Believe it or not, the all-new 2023 VW ID.4 is made in the U.S.; in Tennessee, to be precise. With this model, and especially in base spec – VW is trying to bring the price down in hopes of making EVs more accessible to the mass market. Electric cars have been out for a good decade now and prices are still high. The only notable movements to affordable EVs came from Ford and even those vehicles seem to be getting more expensive than when they were first released. That's where the ID.4's entry-level model comes into play. Here's what a budget-oriented, German-engineered, and U.S.-built EV can provide to the automotive world.
The Volkswagen ID.4 Specs
The ID.4 comes in two battery configurations. The one that is built in the U.S. features a 64kWh unit. This specification of the ID.4 features rear-wheel drive and offers a range of 209 miles. To get your hands on one of these vehicles, you will need to spend $37,495, which is $4,000 cheaper than the cheapest ID.4 you could get in the previous years. Granted, $37,495 isn’t exactly affordable; however, when compared to some other models on the market, the ID.4 is on the cheaper side. From an exterior standpoint, there aren’t many differences that would give away the fact that this is the base model ID.4. The base wheels look nice, and even the paint color is premium unlike the flat colors often received on cheaper variants of vehicles. It is worth mentioning that the base model comes with 19-inch wheels, whereas the higher trims ride on 20-inch wheels. The 19s may be the better choice here as the larger sidewalls will provide better ride quality. As you would expect, the higher trim levels have options like an illuminated front bar and VW logo, and different headlight designs.
A Tech-Advanced Cabin
Inside, where most base models fail, you will soon realize that there isn’t any black, tough, and cheap-looking plastic – the interior feels premium. You get contrasting stitching, a big 12-inch display, great materials, and some retro-looking seats with a cloth middle paired with vinyl side bolsters. For 2023, the interior received some changes like a different center console and an updated infotainment system that seems to be more user-friendly than the older one. In the center console, you will find a wireless charger and USB-C ports. Just like many electric vehicles do, you can start up the ID.4 by leaving the key inside your pocket or bag and just stepping on the brake pedal – no need to push the start button.
Seating up front is comfortable, and the same is true for the rear as well. Also, there is plenty of legroom and headroom even for tall individuals. A/C is pumped to the rear, but no rear climate control is available on the base model. Trunk space is also impressive and gets even better if you fold the rear seats. So, the base model ID.4 will still look premium even next to its more expensive brothers.
The Differences Between a German and a U.S.-built ID.4
The differences between the two vehicles include a front lower grille that on the U.S.-built model is glossy instead of matt black, different color availability, different wheel designs, and a much more angular and pronounced crease on the side of the rear bumper. Other than that, there aren’t any other significant differences that would give away where the vehicle was built. It is worth mentioning that the U.S.-made ID.4 vehicles will only be sold in the U.S. and Canada. For the 62kWh batteries, the maximum charging speed is 140 kW.
Final Thoughts
One of the biggest barriers people must face when entering the EV market is price. The ID.4 isn’t cheap, but it is definitely cheaper than most other choices available. Best of all, the base model isn’t a completely striped-down bare-bones version of the premium variants that cannot do much more than just drive you to your destination. You still get amenities, a lot of technology, comfort, and premium materials. Sure, the ID.4 won’t work as a sole family vehicle as the range available isn’t enough for long family trips. However, if you need an electric car to use around the city and the occasional relatively short road trip, we cannot think of a better choice than the U.S.-built base ID.4.