Volkswagen ID.4 – Most Affordable AWD Electric Vehicle in US?

If VW builds it will they come?

The new Volkswagen ID.4 AWD electric SUV just revealed has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $43,675¹. This – at the moment – is lower than any other AWD BEV on sale in the U.S. today². Whether this is a distinction with a saleable difference remains to be seen in the murky marketplace of BEVs – often hyped by makers, but still shunned by buyers as booming truck sales demonstrate. Light trucks accounted for 75.8% of sales in May. EVs this year might take, oh, 2%-3% of the US market. Planned EV investments jumped 41% in the past year, to $330 billion globally by 2025, according to AlixPartners. (Voltswagen is New Name for Volkswagen After Dieselgate, Electric Vehicles – a Virus That Can’t Be Controlled?, Chattanooga to Build US VW Electric Vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles – Future or Folly?)

With two electric motors, 295 horsepower and an estimated 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds for the AWD Pro model, the ID.4 AWD offers competitive performance and all-weather traction³. It combines the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor on the rear axle of the standard ID.4 with a new asynchronous electric motor on the front axle.

In keeping with industry practice, unlike a traditional all-wheel-drive system, there are no mechanical links between the axles. The rear motor generates a maximum output of 201 horsepower and 228 lb.-ft. of torque, while the front motor has a maximum output of 107 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque⁴. The system has a total maximum output of 295 horsepower. Each motor connects to the wheels through a differential and a single-speed gearbox.

The variable all-wheel-drive system offers benefits compared to traditional mechanical set-ups. The rear motor handles most driving circumstances, leaving the front motor to engage only as needed, such as when the control system senses wheelspin at any corner. The motors can react faster than any combustion engine—within a few hundredths of a second—so that the driver never notices the changes – if, big if, the electronic calibration is adept.

Both motors are linked to the rest of the vehicle through the so-called Vehicle Dynamics Manager⁶, which balances performance and battery efficiency. As in the rear-wheel-drive ID.4, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager works closely together with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and controls when the front-axle motor should engage. It also handles the – marketing jargon alert – XDS+ brake-based differential to optimize handling when cornering at speed. To do so it brakes the wheels on the inside of the bend, thus turning the car slightly into the radius as required.

VW claims drivers can decide themselves how comfortable or sporty they want the ID.4 AWD to be with Driving Mode Selection. This impacts the steering weight, electric drive motors and offers a choice of five modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom and Traction. Eco mode is designed for efficient driving. Comfort mode ensures high driving comfort, Sport leaves the front motor engaged, and Custom allows a driver to blend between Comfort and Sport. Traction mode is intended specifically for driving on loose or slippery surfaces and features permanent all-wheel drive up to speeds of ~12 mph.

With its instantly available torque, ID.4 AWD Pro can reach 60 mph from a standstill as claimed in an estimated 5.7 seconds. Towing capacity rises to 2,700 pounds when using a braked trailer, over the rear-wheel-drive First Edition model’s 2,200 pounds⁵. The ID.4 AWD comes with a standard tow hitch and electrically heated windshield. All other pieces of the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 carry over to the AWD model, including its 82-kWh battery pack, interior and IQ.DRIVE group of driver assistance technologies. All ID.4 models can also receive over-the-air software updates in the future. The EPA-estimated range is 249 miles for the AWD Pro and 240 miles for the AWD Pro S.

The ID.4 AWD comes in two trims. The starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $43,675 for the ID.4 AWD. ID.4 AWD Pro S starts at a MSRP of $48,175. The optional Gradient package (available on the AWD Pro S) adds 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and further design furbelows. Destination for all ID.4 models is $1,195.

All ID.4 models are eligible for a potential Federal tax credit of up to $7,500⁷ and include three years of unlimited public DC fast charging on the Electrify America network at no additional cost⁸. The ID.4 AWD is expected to reach dealers in the fourth quarter of 2021, and reservations can be made at vw.com/id4.

“The all-wheel-drive ID.4 merges the utility and zero-emissions driving delivered by the rear-wheel-drive vehicle with the performance from our sporty vehicles,” said Scott Keogh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen of America. While this is a salute to old -style automotive marketing, it remains to be seen if new technology buyers retain some old time thinking.

Inevitable ID.4 Footnotes

1. Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
2. All prices provided are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude destination, taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
3. Always obey local speed and traffic laws.
4. Maximum horsepower calculated via peak performance of the electric motor(s) at peak battery power pursuant to SAE J2908. Max HP only available under certain limited conditions, including, but not limited to, battery temperature of between 23 and 50 °C (73.4 and 122°F) and a charge level greater than 88%. Your results will vary. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
5. Stated towing capacity is maximum tow rating when properly equipped with towing accessories. Vehicle load, other accessories and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle owner’s manual for details.
6. Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.
7. The potential tax credit discussed above is for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. Any available credits apply only on the original purchase of a qualifying vehicle and are not available in a lease transaction. All persons considering use of available tax credits should consult a tax advisor to determine eligibility based on their specific tax situation. Tax credits are subject to various limitations not within Volkswagen’s control and are subject to change without notice.
8. 3 years of unlimited charging on MY21 ID.4 vehicles begins upon vehicle purchase. Non-transferable. Not available for commercial use, such as ridesharing. Requires Electrify America account, app, enrollment in ID.4 Charging Plan, acceptance of Plan Disclosure, and $10 deposit to pre-fund Idle Fees. User is responsible for Idle Fees, which apply beginning 10 minutes after charge session stops or vehicle reaches full charge. Unused Idle Fee deposit will be refunded when account is closed. In the event of suspected fraud or abuse or other unforeseen events, Volkswagen of America may discontinue or modify the offer in its sole discretion. Frequent and consecutive charging can permanently decrease battery capacity, which may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty. Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.