2023 Volkswagen ID.4
For the upcoming model year, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV receives tweaks so it further appeals to shoppers in the North American market. The all-electric crossover has design updates, interior upgrades and a new entry-level trim with a lower price and a smaller 62 kWh battery with a range of 209 miles. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 will be assembled in the German automaker’s state-of-the-art plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Model Lineup
Volkswagen wisely adds an ID.4 with a 62 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive in two trim levels: Standard and S. The 2023 ID.4 Standard has a starting MSRP of $37,495, and the ID.4 S starts at $42,495. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is also offered with 82 kWh battery in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and three trim levels: Pro, Pro S and Pro S Plus. Starting MSRP for ID.4 RWD Pro is $42,495, followed by Pro S at $47,495, and the Pro S Plus at $49,945. Starting MSRP for ID.4 AWD Pro is $46,295 followed by Pro S at $51,295 and Pro S Plus at $53,745. Prices do not include a destination charge of $1,295.

Electric Power
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 with rear-wheel drive is powered by an AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor positioned above the rear axle, producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque delivered through a differential and single-speed gearbox to the rear wheels. The U.S. EPA-estimated range with the 62 kWh battery is 209 miles, with an estimated fuel economy of 115 MPGe city / 99 MPGe highway / 107 MPGe combined. When equipped with the 82 kWh battery, the ID.4’s estimated range is 275 miles with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 115 MPGe city / 98 MPGe highway / 107 MPGe combined.

Electric All-Wheel Drive
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 all-wheel drive retains the same AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor at the rear as the rear-drive version and adds an asynchronous electric motor delivering power to the front wheels through a differential and single-speed gearbox. Total system output is 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Offered exclusively with the 82 kWh battery, ID.4 AWD has an EPA-estimated range of 255 miles with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 104 MPGe city / 93 MPGe highway / 99 MPGe combined.

Assembled in Tennessee
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 for the North American market will be assembled at the Chattanooga Assembly Plant following an $800 million investment including a battery assembly facility. For U.S. market vehicles, exterior updates for the 2023 model year include new gloss black trim for the front bumper, new wheel designs for all trim levels, new exterior colors and for S trim levels illuminated front and rear logos and light bars.

Inner Space
Inside, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 receives enhanced cockpit functionality with new software and over-the-air updates. A 12-inch infotainment touchscreen display is standard, and new navigation software adds charge stop routing with filters for charging speed and Electrify America charging locations. The center console is redesigned for improved functionality, three-zone Climatronic climate control with rear-seat controls is also standard, and heated outer rear seats are available on the S Plus trim.

New Interior Designs
For 2023 the new interior for ID.4 Standard and Pro combines melange fabric with leatherette side bolsters; dash stitching is also added. The Standard trim is available in two colors: Stone with black and gray accents or Nutmeg with brown accents. Two new interiors are offered for ID.4 S trims: Galaxy and Cosmic. The Galaxy interior features black leatherette seat inserts with Platinum Gray bolsters, door inserts and dash combined with a black steering wheel and displays.

Cosmic Interior
The Cosmic Interior combines gray leatherette seat inserts with blue side bolsters, door inserts and dash, with a white steering wheel and displays. Both Galaxy and Cosmic interiors get additional door panel stitching as well.

DC Fast Charging
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offers up to 170 kW DC fast charging, an increase from 135 kW for the previous version. In addition, ID.4 includes three years of 30-minute DC fast charging at Electrify America locations at no additional cost. Electrify America currently has more than 800 charging sites and 3,500 DC fast chargers.

IQ.Drive
Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive advanced driver-assistance technology is standard on the 2023 ID.4, with a full suite of features including travel assist (semi-automated driving assistance), lane centering and assisted lane changing. IQ.Drive also has front assist, active side assist, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and emergency assist. Also standard on 2023 ID.4 is park assist plus that has a memory park function.

On the Road
Volkswagen invited us to test drive the 2023 ID.4 on a scenic route outside of Nashville, where we spent the majority of our time driving an ID.4 AWD Pro S finished in Pure Gray combined with the Cosmic interior. The dual-motor drivetrain of the ID.4 AWD Pro is powerful, making the compact crossover quick and fun. Despite its heavy weight at 4,877 pounds, the ID.4 AWD Pro S feels nimble and responsive thanks to voluminous power available instantly.

ID.4 AWD
The rear motor of the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provides power in most driving situations, with the front motor contributing additional juice when needed for rapid acceleration, or at other times when all-wheel drive is more beneficial. The rear bias gives the ID.4 balanced and responsive driving dynamics, a key contributor to this crossover’s fun factor.

On the Highway
On the interstate, the IQ.Drive system does a fine job assisting the driver to keep the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 in its lane, as well as adjust speed to traffic ahead. However, on back roads with successive curves, the lane-keeping assist can respond aggressively in certain situations, making it a little disconcerting as the tech-controlled steering fights back. Drivers who don’t appreciate the intrusion on winding roads can always deactivate the lane assist, saving it for open roads with gradual turns.

New ID.4 Standard
We also briefly drove the new ID.4 Standard with its lighter 62 kWh battery. The ID.4 Standard is 240 pounds lighter than ID.4 Pro with the 82 kWh battery, and 470 pounds lighter than ID.4 AWD Pro. The rear-drive ID.4 Standard is rated at 201 horsepower — 94 less than the all-wheel-drive version. However, with the considerable weight reduction the ID.4 Standard still feels quick and engaging. With power going to the rear wheels, the sporty driving dynamics make the crossover feel nimble and balanced despite the drop in horsepower.

Right for You?
The ID.4 sold well in its first year of production — 28,000 sold in the U.S. market. For 2023, ID.4 has been updated to appeal further to American drivers, with new interiors and the 62 kWh battery version for a lower entry price. The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is comfortable, practical and enjoyable to drive, attributes that make it competitive with comparable compact electric crossovers.

Rating: 8.5
Pros: Comfortable; sporty; fun driving dynamics; new 62 kWh version.
Cons: Lane-keeping assist can be aggressive.
Bottom Line: Practical and sporty, this electric crossover offers a lower price point, as well as longer range and all-wheel-drive options, making it a competitive choice in the burgeoning EV market.

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