2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Review: Powerful Upgrades for VW’s Popular Electric SUV

The Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV was a sales success in 2023, but it faced increasing competition in the hot EV market. Fortunately, Volkswagen has delivered major upgrades for the 2024 model year that should keep the ID.4 fresh and competitive.

More Power and Range for 2024

The biggest changes for 2024 are under the hood (or frunk?). VW has upgraded the rear electric motor on higher trims to a new “APP550” unit producing a massive 282 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque. That’s an 81 hp and 173 lb-ft increase over the 2023 model.

The AWD variants get this new rear motor paired with the existing 107 hp front unit for a combined system output of 335 hp – an increase of 40 ponies. Despite the extra power, updates to the battery chemistry and efficiency improvements yield a range boost as well:

• RWD models increase from 275 miles to 291 miles
• AWD models increase from 255 miles to 263 miles

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Quicker than Before

The additional power makes a noticeable difference in acceleration. In our testing, the 2024 AWD ID.4 sprinted to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds – over a half-second quicker than the 2021 model we previously tested. The powertrain feels incredibly responsive around town.

However, the ID.4’s ride and handling composure start to waver when really pushing it hard on twisty roads. Its near-5,000 lb curb weight is apparent. This is no sports car, though the grip is a respectable 0.86g on the skidpad.

Massively Improved Infotainment System

As transformative as the powertrain upgrades are, the infotainment system overhaul may be even more significant for the ownership experience. The 2023 ID.4’s infotainment was widely panned for:

• Overcomplicated menus
• Sluggish response times
• Too many input steps for basic functions

The 2024 ID.4 adopts the excellent new infotainment system first seen in the ID.7, with key improvements like:

• Simplified, customizable menu layouts
• Dedicated HVAC controls on the screen
• Faster processing power and voice recognition
• Revised steering wheel controls

In our experience, it transforms the user experience from one of the worst to one of the better systems in the market. Navigation also integrates helpful EV route-planning features.

Pricing and Value

Pricing for the 2024 ID.4 ranges from $41,160 for the base rear-wheel drive model up to $58,480 for the top AWD Pro S Plus trim – about a 5% increase over 2023.

All versions qualify for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit. VW’s Electrify America charging plan has been downgraded to 500 kWh of free charging but still includes preferential rates after that.

The Bottom Line

With its powerful new powertrain options, extended range, and vastly improved infotainment tech, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 looks to be an even stronger contender in the increasingly crowded EV SUV space. The upgrades address many of the areas where the ID.4 trailed competitors in the past.

If you’re shopping for an affordable all-electric SUV with space for the family, the revamped 2024 ID.4 deserves a spot on your test drive list. It may just be the perfect blend of practical and fun EV motoring.

Let us know your thoughts on the 2024 ID.4 updates in the comments below! And if you found this review helpful, share it with your EV enthusiast friends.