Volkswagen ID.4
What's the story?
VW's electrification of its range has been surprisingly rapid, thanks to the brand choosing to adopt batteries and motors long before many of its rivals. The result is a neat EV lineup ranging from the Golf-sized ID.3 up to the ID.Buzz van.
The ID.4 sits in the middle of the pack, offering plenty of room for drivers and passengers, wrapped up in a sort of quasi-crossover package that isn't pure SUV, nor typical low-slung saloon fare.
The interior is deliberately sparse, with even the gear selector committed to a stalk behind the steering wheel. From the moment you slide into the ID.4, you get the impression this is a functional object, rather than something designed to stir the emotions.
That's no bad thing, and there is plenty of choice, from the most frugal Pure models with 360 kilometres of range to the Pro Performance with 530km. There's an ID.4 to suit most budgets and needs.
Is it any good?
VW has nailed the basics here, offering a gloriously simple driving experience that's refined and easy to live with. It's a joy to scoot around town in.
There's plenty in the way of driver assistance and all of the infotainment niceties you could want… it's just a shame VW's operating system is so clunky.
