After spending more time with the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro, the top-of-the-line model of VW’s first mass-market electric car in the US, initial lukewarm feelings have devolved into significant disappointment. Despite the dual-motor setup and improved performance over the standard model, the ID.4 Pro lacks any compelling reason for purchase, especially when compared to competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Tesla Model Y. This review delves into the shortcomings of the ID.4 Pro, highlighting its bland design, frustrating user experience, and underwhelming performance.
A Bland Design Inside and Out
The ID.4 Pro’s exterior styling is disappointingly mundane. While not unattractive, it lacks the visual flair of competitors like the Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5. The front end appears disproportionately large and bulbous. Surprisingly, the ID.4 Pro lacks a front trunk (frunk), a common feature in electric vehicles due to the absence of a traditional engine. The rear cargo area is also unimpressive, and the overall interior space feels cramped, with a high hood line that obstructs forward visibility.
The minimalist interior aesthetic, while initially appealing, is let down by cheap plastics and poorly designed door handles. The confusing window switches require toggling between front and rear controls, a baffling design choice.
A Frustrating User Experience
The ID.4 Pro’s large touchscreen infotainment system suffers from significant lag, making simple tasks like scrolling through music frustrating and potentially dangerous while driving. Adjusting active driver safety systems while the vehicle is in motion is inexplicably impossible. The gear selector, a clunky rocker switch, and the poorly designed gauge cluster further detract from the user experience.
Underwhelming Performance and Range
While the dual-motor ID.4 Pro boasts a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds, a significant improvement over the single-motor variant, it doesn’t feel particularly quick in real-world driving. The handling is uninspiring, especially compared to VW’s gas-powered offerings. Despite an 82 kWh battery pack, the observed range in mixed driving conditions peaked at a disappointing 220 miles, falling short of competitors with similar battery capacities.
The included three years of free charging on the Electrify America network is a positive, but the network’s unreliability, with frequent charger malfunctions and slow charging speeds, significantly diminishes this benefit.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
The Volkswagen ID.4 Pro, rather than representing a compelling vision of the future, feels like a half-hearted attempt at an electric vehicle. Its bland design, frustrating user interface, underwhelming performance, and limited range make it a difficult recommendation in a increasingly competitive market. VW has missed an opportunity to create a truly inspiring electric vehicle with the ID.4 Pro.
