Volkswagen ID.4 Pro review
While fellow Volkswagen Group brands Audi, Cupra and Skoda have all launched fully electric models locally, Volkswagen Australia has had to wait patiently while its parent in Germany got on with the job of electrifying its fleet in Europe and elsewhere.
It seems the floodgates have now opened, however, following the launch in December last year of the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo, followed in March by the ID.4 Pro and ID.5 GTX mid-size SUVs.
Volkswagen is promising still more battery electric models later this year, too, including the closely related ID.4 GTX and ID.5 Pro.
Launched in Europe in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the ID.4 Pro and ID.5 GTX have been conspicuous in their absence from our market, but one upside of their delayed arrival is that Australia gets updated versions of both, with more power, better driving range, and upgraded interiors.
Both models are based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB dedicated electric vehicle platform and are essentially different variations of the same vehicle, with the ID.4 Pro a more conventional SUV body style with a single-electric motor driving the rear wheels, while the ID.5 GTX is a four-door coupe with a dual-motor all-wheel drive layout.
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With the arrival of the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 Pro later this year, buyers will have the choice of either body style with single- or dual-motor drivetrains.
Right now, the ID.4 Pro stands out as the more pragmatic choice thanks to its simpler single-motor powertrain, superior range, and lower purchase price of $59,990 (MRLP), versus $72,990 (MRLP) for the sportier and more highperformance ID.5 GTX.
For the money, the ID.4 Pro brings an 82kWh battery with a single-motor driving the rear-wheels, and healthy-enough outputs of 210kW/545Nm.
Stepping up to the ID.5 GTX brings some extra fruit, a slightly larger 84kWh battery, dual electric motors, all-wheel drive, and punchier 250kW outputs.
Both models measure up well against key rivals in terms of performance and range, with the ID.4 Pro claiming an impressive 544km (WLTP) compared with the recently facelifted Tesla Model Y RWD which extracts 466km (WLTP) from its 63kWh battery.
Riding on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, the ID.4 Pro boasts a Sport-oriented electronic stability control (ESC) function, Adaptive Chassis Control adaptive suspension and progressive rate electric steering. The combination delivers pleasingly disciplined handling while retaining impressively compliant ride.
Stand hard on the accelerator and the ID.4 Pro will cover the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint in a rapid 6.7 seconds, which is two-tenths of a second quicker than the Model Y RWD, but slower than the feisty 5.4-second split of the dual-motor ID.5 GTX.
Standard equipment on both models includes Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam, 3D LED rear lights with dynamic indicators, keyless access, power tailgate, panoramic roof with electric blind, microfleece upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats with memory and massage function, heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, 12.9-inch infotainment with App-Connect and a 360-degree camera system.
Also, standard is Volkswagen’s Travel Assist system which combines Adaptive Cruise Control with active Lane Assist, Side Assist, Emergency Assist, oncoming vehicle braking and a range of other safety technologies to deliver an impressively unobtrusive driver assistance system.
Volkswagen is entering the EV space at a time of unprecedented competition from Chinese and other car makers, with more than 20 fully electric SUVs battling it out in the $50-$70,000 price range.
Fortunately, the German car maker has put its best foot forward with the ID.4 Pro which offers a compelling alternative from a well-established brand to the deluge of new products on offer from challenger brands.
Key stats
PRICE: $59,990 (MRLP)
WARRANTY: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre (vehicle); eight-year/160,000-kilometre (battery)
POWERTRAIN: Single electric motor, one-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (210kW/545Nm)
BATTERY: 82kWh lithium-ion NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt)
RANGE: 544km (WLTP)
ANCAP CRASH RATING: Five stars (2021)
ENERGY CONSUMPTION: 16.69kWh/100km
FOR: Attractively styled, well built, well finished, roomy interior, quality dynamics, strong performance, well equipped, good range.
AGAINST: No wired Apple Car Play and Android Auto, no Vehicle to Load (V2L), fiddly touch-sensitive switches, spongy brake pedal feel.
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