2024 VW ID.4 Review: Finally Good to Buy?

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 has undergone some significant adjustments and refinements, or so the company promises. This electric SUV has never been high on our recommendation list due to a lackluster infotainment system, limited driving range, and unintuitive controls. In this video, we'll explore what's new with the VW ID.4 EV, and decide if it's an electric car you should buy.
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⏱️ Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:36 Updates
1:31 Strengths
1:40 Interior Comfort & Design
6:07 Driving Impressions
10:34 Pro Con Summary
11:32 Conclusions
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[@damieg82]

The Windows phone took me out 😂😂

[@craigcole5497]

I loved, Loved, LOVED my early Windows Phones, they were amazing. The Lumia 950 (shown in the video) was hot garbage. Thanks for commenting! - Craig

[@MirkoReinhardt]

@@craigcole5497But how good is the Zune integration in the ID.4?

[@craigcole5497]

@@MirkoReinhardt You know that's a sore subject! 🤣

[@Lascarnn]

Interior noise is still much better (lower) compared to Tesla Model Y. I think ID.4 is really worth buying now

[@EneriGiilaan]

I honestly can't understand the fuzz about the rear window switches - all the reviewers seem to have an itch over those. I don't remember the last time I needed to operate the rear windows as the driver. If the windows need to be opened or shut it is because for someone in the rear seat - and he/she can quite well operate the windows by him/herself. And BTW no one seems to mention that if you push the selector longer then you can operate all the windows simultaneously - not that I find that particularly important either.

[@Calipeixegato]

It's almost like that has become the "cool" thing that everyone complains about without even being able to articulate why it's a problem. I have yet to see one reviewer explain WHY having 2 window switches is such a problem.

[@ID.SuperFan-tq8xi]

Exactly this! It's the biggest non-issue ever.

[@christianlinke380]

Cannot agree more. Plus how often did I accidently open the rear window by clicking the wrong switch. Happened in every car (with 4 switches)I owned so far at some point.

[@EneriGiilaan]

@@christianlinke380 Heh ... didn't remember that - but has indeed also happened to me several times during the years with the four switch cars.

[@Orange_Manbaby]

Exactly this. And yes with 4 buttons you very often open the rear windows by mistake. This resolves that problem.

[@jimj2683]

I find the id4 to be the nicest in terms of seating space and position. I like how the rear bench is so high so the kids can see forwards and not get carsick.

[@BTC909]

2025 needs to have NACS. Proper window switches. Get rid of those touch capacitive sliders. The odd column button. How about a fold flat 2nd row. Needs pricing tweaks.

[@MaxPower-11]

I would definitely stay away from the base version with the small battery given it still has the old underpowered motor and sluggish infotainment system.

[@novaguy9767]

I just drove ID4 Pro, and after having test driven the Ioniq5, Mach e, Model Y, Airya and even the Q4 Etron, it's a close second to the Model Y and does a few things better depending on what's important to you. It feels properly quick, the Infotainment system works really well and the car is well equipped at the top end. Pro S AWD MSRP is pricey but VW appears willing to deal plus the tax credit is available in the US. I didn't see what the fuss is about with the capacitive slider buttons, they work and are easy to use. VW did a good job here with the 2024 version.

[@Calipeixegato]

I'm impressed by the improvements they made. Does it have heads up display? I'm also really amused that people are so annoyed by not having 4 window switches. In the grand scheme of things, it's such a non-issue. When do you ever need to put down all four windows at the same time? And how often do you go to lower your front driver window and end up lowering the back window instead by mistake?

[@EVPulse]

It’s a non-issue for some. Other people it’s a daily occurrence. But even if it’s not something that happens often, why make the change? Was there something wrong with four window switches? In the Volvo EX30 it’s done to save space, so while annoying at least makes sense. Here? It’s a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.

[@ID.SuperFan-tq8xi]

I have driven my ID for over three years now and never seen this as a problem. It just works.

[@Orange_Manbaby]

@@EVPulsethe guy mentioned a problem that does exist. Accidentally lowering the back windows. Which happens a lot and is annoying.

[@infernovideo]

In Europe you can get it with HUD but not an option in North America. I've been hoping they will bring it for 2025 as well as the 86kWh battery that is available in the ID.7. Unfortunately the initial info I've read is that they are not planning any changes for 25! I hope this is wrong and they are just keeping details close as VW needs to stay competitive with a refreshed Ionq5 , EV6 and other new entrants from Chevy etc.

[@jefmes]

I'm about a year in on my 2023 Pro S lease, and I'm still really enjoying it. The infotainment system does need additional improvements but if youre an Android Auto user it doesn't matter all that much. I'd definitely recommend the Pro S version though for the range - I get about 200 miles on an 80% charge, and 100% charge at 250-270 miles, which has been plenty when I have to commute (rarely, thankfully). If there arent major battery improvements by the time my lease is up in 2026, Ill likely buy out the rest and keep it.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

I am complaining about a bait and switch. Who’s the guy with the flowing locks in the thumbnail? lol. Glad to hear that the ID4 is less disappointing. I kid VW. Good job.

