Road Test: 2024 Volkswagen ID4 Pro S AWD

Mid-Cycle Change Brings More Power and Range

The all-electric Volkswagen ID4 crossover, first launched in 2021 with rear-wheel drive, added an all-wheel drive option in 2023, now has had a mid-cycle update for 2024. The changes include more power, longer driving range, an upgraded infotainment display and navigation, and other features that improve on this midsize SUV that is built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

2024 ID4 Models

Charging

All ID4 models are charged through a plug-in port offering three charging speeds. Using an onboard 11 kW charger, there is a maximum charge rate of 175 kW for the 82 kWh battery, and 140 kW for the 62 kWh battery, with these charge times.

• 120V (Level 1) – 2 miles of charge per hour, or about 80 hours
• 240V (Level 2) – 8 hours for the 82 kWh battery; 6.15 hours for the 62 kWh battery                  
• 480V DC Fast Charging – 80% in 30 minutes or less

The ID4 Charging Plan+, utilizing the Electrify America app, gets 500 kWh of free charging at Electrify America’s DC fast charging network of more than 900 stations and 4,000 chargers in North America.

Additional charging is through regenerative braking that converts kinetic energy into electricity, when braking or coasting, and stores it in the battery. So driving around town, in stop-and-go rush hour freeway traffic, or coasting down hills will recharge the battery.

The Driving Experience

Clean Fleet Report drove the 2024 Volkswagen ID4 Pro S AWD with dual electric motors that produced a peppy 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. This is one second faster than the single-motor rear-wheel drive ID4 that clocks the same distance in 5.9 seconds.

There are four driver-selectable drive modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom. Eco mode is for the most efficient driving but dumbs-down the throttle response; Comfort (our go-to) provides both efficiency and good throttle feel; Sport adds more responsive steering and throttle response; and Custom provides a blend between Comfort and Sport. All-wheel-drive models offer Traction mode, which is intended for driving on loose or slippery surfaces and features permanent all-wheel drive up to speeds of around 12 mph.

Utilizing the B drive setting gets the most aggressive motor regeneration, providing maximum battery recharging. The ID4 does not have full one-pedal driving where it can be brought to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal, but will slow to about 1 -2 miles per hour. Once applying the brake pedal and stopped, the car will remain in-place via the Auto Hold feature. 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, it is easy to not touch the brake pedal as using motor regeneration is the easiest, most convenient and smoothest way to drive an electric car.

Cruising the Open Road

The ID4 Pro S AWD cruised at or above highway speeds with confidence, passing big rigs was not an issue thanks to the instant torque at any speed. 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 4,907-pound mass shifting ever-so-slightly, but the suspension has been designed to easily catch the shift and continue tracking through the corner.

The low center of gravity, with the 1,105-pound batteries being located under the floorboard, made for a sure-footed driving experience with neutral handling coming from the electric rack-and-pinion power steering. The ID4 Pro S AWD has a generally comfortable ride that takes all but the largest bumps in stride.

The steering is a bit light for highway speeds, but is welcome for the impressive 36.4 foot turning radius (31.5 feet for the RWD models) that 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.

Euro Design

There are subtle exterior differences between the models, with AWD badge on the front fenders differentiating the ID4 RWD and AWD models. For the keen of eye, there is 0.7 inches higher ground clearance on 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, producing a respectable 0.28 drag coefficient.

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

Comfort and Tech

The interior of the ID4 AWD Pro S 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.

Seats are covered in V-Tex leatherette, a synthetic leather that is softer, warmer and lasts longer than leather. The heated and ventilated front seats have 12-way power adjustments that include 4-way lumbar, massage and memory. The second row easily accommodates two adults, three in a pinch, with the outer rear seats heated and two convenient USB charge-only ports.

Cargo space is generous with 30.3 cubic feet capacity when the 60:40 folding rear seat is up, then 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 removed revealing a well for storing, among other things, the charging cord.

