2021 is the year for the EV—and manufacturers are stacking the deck to make sure they stay in the conversation. With plenty of models hitting the streets already, something is fascinating about what they’ve been cooking up at the VW headquarters: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. There’s a relentless buzz around this sleek new beast, and it’s very refreshing.
However, there have been a few changes since our last blog post on it. That’s why we wanted to help divvy up the diagnostics with our own little listicle of the 10 Coolest Things that VW has baked into the foundation of their darling little whip.
But, first thing’s first
Style is one of the first things a consumer tends to pay attention to, and the design of the ID.4 is a perfect marriage of exotic and sensible. The VW family’s newest member bears the distinct sloping exterior that has become inexorably tied to the franchise’s template while still featuring a unique pace in the steeply-raked rooflines and handsome bumpers. Without a doubt, it looks like a sharp, aerodynamic ride.
But that’s not why we are here, is it? No. You want to know what the top-notch specialties are with this dynamic new revolution of engineering. Well, they say you should give the people what they want…
The List
So, care to go on a ride? Because we are about to dive into the deets on this peerless endeavor of synthetic achievement.
It’s so cutting edge that you’re going to want to pack gauze and bandages.
1. Ready to go the distance
That’s not just a song from arguably the third-greatest Disney movie, no. The ID.4 is straight up STANing for commitment. With an EPA-certified range of 250 miles, the ID.4 will have no problem tackling the day-to-day commute, nor those uncomfortably-long road trips during the holidays. But there’s more: the ID.4 has DC Fast Charging to the tune of 125kw.
Sister, that’s some rapid recharge.
Crunching the numbers, that translates to going from 5-percent charge to 80-percent charge in roughly 38 minutes. Now, if only that feature existed for the human body fresh from slumber.
2. New platform, more space
Volkswagen not only enjoys the innovation of curiously spelled words, but they also like to break fresh ground on their own technology.
Introducing the MEB platform, an all-new EV operation built from the ground up by the chief nerds at VW. Interestingly, they are styling it with a “skateboard design,” which lends more space for passengers and cargo (and presumably, sweet kick-flips.) This is possible because there’s no need for the typical trappings of vehicles. After all, this bad boy doesn’t have any combustion components.
They also tricked out the cabin by installing a recessed dashboard and freeing up space between driver and passenger (for more high-fives) with an uncluttered center console.
But the front row isn’t the only benefactor of bountiful room! You’ll be happy to learn that because of the unique design of the MEB, the floor in the back is flat and thereby forging more headroom and leaving so much more space for activities!
3. Regenerative Braking
Not satisfied with the treasure trove of trailblazing treats already mentioned, the designers of the ID.4 thought it was necessary to give you such a slap with kindness in the form of “Regenerative Braking.” Long gone are the days where you have to continually slam on the brakes like a peasant. No, now you can cruise like a king! Lifting off the accelerator in “B” mode will slow the motor and regenerate energy for the vehicle itself.
This reportedly helps reduce brake wear and offers smooth driving—but we are just happy to stave off the plantar cramps.
You’ll still have to fully apply the brake to stop, though. It’s not a robot.
4. Customize to your liking
We hope you like having your cake and eating it too, because much like Trick-or-Treating in the wealthy neighborhoods, VW refuses to quit lobbing tasty goodies at you in generous portions. Standard on all ID.4 models is a center console with moveable cup holders and near-endlessly adjustable rear cargo floor.
You can also set the perfect mood with customizable ambient lighting. Now, suppose your kids start pestering you to swing through the drive-thru to pick up more chicken nuggets. In that case, you can just switch on your preset caution-orange light and enjoy the uncomfortable silence of their confusion.
5. Simple and intuitive cockpit
Elegant cabins aren’t just for pilots anymore! The ID.4 offers a high-quality LED screen that is seamlessly integrated into the steering column. Here, drivers can monitor speed, the state of their charge, activate driving assistance systems, chart navigation, and vehicle alerts in a simple, easy-to-read layout.
Plus, when you move the steering wheel, it also adjusts the screen—so you no longer have to worry about veering into oncoming traffic every time you reposition.
6. Wireless connectivity
Now you can connect all your newfangled devices to your car wirelessly. Worry no more about accidentally getting tangled up in the AUX cord while trying to bump that new Beyoncé bop. With the ID.4, everything is a breeze because it is hooked up like Skynet, allowing you to easily pair anything and everything for carefree comfort.
You can also use the wireless charger in the center console to charge your phone (or wireless panini press.*)
*Note, please only use your wireless panini press when the car is not in motion.
7. IQ.Drive standard
This is the bees-knees-iest feature we’ve ever laid our eyes on. The IQ.Drive is VW’s answer to the question, “how could we make driving even easier?” Well, here be your answer: travel assist, lane assist, front assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, emergency assist, and rear traffic alert. This thing doesn’t drive itself, but with all the sweet extras—you’ll be hard-pressed to find a ride that holds your hand better in its warm embrace of vehicular safety.
8. Views for days
This bad boy is kitted out in the best way. There’s no end to the amount of jaw-dropping new hotness VW is loading out. If you like to see things while you’re driving (we’d wager most of you do), then this might entice and intrigue you: the sky is truly the limit of your vision with the ID.4’s panoramic fixed-glass roof. This huge roof extends from the front of the cabin, all the way past the second row.
But what if it gets too sunny? Well, if you hate vitamin D, they’ve also implemented an electric shade that will smoothly darken the glass at the swipe of a finger.
9. ID Light
Volkswagen loves to stow things in their cars that you didn’t even know you’d find charming. The ID Light is just that—an amiable little interactive light bar that can communicate some aspects of the driving experience that used to be dangerous. Leave your phone in your pocket because the ID Light will alert you to anything you need.
Incoming calls? The bar flashes pleasantly. Navigation prompts? Sure does. Vehicle status such as charging? You better believe it.
10. Keyless access and startup
Gone is the need for fumbling with your keys! With the keyless access and startup, your ID.4 is practically autonomous and six degrees away from world domination. You just need to have your fob on your person, and with your approach and press of the handle, the door springs to action.
The same can be said for starting: you just tap that beautiful little foot of yours on the brake and press the ignition button. Boom! It’s alive!
Where we’re going, we don’t need keys!
Well, we still will… but, like, barely.
Wrap Up
Hope you enjoyed learning about the VW ID.4, the most groove-tastic, tail-feather-shakin’est, swashbuckling ride on the seven asphalt seas!
…Yeah, alright. We’ll see ourselves out.
Build and/or reserve your ID.4 today:
^All images are property of Volkswagen of America, Inc.©