[@infernovideo]

Thanks for the updated review on the 2024's. You are the first person I've ever heard complain of the noise in an ID.4. Which EV's do you find to be quieter inside?

[@LoveStallion]

Still can't get into the over-reliance on capacitive buttons everywhere.

[@fgerstm2069]

I got the new one. The buttons work great.

[@keithw32123]

After a year and half of driving the 2022 ID4, the buttons work fine. No issues with any it. Handles like a Porsche in turns and has jack rabbit starts. Quiet. Roomy. Good looking.

[@MrVeeBlog]

I still love the styling of the ID4. Probably would be great on a road trip. Windows phone, then you lift one up into view? bruh!. I was a huge fan back in the day. All the best

[@vulpixelful]

It is great on a road trip. It maps out chargers and preconditions the battery if needed. There's also manual preconditioning if you aren't using the in car nav to find a charger for whatever reason.

[@jason5031]

I had a 2021 model Pro S. Great looks and very usable and comfortable interior. Took it on a 1600 mile road trip. It was comfortable and quiet. The day-to-day thought was infuriating. I didn't find out until too late, no heat pump in the US, only Canada (very small print). Winter range was 180-190 miles.

[@craigcole5497]

I loved my early Windows Phones, especially the cyan Lumia 920. It was beautiful, ran soooooo smoothly and was built like a tank. The 950 pictured here was an abject disaster, an infuriatingly poor product. Thanks! - Craig

[@samjam6989]

​@@jason5031heat pump is not going to make a big difference. Only see like maybe 20 or 30 km range improvement with heat pump. Battery range is affected in winter regardless of havinh heat pump or not

[@jason5031]

@@samjam6989 Except that I live in a climate that gets cold in the winter. The addition of a heat pump increases range when you're not relying resistive heating. So the extra 20 miles you can save makes a difference.

[@usaverageguy]

I don't remember you recommending the ID4 six months ago, when you drove to all 5 great lakes. But you did give it a lot of praise.

[@craigcole5497]

Actually, we took a Nissan Ariya on that Great Lakes drive. I reviewed the 2023 ID.4 a few months back and found it hard to recommend, but the changes for '24 make a huge difference. Thanks! - Craig

[@usaverageguy]

@@craigcole5497 Oh yes. You are right. My bad.

[@craigcole5497]

@@usaverageguy No worries. Appreciate your patronage!

[@BoricuaFez]

Always been interested in the iD4 when it came out, but the reviews and the issues I have read made me think other wise. When it comes to EVs, I am looking more at City EV cars in which the battery is between 42kWh to 44 kWh for daily commuting and going on errands around the city or town.

[@vulpixelful]

I have this model and I love it! I got the 2024 model, AWD with the larger 82kWh battery for the battery preconditioning. Other similar models had lower ground clearance and seat height, and I wanted to ride high. The capacitive buttons on the steering wheel are very responsive. Travel Assist is awesome.

[@EVPulse]

The full tax credit makes this car very interesting, and the faster charging rate of the bigger battery makes this more than capable for going on trips. Good on VW for building it Stateside. And thank you for watching and the comments :)

[@Mahmoud_Mahammed_Mahmoud]

Thi k you mean 82kwh battery

[@vulpixelful]

@@Mahmoud_Mahammed_Mahmoud Yep! I updated my comment. Thanks!

[@danlambesis1289]

That was a very interesting way to buckle up your seat belt at around the 6-minute mark. Does the car recognize that as the driver having his seat belt buckled?

[@craigcole5497]

Not sure, I didn't try to drive like that, but I'm sure the car wouldn't have liked it. Thanks! - Craig

[@kevinn1158]

This is a big improvement and will impact sales of the previous versions. In fact, I wouldn't buy a used ID4 of the pervious versions.

[@BobbieGWhiz]

While I don’t think one should be hyper focused on EV range, my exactly 1 year old Model 3 RWD range has dropped from 273 to 263 miles. Range loss is supposed to slow over time, but I wish there was closer to 300 miles for a feeling of greater range cushion. So be careful when you hear these ranges as they are going to decline before long. (I very rarely supercharge.)

[@Orange_Manbaby]

The ID4 is now a really good package. When the ID2 is launched VW will become a force again.

[@Hybridog]

2 things: a) Didn't know there was ever a Windows based phone, but I've never owned anything Windows based so there you go. 2) Digging the Italian style "arms out" driving position you chose.

[@amigajoe]

My favorite looking ev.

[@ALMX5DP]

I’m sure it’s fine, though there are a lot of really appealing options in this segment so makes it difficult to endorse.

