Flash Drive: 2023 Volkswagen ID4

A New Model, New Screens, New Colors

Clean Fleet Report has written previously about the Volkswagen ID4, the all-electric crossover that was launched early in 2021. The first ID4 was rear-wheel drive (RWD), next up was the all-wheel drive (AWD) version, both of which had 82 kilowatt-hour (kWh) batteries. Now for 2023 these two have been joined by an entry-level model, the ID4 Standard or S, with a 62 kWh battery and RWD. The range is reduced, but so is the price. We did short drives in the 2023 models and will do a full Road Test review soon, but until then, this Flash Drive will give a good overview of the all-American 2023 Volkswagen ID4 lineup.

2023 ID4 Choices

• ID4 Standard and S
  • Single motor producing 201 horsepower (hp) and 229 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque
  • 62 kWh battery
  • 209 mile driving range

• ID4 Pro and Pro S
  • Single motor producing 201 hp and 229 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 82 kWh battery
  • 275 mile driving range

• ID4 AWD Pro and Pro S
  • Dual motors producing 295 hp and 339 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 82 kWh battery
  • 255 mile driving range

Battery and Charging

All ID4 models are charged through a plug-in port offering three charging speeds. Using an onboard 11 kW charger with an increased maximum charge rate of 170 kW, charge times are estimated to be:

• 120V (Level 1) – Two miles of range added per hour

• 240V (Level 2) – Full charge is 7.5 hours for the 82 kWh battery; 6.15 hours for the 62 kWh battery              
• 480V DC Fast Charging – To 80% in 30 minutes or less

A big benefit that is included in the purchase of a 2023 ID4 is three years of unlimited 30-minute fast charging with Electrify America (another VW company) at any of its 1,800 charge stations in the United States or Canada.

Additional charging is through regenerative braking that converts kinetic energy into electricity when braking or coasting. So driving around town, stuck in stop-and-go rush hour freeway traffic or coasting down hills will recharge the battery. The battery charge and mileage range are metered in real time by a dash gauge.

The Driving Experience

Clean Fleet Report had the opportunity to drive the 2023 ID4 AWD Pro S from Nashville to Chattanooga, Tennessee. This 225-mile route took us through the Cumberland Mountains with gentle elevation changes and plenty of curvy country roads. The ID4 Pro S AWD and its dual electric motors produced a peppy 0-60 mph acceleration in the mid-five second range. This is about two seconds faster than the single motor rear-wheel drive ID4.

We utilized the B-drive mode setting for the most aggressive motor regeneration, which provided maximum recharging of the battery. The ID4 does not have full one-pedal driving where the car can be brought to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal. However once stopped, the car will remain in-place until stepping on the accelerator pedal. There are no steering wheel-mounted paddles to modulate and increase regeneration, only the B setting. This differs from most other EVs we have driven where there are commonly three levels which allows the driver to customize the regeneration to their driving style or road conditions.

With the exception of coming to a full stop or in an emergency, we did not touch the brake pedal during our 5+ hours driving the ID4. Using the brake regeneration is the easiest, most convenient, and smoothest way to drive an electric car. Winding our way through the mountains the seamless driving was so very satisfying, as when slowing for a curve and then coming out of it there is no tapping the brake pedal nor are there any up-or-down transmission shifts, as the ID4 has a direct drive with no gears.

When driving a gasoline-powered car with an automatic transmission, the combination of braking and accelerating around a corner will result in the transmission hunting for the right gear for the maximum performance. Finding those gears on some of the more sophisticated transmissions is smooth, but nothing like the feeling and sensation of an EV. If you are not familiar with it, make sure your Volkswagen dealer sales representative lets you take a test drive that spotlights this feature. Once around the block will not be enough.

The ID4 AWD Pro S cruised at or above highway speeds with confidence. Passing big rigs was not an issue thanks to the instant torque at any speed. As noted above, there are no down-or-up transmission shifts, just step on it and—whoosh, off you go! When approaching a high or slow speed corner, the turn-in was predictable as the AWD system offered assurance of good grip. On the most aggressive corners, you can feel the 4,788-pound mass shifting ever-so-slightly, but the ID4 AWD suspension has been designed to easily catch the shift and continue tracking through the corner.

The low center of gravity, with the 1,074-pound batteries located under the seats, made for a sure-footed driving experience with neutral handling coming from the electric rack-and-pinion power steering. The impressive 36-foot turning radius made for easy U-turns. Overall, the ID4 AWD is easy and a pleasure to drive, but should not be considered a sports crossover.

The ID4 AWD has standard ABS and power-assisted front vented and rear solid discs. Handling and driving confidence was also aided by the standard electronic stability control, electronic brake-pressure distribution and brake assist.