With the electric ID4, you don’t start and stop it, but more like a computer, it is powered up and down. Slide into the driver seat and the dash comes to partial life, pressing the brake pedal completes the dash read-outs. The ID4 is now ready to drive by turning the right stalk up for D (drive) and B (brake) for forward, or roll the stalk back for R (reverse.) When it is time to exit, press the button on the end of the stalk for P (park) to set the parking brake, and then slide off the seat and the ID4 powers down.

Sounds and Information

The 2024 ID4 has a 5.3-inch driver digital display that shows the state of charge, driving range, navigation and driving data. It’s attached to the steering column as opposed to being placed in the dash. This location positions this vital information in the driver’s line of vision, eliminating the need for a head-up display.

A 12.9-inch color infotainment screen, standard on the 82 kWh models, has a much improved operating system since we last reviewed the ID4 in 2023. However, some of the haptic controls can be frustrating, and the artist information not being displayed when selecting a preset radio station, but requiring you to push another button on the screen, is odd. A 12.0-inch infotainment screen is standard on the 62 kWh battery models.

The 7-speaker sound system has FM/HD radio, SiriusXM (90-day trial) and voice control, but no AM radio. The App-Connect provides smartphone integration as well as access to controlling many functions on the ID.4 such as avoiding traffic jams, pre-heating the interior, listening to podcasts and connecting to internet radio.

There are set voice commands; say “Hello, ID,” and you can create your own in the Settings menu.

Additional convenience features include 30-color ambient lighting, multi-function leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, front row USB-C data ports, dual zone automatic climate system with air filtration, fixed glass moon roof, and an illuminated carpeted cargo area with a 12-volt outlet.

Safety

All 2024 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.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID4 has a Top Safety Pick safety rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The US Government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded its highest rank of a Five Star rating.

Pricing

There are eight 2024 ID models, with these prices, including the mandatory $1,425 destination fee. The ID4 qualifies for federal and state tax credits/incentives, and in some states, is eligible for a HOV sticker. Always speak with your tax advisor before purchasing any EV.

Rear Wheel Drive – all with the 62 kWh battery

• Standard       $40,420
• S                  $45,420

Rear Wheel Drive – all with the 82 kWh battery

• Pro                $45,420
• Pro S             $50,420
• Pro S Plus    $52,870          

All-wheel Drive – all with the 82 kWh battery

• Pro                $49,220
• Pro S             $54,220
• Pro S Plus    $56,670      

The 2024 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: 2024 Volkswagen ID4 AWD Pro S

There is nothing like the feeling and sensation driving an electric vehicle. If you are not familiar with it, make sure your Volkswagen dealer sales representative knows you are an EV newbie and lets you take a lengthy test drive. Once around the block will not be enough, so request (demand) getting on the highway to fully experience the acceleration, handling and ride.

The 2024 ID4 with more powerful motors and a revised touchscreen should earn it a place on your shopping list as it is a comfortable well designed compact SUV family vehicle. With tight handling and a smooth quiet ride, the spirited all-electric driving experience lives-up to Volkswagen’s German heritage. The four-door ID4 is solidly built, efficient, charges at a quick pace, and comes with complementary free fast charging.

There are faster EVs on the market, claiming 0-60 times under four seconds, but Volkswagen has wisely designed the ID4 to be accessible to a wide swath of drivers and not just those with a need for speed.

All ID4 models sold in the United States and Canada are made in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at VW’s factory where a $4.3 billion investment in the body and battery plants has brought on 4,700 employees where the Passat, Atlas, and Atlas Cross Sport have been built since 2012.

Next up for Volkswagen in 2025 are the ID7 sedan and the ID.Buzz van, which are only the beginning of a march toward a full line-up of electric vehicles from the 87-year old German company.

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

Previously with the ID4:

Road Trip with the 2021 ID4

Flash Drive: 2021 Volkswagen ID4

First Drive: Volkswagen ID4 

News: VW 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.

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