Last week, we had the opportunity to test drive Volkswagen’s ID.4 Pro, a top-tier electric vehicle in their lineup. Designed as a compact SUV, it strikes a harmonious balance between affordability and practicality, making it appealing to a wide range of drivers. Volkswagen’s decision to bring the ID.4 to the South African market comes at a pivotal moment, as SUV demand climbs and curiosity about electric vehicles grows, ensuring a significant impact from the ID.4’s introduction.
Here is everything you need to know about the new Volkswagen ID.4 in South Africa.
The ID.4 Pro is Volkswagen’s latest entry into the fully electric compact SUV segment. In South Africa, it competes directly with models like the Mercedes EQA 250 and the popular Volvo XC40 Recharge. Boasting a sleek design with a drag coefficient of 0.28, thanks to its rounded styling, the ID.4 stands out from its rivals. Unlike the Mercedes EQA, it’s built on the innovative MEB platform, designed exclusively for electric vehicles.
Interior, Technology, and Practicality
The interior design is minimalist yet functional, featuring a mix of high-quality materials. Controls for climate and infotainment blend physical and capacitive interfaces. it boasts a 10-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via USB-C ports. Additional comfort features include a wireless charging pad, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, which was just perfect for the cold rainy day of the launch.
The ID.4 reveals a surprisingly spacious cabin, a benefit of its electric architecture with most components situated under the floor. Volkswagen has maximized this space effectively, offering ample legroom and a generous boot capacity of 543 liters
What is the ID.4 and where does it fit in the Current Car Market?
The ID.4 Pro is Volkswagen’s latest entry into the fully electric compact SUV segment. In South Africa, it competes directly with models like the Mercedes EQA 250 and the popular Volvo XC40 Recharge. Boasting a sleek design with a drag coefficient of 0.28, thanks to its rounded styling, the ID.4 stands out from its rivals. Unlike the Mercedes EQA, it’s built on the innovative MEB platform, designed exclusively for electric vehicles.
Battery and Charging
The ID.4 is equipped for both home and fast charging. It supports AC charging up to 11 kW, ideal for overnight charging at home, and DC fast charging up to 150 kW. Charging from 0 to 80% takes approximately 35-40 minutes.
How much does the VW ID.4 Cost?
Pricing details are yet to be disclosed, but the ID.4’s early introduction aims to gauge consumer interest and gather feedback ahead of its full-scale release. Volkswagen plans to officially launch the ID.4 in South Africa in 2025, with current availability limited to media testing and select dealers offering short-term leasing options.
How is it like to drive?
Behind the wheel, the ID.4 exudes luxury and refinement, offering a quiet and spacious cabin that emphasizes comfort. While not a sports car, its acceleration is steady, though some drivers may notice slight body roll during cornering. The braking system, while functional, requires more pressure than expected for optimal response, reflecting its focus on efficiency over sportiness.
During our test drive, the ID.4 exhibited refined on-road handling akin to other premium Volkswagen models. It rides on 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that provide a smooth and balanced ride quality, despite initial concerns on paper about their size.
Powering the ID.4 Pro is a 77 kWh battery pack paired with a rear-mounted electric motor, delivering a total output of 150 kW and 350 Nm of torque. This setup enables the ID.4 Pro to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, making it brisk in urban environments. Volkswagen claims an impressive driving range of approximately 500 kilometers on a full charge, positioning the ID.4 Pro competitively among its peers.
Volkswagen openly acknowledged that the current tested ID.4 is not designed for driving on gravel or unpaved terrain. This limitation stems from technical factors like insufficient off-road undercarriage protection and ride height. However, Volkswagen has assured that the next model iteration will be equipped to handle all types of road conditions commonly found in South Africa.
Verdict
In South Africa, the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro debuts as an enticing addition to the evolving electric vehicle landscape. Combining practicality, stylish aesthetics, and strong performance metrics, it targets local consumers in search of a sophisticated, eco-friendly SUV option. As electric vehicle infrastructure and consumer interest continue to grow, the ID.4 is primed to play a pivotal role in Volkswagen’s sustainable mobility strategy, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
