Evolution of the VW ID.4: Power and Tech Upgrades Await
The VW ID.4 concluded a robust sales year in 2023, yet faces challenges ahead. Volkswagen sold 37,789 ID.4s last year, marking an 84 percent increase from 2022 and contributing 11.5 percent of VW’s total American sales. While production ramps up at the Chattanooga, Tennessee plant where American ID.4s are assembled, overall EV demand appears to be waning, and the field of competitors continues to expand. Unlike a year ago (2023), there are no waiting lists for the ID.4, and it may even be the most economical lease option in a VW showroom. Fortunately, the 2024 model year inherited significant upgrades, which will attract more interest from buyers.
Enhancements to the Powertrain
The compact SUV is receiving a power boost as its foremost upgrade, with the introduction of a new rear motor known as the APP550, featuring a stator with more and larger square-section wires, a more oversized heat sink, and an upgraded oil- and water-cooling system, the output for rear-wheel-drive models equipped with the 77.0-kWh battery surges from 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque to 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet. With this new motor, the rear-drive ID.4’s power-to-weight ratio nearly matches that of the outgoing all-wheel-drive model. Volkswagen claims the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph reduces from 7.7 to 5.9 seconds, although given the substantial increase in torque, it may perform even better.
The all-wheel-drive model also receives the new rear motor and the 107-hp and 119-lb-ft front motor. Due to constraints in the power control electronics, this version doesn’t significantly increase output as considerably as the rear-drive model. Nonetheless, combined power rises from 295 to 335 horsepower, while torque jumps from 339 pound-feet to approximately 500 (the exact combined figure is undisclosed by the German automaker). As per Volkswagen, this will reduce the zero-to-60 time from 5.7 to 4.9 seconds.
Although the net battery capacity remains unchanged at 77.0 kilowatt-hours, the battery benefits from slight improvements in the battery chemistry; additionally, this new motor is more potent and marginally more efficient. Consequently, the EPA estimated the range to increase from 275 to 291 miles for the rear driver, while the AWD model saw a more modest rise from 255 to 263 miles. The base rear-drive model with the 58.0-kWh battery does not receive these powertrain changes, maintaining horsepower and torque at 201 and 229 pound-feet, respectively. Its range decreases slightly from 209 to 206 miles. It’s worth noting that VW—and most EV manufacturers—recommend charging only 80 percent to preserve battery life unless embarking on a long trip. Thus, these range predictions should be reduced by 20 percent for most real-world driving scenarios.
Infotainment System Upgrades
The 2024 model features essentially the same system VW previewed last year (2023) during our initial drive of the upcoming ID.7. The new version, available with a slightly larger 12.9-inch LCD screen for 77.0-kWh models, incorporates a strip of HVAC controls permanently displayed at the bottom edge of the image. Consequently, enthusiasts can directly activate the seat heaters and air conditioning without navigating menus. While touch sliders for fan speed and temperature adjustment remain, they are now illuminated and usable at night. The menus themselves have been simplified and are easily customizable. At the top left of the main screen are five shortcuts for convenient access to frequently used functions.
Moreover, the computer operating the system is considerably more powerful and possesses some AI capabilities, resulting in more accurate and quicker responses to voice commands. The steering wheel controls have also been improved, with a button on the right spoke to activate the steering wheel heater. Furthermore, the control for switching from adaptive cruise control to standard cruise control now involves a series of button pushes rather than a push, slide, and second push. Additionally, for improved visibility, VW has relocated the rotary shifter from the right edge of the still-small instrument cluster to a fixed stalk on the right side of the steering column.
A Beautifully Sustainable Future Awaits You at Sunrise Volkswagen
Come check out the stylish Volkswagen ID.4 awaiting your arrival at Sunrise Volkswagen. Whether you’re searching for the fresh scent of new leather or the reliability of a certified pre-owned, we offer exceptional customer service that makes you feel right at home. Volkswagen is renowned for its quality German engineering at reasonable prices. If financial difficulties arise, don’t hesitate to use our finance center. Nonetheless, if you’re not quite ready for a new car, our service department can fix up your current ride for an unbeatable price. So head on over to Sunrise Volkswagen, where our team is dedicated to your satisfaction.
Photo Source/Copyright: Volkswagen Newsroom