Volkswagen has committed to expanding its offering of electric and hybrid vehicles to support eco-minded drivers, who want to reduce their environmental impact. One of their latest models is the 2021 ID.4, which is the first VW model for U.S.-based buyers that’s built as an electric vehicle from the ground up. This model is different from the e-Golf, the automaker’s first official electric vehicle, in that the latter wasn’t built from the ground up as an EV.
The ID.4 is a sleek and stylish model inside and out. It’s also our recommendation if you want an upscale ride that doesn’t run on conventional fuel.
Three Well-Equipped Trim Levels
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is available in three well-equipped trim levels in its first year offered to American buyers. They are called Pro, Pro S, and 1st Edition. The subcompact SUV offers plenty of cargo space and a surprisingly spacious cabin for people of all sizes to sit in comfortably. Interior comfort features for the base trim, Pro, include power-adjustable and heated front seats, cloth upholstery, and a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. This model also offers dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents to keep air flowing.
Stepping up to the Pro S trim adds a panoramic sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, and adjustable floor panels in the cargo area. This median ID.4 also includes upgraded front seats with massaging to keep you relaxed on drives, long or short. With the 1st Edition trim, you get unique pedals with “play” and “pause” icons, along with white interior accents that help the cabin to stand out. The pedals also come in two different color options so you can further customize the interior.
High-End Technology Features
In addition to the premium materials and high-end niceties, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 also boasts a long list of upscale technology features. The cabin is free from clutter, showing off a floating infotainment display. Beneath the windscreen is ID. Light, an ambient lighting strip with 30 different colors that also runs along the dashboard. The light colors change to send messages to the driver, such as to show when a phone call comes in, when the ignition is on, or when the car is locked.
You can control the infotainment system with the touch screen or with the soft-touch buttons located beneath the display. Either instrument controls the volume, drive mode, climate control system, and driver assistance features. What’s more, the base trim comes with a 10-inch touch screen, a connected audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and voice control functionality. You can also charge your device wirelessly or with any of the USB ports, which are placed throughout the vehicle’s cabin. Upgrade to the Pro S trim for a larger (12-inch) touch screen with gesture control.
Spacious Cabin from Front to Back
Although it fits into the subcompact crossover segment, the 2021 VW ID.4 is spacious and comfortable. The driver and front passenger have 40.6 inches of headroom and 41.1 inches of legroom. The second row is only slightly smaller, offering 37.9 inches of headroom and 37.6 inches of legroom. So, feel free to spread out and get comfortable in this ride regardless of your seating position.
The front and rear seats are well cushioned to provide a blend of support and comfort. This model has softer suspension tuning, though those within the cabin remain well protected from road bumps. In addition, the cargo area offers 30.3 cubic feet of space, which is plenty of room to store a wide range of tools. Whether you’re making a big grocery run or carrying gear for your kids, this car won’t disappoint. And when you fold down the rear seats, you have 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space for bulky or large items.
Premium Safety Equipment
The ID.4 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, so you can feel confident about transporting precious cargo in its cabin. Every model comes well equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive, a suite of driver safety aids. The package bundles adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Anti-lock brakes, a rearview camera, traction and stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system also come standard across the board.
Stay Connected on Any Device
Volkswagen offers VW Car-Net, on just about any mobile device, to keep drivers connected to their vehicles. This functionality provides remote access to your vehicle, as well as access to emergency assistance, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and remote battery-charging functionality. If you need to find a nearby charging station, simply open the app and search based on your location. When you need to check the charge level of your battery, you can use the app to do so as well.
VW Car-Net also includes two exclusive premium features for three years after purchasing a new ID.4 model. The first is Plus Nav EV, which is enhanced navigation that includes parking information, traffic, and routes that are continually updated to keep you out of traffic jams.
The second feature is Plus Speech EV, also known as the “Hello Volkswagen” feature. Thanks to this addition, you can control the systems in the vehicle with conversational language. For example, you could say, “I’m a little cold,” and the climate system will kick into gear to warm up the cabin. You can also use friendly language when sending texts or requesting navigation directions to a particular location.
The ID.4 earned the distinction of the 2021 World Car of the Year from a panel of 93 international journalists spread across 28 different countries. As you can see, this capable SUV is worth considering if you’re shopping for an eco-friendly model that won’t break the bank. Visit Capistrano Volkswagen to take this stylish ride out for a test drive. We offer competitive pricing on all new models (including this sleek newcomer to the lineup) and a relaxed atmosphere for buyers.
Image via Unsplash by julianhochgesang