Refreshed: In and Out

There are subtle exterior differences between the models, which carry-over the design from the 2021 models. The AWD badge on the front fenders differentiates the ID4 RWD and AWD models, and, for the keen of eye, there is 8/10ths of an inch higher ground clearance for the ID4 AWD Pro. Both have a classic German design with sleek LED projector headlights, located on the outer fender edges, which are connected by a signature LED light bar intersected by the lighted VW logo. The faux grille making-up the lower fascia has a diamond pattern which Volkswagen says helps with air flow and aerodynamics.

The ID4 has a short hood compared to its competitors, resulting in no front trunk (frunk). The rear power hatch has LED tail lights connected by another light bar, which is looks sharp and is standard on the S models.

The interior of the ID4 is airy, modern, futuristic and could even be considered sparse. Large windows and the panoramic glass roof, with a power sunshade, make for a bright cabin. Space for four is plenty, with the outer rear seats heated. Cargo space is generous with 30.3 cubic feet capacity when the 60/40 folding rear seat is up, which expands to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. For additional storage space, the rear floor in the cargo area can be dropped, and below it is a deep well for storing, among other things, the charging cord.

The 2023 ID4 has a new 12.0-inch infotainment screen, 30-color ambient lighting and new interior colors with fabric and leatherette seating surfaces. Now standard is the IQ.Drive advanced driver assistance technology system, and voice commands (“Hello, ID”) for the infotainment system.

Safety

All 2023 Volkswagen ID4s come with IQ.Drive, which includes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with front pedestrian detection, active side assist blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, lane assist, adaptive cruise control w/Stop & Go, travel assist and emergency assist. IQ.Drive also allows the driver to remove their hands for a few seconds and the ID4 will steer itself. This is not a fully automated driving system, but a taste of what is to come.

Pricing

There are five 2023 ID4 AWD models, with these prices, including the $1,295 destination fee. The ID4 qualifies for federal and state credits, and in some states, is eligible for a HOV sticker.

Rear Wheel Drive – all with the 62 kWh battery

• Standard       $38,790
• Pro S            $43,790

Rear Wheel Drive – all with the 82 kWh battery

• Pro                $43,470
• Pro S             $48,790
• Pro S Plus     $51,945            

All-wheel Drive – all with the 82 kWh battery

• Pro                $47,590
• Pro S             $52,590
• Pro S Plus    $55,040       

The 2023 Volkswagen ID4 comes with these warranties:

• New Vehicle – Four years/50,000 miles

• High Voltage Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
• Scheduled Maintenance – Two years/20,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance – Three years/36,000 miles     
• Corrosion Perforation – Seven years/100,000 miles

Observations: 2023 Volkswagen ID4

The big news from Volkswagen is the 2023 ID4 is the latest electric vehicle with its batteries and body built in the U.S., with all models that will be sold in the United States and Canada are now being made in Chattanooga, Tenn. Volkswagen has invested $4.3 billion in the body and battery plants and have brought on 4,700 employees where the Passat, Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have been built since 2012.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID4 is a comfortable well-designed compact SUV vehicle. With tight handling and a quiet, smooth ride, the spirited all-electric driving experience lives-up to Volkswagen’s German heritage. The four-door ID4 is solidly built, is efficient, charges at a quick pace and comes with three years of free fast charging.

There are faster EVs on the market, claiming 0-60 times under three seconds, but Volkswagen has wisely designed the ID4 to be accessible to a wide swath of drivers and not just those who have a need for speed. When visiting your Volkswagen dealer, request a longer test drive than just around the dealership, as getting a feel for the acceleration, handling and regenerative braking can only be done by getting out onto the highway and finding some curvy sections of road.

Editor’s note: ID.4 or ID4?

Vehicle nomenclature has become more complicated in the electric era as auto companies seek distinctive new names to reflect their move to a new propulsion technology. That presents journalists covering this world with a dilemma. Do we reports names the way we treat all other words (proper nouns or not) or do we follow a company’s marketing whims? Generally, we try to follow AP Style (first letter cap; no all caps on names unless they are an acronym; no idiosyncratic punctuation). That dictates the former path, so we leave it to a company’s marketing department to try to hammer home those more unique names. Hence, for us, the ID.4 becomes the ID4 and the Nissan LEAF becomes the Nissan Leaf. This is not an absolute. When we get to the ID.Buzz, we may present it that way because we think it’s a clearer way to describe the car. We mess up sometimes, but this is the path we try to follow and welcome your thoughts on the process.)

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews, including a more in-depth review after we have driven the ID4 for a full week.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Volkswagen.

Previous ID4 Interactions by CFR Staff:

Road Trip: 2021 Volkswagen ID4

Flash Drive: 2021 Volkswagen ID4

Flash Drive: 2021 Volkswagen ID4 AWD

Flash Drive: 2021 Volkswagen ID4

Exclusive: Volkswagen Introduces the ID4

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.