[@samjam6989]

ID4 is better than most in terms of pricing and options imo. I take it over model Y for ride comfort and quality. Also take it over Ariya due to bigger cargo space, i would also take it over a Mach e due to ride comfort and pricing. I would take it over EV6 and Ioniq 5 or 6 due to ride height and ground clearance. Overall its a more balanced vehicle with a better value and price than many others in this segment. And the led lens, headlights and tail lights with light up logo at front and rear with light bars makes this car more unique than many EVs especially those ugly Model Ys😂. I think Nissan Ariya ans Benz EVs are the only other ones with light up badges

[@rwg1811]

Is the battery a lithium ion or lithium iron phosphate?

[@Orange_Manbaby]

NMC

[@rwg1811]

What is a portable charger

[@geraldh.8047]

It’s like a fixed charger except that it can be moved and put in the car.

[@tumbleweed1976]

Nice review. This comment is for Craig’s work not a VW 🎈

[@jimj2683]

They should include the id7 seats in this car. They are much better.

[@moreybrown870]

Unlike nearly all the vehicles in its category (sans the Model Y), you can get it with a proper tow hitch, decent tow rating (2,700lbs) and a 7-pin connector! Can't get that on a MachE or Ioniq5. With the updates, it's made it back onto my short list. But the lack of 1-pedal driving? like, WTF? Why not? I'd like a frunk, but can live without it. will it get access to NACS?

[@EVPulse]

VW has committed to NACS. But when? It's hard to say at this point with Tesla Supercharger shakeups.

[@EVPulse]

We also saw a Mach-E prototype recently with a tow bar, so maybe it's coming. We know lots of people are asking for it.

[@thiagolima5232]

perfect car

[@LarryRichelli]

The ID 4 is the slowest accelerating EV except the Chevy bolt

[@Molishious]

This seems greatly improved but I won’t consider it without a heat pump and the capacitive buttons, stupid window controls and lack of knobs are a big turn off.

[@GeeDeeBird]

It has a heat pump.

[@Molishious]

@@GeeDeeBird I’m in the US and VW decided to not offer it here in spite of offering it in Europe. I happen to live in the perfect climate for a heat pump and they are fairly common in EVs so I see no reason to do without. Ford Mach E also has no heat pump.

[@tylovset]

The heat pump is really just some extra percent of range during the cooler months, when people mostly don't go on long road trips anyway. You won't save money with a heat pump due to the added car price. Get a car with higher capacity battery and/or use smaller wheels if you really need long winter range, and get the bonus of better range all year.

[@gsengle]

One pedal is a feature that some auto makers think is a bad idea. I agree with them. Why do reviewers always act like it’s a a given that cars should have it? It makes generally for more car sickness in passengers and generally reduces range over intentional regen through the brake pedal.

[@EVPulse]

Early EVs had the feature and some people expect it and like having it. Some newer EVs have done away it to make it easier for people to transition. Since its software, it'd be nice to have the option to turn it on or off if you want it.

[@Orange_Manbaby]

Having stared with a dislike for one pedal driving in my Niro EV I now love it. Easier to simply brake and intuitively regen. The car sickness suggestion makes no sense as you would brake anyway.

[@kelalamusic9258]

All well and good. One of the biggest reasons why people, in general, are not purchasing EVs is due to the high price, yet EV reviews here on KZbin keep pushing at us the highest priced model. Can you focus on the reasonably priced model rather than the ridiculously higher priced models with all the superfluous extras.

[@EVPulse]

We don't intentionally push you to the highest priced model. Review vehicles are supplied by the manufacturer (this is common industry practice, there's only like one publication that can afford to and then actually purchase every vehicle it reviews), and manufacturers will typically put higher-spec'd models in the media fleets. Sometimes there'll be a mid-grade or volume model made available, but it's not the norm. This is the same for magazine, print, and website reviews along with KZbin. The advantage to many of these EVs is being techy-focused to begin with, even the entry-level models have a lot of standard features, which Craig mentions is a good deal in his conclusions at the end of the video.

[@kelalamusic9258]

@@EVPulse I understand, but it’s really not helping to generate needed sales. They obviously want people to purchase their higher priced models forcing them Into an unaffordable debt. That is so often the case, especially when you see so many repose from buyers who purchase beyond what they afford by crafty sales staff.

[@vulpixelful]

​@@kelalamusic9258 As someone who purchased this car in the trim that I wanted, based on what I could afford, there's a responsibility on the buyer. I did my research about what features I wanted in an EV and cross-checked my list with the models. We have little computers in our pockets, you can even do it at the dealership! I'm a woman and it still didn't take a lot for me to be firm on the trim I wanted. If a salesperson is trying to get you in a vehicle you don't want, switch salespeople or go to a different dealership.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

​@@kelalamusic9258 Look at the used market, batteries are lasting a long time, so you might find a good deal as some people trade to get the lastest or just off lease. Cheers

[@timvdl4819]

Windows phone ? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 please move to 2024 , it was good , no one cared, get over it

[@dhhsvis4920]

worst ev ever..

[@keithw32123]

One of the best EVs and getting better. 2022 ID4 AWD Pro S.