*Disclosure: The 2021 VW ID.4 (small SUV) was provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*
Over these last few years I have heard and even used the term “smart vehicle” several times when referring to intuitive automobiles. However, this all-new, all-electric VW ID.4 SUV takes that term to a new level. It is extremely innovative and to be quite frank, very cool. I was impressed by its minimalistic, yet futuristic exterior and techie/refined cabin.
Keep reading to check out why the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is a tech lover’s paradise.
VW ID.4: A Tech Lovers Paradise
1. Ready to Drive and Smarter Than Ever
One of the things that intrigued me most about the VW ID.4 is that it senses your presence and automatically “wakes up” when you approach it with the key fob in your hand/purse.
Additionally, this extremely smart SUV doesn’t have a start button, so after you sit in it and tap the brake, you are ready to ride.
2. Drive Mode Selector
The drive mode selector in this SUV is a bit odd, yet a bit awesome. It is located on the right side of the instrument cluster atop the steering column. To use, you just twist the knob to select the desired drive mode.
3. One-Pedal Driving
It wasn’t until I drove the VW ID.4 that I experienced one-pedal driving. When I initially got inside the vehicle I instantly inquired about the “B” on the drive selector.
Answer: “It’s really pretty simple. When you are in this mode, you are not only using less of the battery charge, but it also allows the driver to bring a vehicle to a full stop without using the brake.”
My excited response: “Interesting!”
Now don’t get me wrong, it took me a minute to get used to this way of driving, but once I was comfortable there was no turning back. Let’s just say the selector stayed on “B” mode the entire time I had this very futuristic SUV.
Note: Drivers can use the gear selector to switch from the D position to B (Brake) mode at any time.
4. VW ID.4 Hands Free Power Liftgate
It’s no secret that I am all about the hands free power liftgate and the VW ID.4 Easy Open/Close Hatch a.k.a hands free power liftgate is no exception.
Yes. You can always open the hatch manually from inside/outside the SUV but where is the fun in that?? I’m that girl who uses the key fob or foot-activated power liftgate feature ninety-nine percent of the time.
I have recently heard that driver’s struggle with this feature, and I totally understand because I struggled the first couple of times. However, after a little practice it got a lot easier.
How to activate easy open feature with foot:
- Swing leg once quickly under center of the bumper. The signal will flash, and the hatch will open.
How to activate easy close feature with foot:
- Again, swing leg under center of bumper.
- Walk away within 20 seconds for it to activate and the hatch will close.
- Note: If you haven’t moved after a few seconds, the vehicle will beep and once you move it will close.
How to avoid liftgate from opening to high:
- Open gate to the desired height.
- Then press and hold the close button on the liftgate until the lights flash. This should set the desired opening height.
5. We Connect App Volkswagen
I have great news ladies and gents, all ID.4 SUVs have the We Connect Start service. This service keeps you connected and in the know by linking your all electric SUV to the traffic infrastructure and owner’s smartphone.
Here’s a few benefits of using the We Connect Start service:
- Navigation services:
- Find out traffic information (up-to-date traffic data).
- Air condition:
- You can set your preferred temperature.
- Online Voice Control:
- By saying “Hello ID.”, you can control a number of infotainment and vehicle functions such as telephone, radio, navigation, and automatic air conditioner.
- Details of nearby charging stations:
- This information includes live updates to tell you if a public charge point is already in use or broken, so you can locate one that is available and/or working properly.
Easy Activation Process:
- Download the free We Connect ID app for your smartphone.
- Set up your user account.
- Add your Volkswagen (VIN) to your user account.
- Follow the instructions to conclude the We Connect Start contract shown in the app.
- Process is now complete.
What You Need To Know About The 2021 VW ID.4
- The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 1st edition is sold out.
- Instead of regeneration paddles, the ID.4 has the “B” mode for one-pedal driving.
- There is an ID.3 hatchback available in Europe, and coming soon, the ID Bus.
- Apple CarPlay and Android auto operate wirelessly.
- Passenger Capacity: 5.
- The 2021 ID.4 EV can provide as much as $4,000 in estimated fuel cost savings over 5 years compared to the average gasoline vehicle.
- For the first three years of ownership, VW provides ID.4 owners with free fast recharging via the Electrify America network.
- VW put the motor, wiper fluid and more under the front hood.
- Comes with a wireless phone charger, 4 USB-C fast charge ports (two in console and two in rear).
- The driver info screen is attached to the steering wheel column so it moves when you reposition the wheel.
