Volkswagen ID.4 Review: The sensible electric SUV

Join us as we take a closer look at the Volkswagen ID.4, the electric SUV that's been quietly holding its own since 2021

The Volkswagen ID.4 is essentially a veteran in the electric vehicle (EV) space, and it marked Volkswagen's first fully electric SUV — a true landmark for a brand built on practical, dependable family cars.

It's sensible and doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. Reassuringly Volkswagen in its approach, at a time when the market is full of futuristic EVs vying for attention.

But the EV landscape has changed dramatically since 2021 when it was released. 

Chinese brands are arriving with high-tech cars at lower price points, and even VW's most loyal customers are being given reasons to look elsewhere.

Loyalty can only go so far.

There are even rumours that the upcoming 2026 facelift will see the ID.4 renamed the ID. Tiguan, in a bid to make the ID range feel more familiar and accessible to mainstream buyers.

But after six years on the road, do they really need a new name to turn heads?

What we drove:

Model: Volkswagen ID.4 Life

Fuel type: Electric

Battery: 77kWh

Power: 150kW (204PS)

Range: Up to 328 miles (WLTP Comb)

Colour: Moonstone Grey

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Understated by design

Unlike some EVs on the road today, the ID.4 doesn't scream about its green credentials. It simply fits in with Volkswagen's wider SUV family, and honestly, that's no bad thing.

The raised, dominant stance gives it a commanding presence on the road, and details like the front light bar, intricate taillight patterns and contrasting roof pillars add visual interest without tipping into the outlandish. It's a car that draws a second glance rather than a double take.

That said, the proportions are a bit marmite.

It's not the most conventionally handsome SUV in its class, and parked next to something like the Nissan Ariya or SKODA Enyaq, it can look a little bloated.

The flush electronic door handles are a neat touch but take some getting used to, and the thick rear pillars can hinder visibility when parking.

The 2026 reskin promises to address some of these criticisms.

A more angular design language, wider light bar, reshaped bumpers and a return to traditional pull-type door handles should give the ID.4 a sharper, more purposeful look when it arrives.

Minimalist by nature

Step inside and you'll be greeted with a genuinely spacious cabin that has a minimalist vibe reminiscent of the Tesla Model Y. It's airy, uncluttered and immediately comfortable.

The low-set dashboard and wraparound door cards add to the sense of space, making the cabin feel larger than the exterior dimensions might suggest. Seats are comfortable and supportive no matter where you’re sat in the car; no more being as stiff as a stick after a long motorway trip.

Now, here's a quirky detail that caught us off guard: The pull-down armrests in the front.

You know the type — like aeroplane seats, or your parents' car from the '90s. In such a forward-thinking EV it felt like an unexpected throwback. But honestly? It works.

The 10-inch infotainment touchscreen is clear and logically laid out, but the lack of physical buttons is a genuine frustration.

The ID.4 relies heavily on haptic touch-sensitive controls, which can be fiddly on the move. Steering wheel shortcuts and voice control help smooth things out once you've learned where everything lives, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included as standard.

Storage is well thought out throughout.

There are generous door bins, cupholders, a wireless charging pad, USB-C slots and a centre console bin with a retractable cover; plenty of places to stash the everyday essentials.

And in the boot? There’s 543 litres of space for you to play around with. That’s the football kit, the cello, or whatever your kids are into sorted.

The 2026 facelift promises to address the interior's biggest weaknesses: Higher quality materials, a larger 15-inch infotainment screen and the long-awaited return of physical buttons.

Smooth operator

Put your foot down and the ID.4 is refined, comfortable and utterly dependable — exactly what you'd expect from Volkswagen.

While it's not the most exciting EV to drive, that was never the point. This is a family car through and through, and it excels in that role.

It may be an SUV, but it still has light, responsive steering with a surprisingly agile feel for a car of this size. It's easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces too, thanks to an impressive turning circle that makes town driving considerably less stressful than you might expect.

Through corners it keeps body lean to a minimum, feeling composed and sure-footed throughout. And on the motorway, wind and road noise are well suppressed, making it a genuinely relaxing long-distance cruiser.

The regenerative braking deserves a special mention too. It's progressive and easy to judge, which makes a refreshing change in a world where harsh regenerative braking can catch you off guard. Combined with smooth power delivery and no gear changes to contend with, the overall experience is seamless.

Adaptive cruise control, lane assist and driver fatigue alert all come as standard too: In safe hands doesn't quite cover it.

It's not as fun through the corners as the BMW iX3 or Ford Mustang Mach-E. But if it's thrills you're after, you're seriously in the wrong place right now.

Range without the anxiety

The ID.4 comes with two battery options: A smaller 52kWh pack and a larger 77kWh battery.

The entry-level 52kWh model offers a claimed range of up to 222 miles (WLTP Comb), which is perfectly adequate for daily driving and regular commuting. But if you can stretch to the 77kWh variant, that range climbs to up to 328 miles (WLTP Comb).

That extra range makes a genuine difference, particularly if you regularly tackle longer journeys or don't have easy access to home charging.

At a public rapid charger the 77kWh battery can go from 10-80% in around 28 minutes. At home via a 7kW wallbox, expect around 12 hours for a full charge. Simply plug in when you get home and you’ll leave in the morning with a full battery.

What's good, and what's not

While a great family car, it still has its flaws:

The good bits:

• Up to 328 miles WLTP Comb on the 77kWh variant — more than enough for most
• Light, responsive steering — surprisingly agile for an SUV
• Genuinely spacious cabin — front and rear
• 543-litre boot — bigger than the BMW iX3 and Kia EV6
• Adaptive cruise control, lane assist and driver fatigue alert all standard
• Hidden boot storage under the false floor — great for charging cables

The not-so-good bits:

• Haptic touch-sensitive controls are genuinely frustrating on the move
• Some hard, cheap plastics in places — disappointing at this price point
• No frunk — a missed opportunity for extra storage
• Thick rear pillars hinder visibility when parking

What's the verdict?

Six years on and the Volkswagen ID.4 is still holding its own — no mean feat in a market that's moved faster than almost any other in automotive history.

It's not the flashiest EV on the road. It's not the most exciting to drive either. But it's dependable, practical and reassuringly Volkswagen; and for a lot of buyers, that's exactly what they're looking for.

A major reskin is confirmed for 2026, and rumours of a name change to ID. Tiguan suggest Volkswagen know it needs a refresh to stay competitive. But as it stands, the ID.4 remains a solid, well-rounded choice for families who want an EV without the drama.

Top 5 reasons to consider the Volkswagen ID.4:

1. Up to 328 miles of range (WLTP Comb)
2. Genuinely spacious cabin and 543-litre boot
3. Refined, comfortable drive that makes every journey stress-free
4. Five-star Euro NCAP rating for total peace of mind
5. Reassuringly Volkswagen — dependable, familiar and built to last

Would we recommend leasing a Volkswagen ID.4?

Absolutely. The ID.4 is ideal for families, commuters and anyone making the switch to electric for the first time.

It does exactly what it says on the tin — and it does it well.