Auto review: The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 proves to be a potent new EV

Until now, keeping up with the Joneses and their Tesla Model Y meant buying a, well, a Tesla Model Y. Or possibly the Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle. But unless you live in a communist country, what’s so great about buying the same vehicle as everyone else? It’s like saying, "Yes, but my Trabant is newer."

Come March, there will be another choice, the Volkswagen ID.4, the first in a series of Volkswagen EVs under the company’s new ID brand. Now, you’re probably wondering what ID stands for. In this case, it means Intelligent Design, rather than the part of your psyche that responds to basic needs and desires.

Initially offered in Pro and First Edition trims, the two-row, five-seat crossover is built using Volkswagen’s new MEB electric-car platform, and is 4.6 inches shorter, 1.9 inches lower, and 0.5 inches wider than a Volkswagen Tiguan. All models come with a body color roof, black roof rails, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, although you can opt for 20-inch wheels and a black roof with silver roof rails, fixed panoramic glass roof, LED projector headlights with adaptive front lighting, and power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps.

The ID.4’s ambience is starkly modern, with none of the visual clutter that’s common in most vehicles. The instrument panel dominated by two flatscreens: a 5.3-inch screen mounted on the steering column that tilts and telescopes with the steering wheel, and a larger 10-inch touchscreen atop the center console — a 12-inch screen is optional and can be fitted with an optional augmented-reality head-up display. In addition, all buttons are capacitive, although there’s no haptic feedback to alert you of activation. Oddly, the transmission switch is mounted next to the instrument cluster and actuates by twisting it forward for drive, and rearward for reverse. A button on its side engages park. It’s very intuitive despite its uncommon design.

And the cabin bristles with thoughtful design. The center console features a forward-sloped surface for wireless charging as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The console bin’s removable dividers form a cupholder. You’ll find small secondary pockets on the back of the front seatbacks to hold smartphones. And the base of the B-pillars has tie-down points, in case you need to secure cargo.

So far so good; and it only gets better when it comes time to drive. You’ll be surprised that, unlike most crossover SUVs and much like the original Beetle, the ID.4 is rear-wheel drive. Its rear-mounted 82 kW AC Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor and one-speed automatic transmission are mounted to the rear axle, producing 201 horsepower, and 228 pound-feet of torque. Employing rear-wheel drive allowed Volkswagen engineers to use a more powerful engine and eliminate torque steer, a common problem with front-wheel-drive EVs. An all-wheel drive model with more power is arriving later in 2021.

As it stands, the ID.4 is lively and responsive, with the MEB platform providing a solid, planted feel thanks to the placement of the batteries between the axles. It adeptly balances compliance and control, while the absence of an internal combustion engine and road noise makes for a pleasantly peaceful driving experience. And the accelerator and brake pedals are playfully embossed with play and pause symbols. Plus, you’ll be thrilled to find its 33.5-foot turning radius makes quick turnarounds easy.

With its fun-to-drive persona, sublimely good looks, potent powerplant and thoughtful design, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 will prove to be a formidable competitor in the compact crossover EV market.