Post by VWCA_Adman on Jul 20, 2022 13:07:05 GMT -6

By Cliff Leppke
Early this March, VW began shipping ID.4 long-range (250 miles) battery electric vehicles to nearly all of its stateside dealers. George Kwiecinski, sales consultant at VW of Milwaukee North, signed me up for a brief fling in VW’s latest eco machine.
Before I get to the vehicle, let’s talk logistics. VW energized dealer sales and service to make room for a different kind of VW — one with a usable 77-kWh battery pack below the floor and a 201-hp motor in the back where it doesn’t cause front-drive torque steer, says VW’s Mark Gillies. Dealers have high-voltage technicians ready to make your transition to an EV as smooth as possible. After sampling VW’s BEV, you place a reservation. Then, VW builds your ride — should take three months for a two-wheel-drive model, longer for AWD.

Once I shagged the key fob, the ID.4 noticed my proximity and tweaked the brake pedal — a secret invitation. There are trick door release buttons behind the door handles, which enable entrance. VW offers “welcome” LED signatures up front and inside.
The 1st Edition model I drove includes two optional packs. The interior’s two-tone interior is sanitary. Attached to the white steering wheel’s column is a 5.3-inch digital instrument screen — like an iPad mini. Because VW put much of the usual under-dash hardware in the “frunk,” it opened space for lots of cubbies and a less bulky dashboard. A soft dash pad, front door cards and seat mounted front armrests are inviting. Front or rear chairs are comfortable. VW sewed phone pouches into the front seat backs.


A 12-inch infotainment screen has super-size graphics — useful for adjusting driver-assist settings. At the screen’s base are touch-sensing HVAC sliders. Several items differ from conventional VWs. The steering wheel’s new-fangled switchgear, for example, apes a 2021 Atlas but requires new skills. Glossy stab points, illuminated during the day, are touch sensing with haptic feedback with an acoustic dunk.

Acceleration is silky with a bit of a kick if you stab the forward pedal to the floor. Stopping isn’t as lovely, as the brake pedal’s action seems mushy at first but sinks precipitously when coming to a full halt. The ID.4 emits a whirling noise at speeds below 20 mph. Otherwise, this hefty 4,659-lb crossover with towing hitch receptacle is as quiet as the IRS office during an audit.
My brief test drive revealed suburban runabout with proper steering effort and good forward sightlines. Stay tuned for a complete Autoist review when we get a loaner.
