practice, but the stalk lacks any illumination.
The capacitive touch controls share a similar story. They’re too easy to brush against accidentally, so you can turn a corner, whilst turning up the volume of the radio at the same time. And if you’re someone who frequently hops out of the car for errands whilst leaving it “on”, it’s quite infuriating when the car shuts off every time you lift yourself off the seat. There’s no override for this either.
Despite some gripes, the screen itself is a 12.9-inch unit with high-resolution graphics. A group of four pads act as shortcuts to frequently used menus. While Volkswagen claims the ‘Hello ID’ voice assistant compensates for the screen’s quirks, not everyone is keen on using voice commands.
On the bright side, Volkswagen is listening. Some updates rolled out have improved the system, and the company is claiming to return to physical buttons in future models.
at least there’s space.
The minimalist interior is complemented by tasteful cloth, leather, plastics, and ambient lighting. There’s ample room, even for three adults in the back, thanks to the flat floor.
Console storage is generous, with numerous pockets for phones and other items, plus plenty of USB ports.
The boot offers 543 litres of space, outdoing most rivals. However, it’s a bit inconvenient that the cable storage is under the boot floor rather than in a dedicated space under the front bonnet, meaning you need to unload the boot to access the cable.
any other cool features?
The ID.4 comes with Volkswagen’s ‘ID’ light, a strip of LEDs below the windscreen that sweeps left or right as you approach a junction, or according to the satnav (though it doesn’t work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).
Each software update introduces new functionalities, such as pulsing when you approach a junction. It’s a nifty feature.
transport-oriented, this is.
Crossovers are modern-age family transit pods, and judged by that metric, the ID.4 does hit the mark. The driver might complain about its start/stop idiosyncrasies and haptic controls, but other occupants will be alright with the rest of the package.
It might not be as stylish as its rivals, but it boasts a roomy cabin, clever storage spaces, good electric range for the price, and a smooth driving experience.
technical specifications.
Volkswagen ID.4 Electric
Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 210kW (282bhp)
Torque: 545Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 6.7 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 82 kWh
Drive Range: 550 km
Energy Consumption: 4.7 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$229,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Volkswagen Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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