- The all electric VW ID.4 comes with a charge cord for home or on-the-go charging.
- ID.4 buyers are eligible to receive a federal tax credit.
- VW ID.4 has the ability to tow.
- Estimated Charging Time (at a public DC fast charger) 62miles in about 10 minutes.
- VW ID.4 is the Winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year.
Click below to checkout a few of the cool tech features of the VW ID.4
2021 VW ID.4 Price/Specs/Key Features
The VW ID.4 comes in four trim levels: Pro, AWD Pro, Pro S and AWD Pro S:
VW ID.4 Pro
- Starting MSRP: $39,995.00
- As low as $32,495.00 after potential $7,500.00 federal tax credit
- Battery Pack/HP: 82-kWh/201
- MPGe: 107 city/ 91 highway
- EPA Estimated Range: 260
- Drivetrain Option:
- Single motor powertrain
- Rear Wheel Drive
- A Few Key Specs/Features:
- IQ.DRIVE (Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies)
- Discover Pro navigation with 10″ display
- ID.Light
- Heated front seats & heated steering wheel
- Wireless charging & App-Connect with wireless capabilities for compatible devices
ID.4 AWD Pro (Available Starting Oct-Dec 2021)
- Starting MSRP: $43,675.00
- As low as $36,175.00 after potential $7,500.00 federal tax credit
- Battery Pack/HP: 82-kWh/295
- MPGe: 107 city / 91 highway
- EPA Estimated Range: 249
- Drivetrain Option:
- Dual motor powertrain
- Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive
- A Few Key Specs/Features: (AWD Pro trim adds)
- Dual motor powertrain
- Tow hitch (2,700 lbs. towing capacity with braked trailer)
- Heated windshield
(Reserve yours today – $100.00 deposit due today/Fully Refundable)
VW ID.4 Pro S (Statement)
- Starting MSRP: $44,495.00
- As low as $36,995.00 after potential $7,500.00 federal tax credit
- Battery Pack/HP: 82-kWh/201
- MPGe: 104 city / 89 highway
- EPA Estimated Range: 250
- Drivetrain Option:
- Single motor powertrain
- Rear Wheel Drive
- A Few Key Specs/Features: (Pro S trim adds)
- Premium LED projector headlights with AFS, illuminated grille, and front Volkswagen logo
- Panoramic fixed glass roof
- Discover Pro Max navigation with 12″ display
- 12-way power-adjustable front seats with leatherette seating surfaces
- Hands-free Easy Open and Easy Close liftgate
Gradient (Requires Pro S Trim)
- Starting MSRP: $46,390.00
- As low as $38,890.00 after potential $7,500.00 federal tax credit.
- Battery Pack/HP: 82-kWh/201
- MPGe: 104 city / 89 highway
- EPA Estimated Range: 250
- Drivetrain Option:
- Single motor powertrain
- Rear Wheel Drive
- A Few Key Specs/Features: (Gradient trim adds)
- 20″ alloy wheels
- Black painted roof
- Silver roof rails and accents
ID.4 AWD Pro S (Available Starting Oct-Dec 2021)
- Starting MSRP: $48,175.00
- As low as $40,6755.00 after potential $7,500.00 federal tax credit.
- Battery Pack/HP: 82-kWh/295
- MPGe: 104 City / 89 Hwy
- EPA Estimated Range: 240
- Drivetrain Option:
- Dual motor powertrain
- Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive
- A Few Key Specs/Features: (AWD Pro S trim adds)
- Dual motor powertrain
- Tow hitch (2,700 lbs. towing capacity with braked trailer)
- Heated windshield
(Reserve yours today – $100.00 deposit due today/Fully Refundable)
Electric Car Perks
- You don’t have to worry about Gas
- No emissions
- Yay no oil changes
- No tune-ups
- HOV lane access
- Preferred parking
- Quiet cabin
- Federal Tax Credit
VW ID.4 Tax Credits
Federal EV Tax Credit 2021
Buyers may qualify for Federal, state, and city tax incentives. The credit provides up to $7,500 in a tax credit.
Federal EV Charger Tax Credit
Buyers will receive a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of purchasing and installing an EV charging station.
Note: Federal tax credit expired on December 31, 2021.
The VW ID.4 is fun to drive and fun to learn. Yes, it took me a few days to adapt, but once I did I became a huge fan.
To find your local Volkswagen visit website!
Have A Happy Healthy, and Remember to Always…
Stay Sassy
Leave a Reply