Volkswagen ID.4 Review: The sensible electric SUV

Join us as we take a closer look at the Volkswagen ID.4 – does VW's sensible electric SUV still have what it takes?

The Volkswagen ID.4 has been around since 2020, and in the fast-moving world of electric SUVs, that makes it practically a veteran.

It marked VW's first proper dive into the all-electric SUV market – a big deal for a brand that built its reputation on practical, no-nonsense family cars.

But here's the thing: the EV market has exploded since then. The ID.4 now faces stiff competition from the SKODA Enyaq iV, Tesla Model Y, Nissan Ariya and Hyundai IONIQ 5, to name just a few.

So, does this German stalwart still have what it takes to compete with flashier newcomers?

We got behind the wheel of the Life Pro Performance edition to find out whether sensible can still mean desirable.

What did we drive?

• Model: 150kW Life Pro Performance 77kWh 5dr Auto
• Transmission: Automatic
• Power: Electric (204PS)
• Colour: Glacier White
• Range: Up to 328 miles (WLTP Comb)
• OTR: £46,175

*Prices correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Understated design that doesn't shout 'electric'

Volkswagen has struck a nice balance with the ID.4's design. It looks like a traditional VW – which means it doesn't scream "I'm electric!" like some rivals (looking at you, IONIQ 5).

But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The ID.4 has a dominant, raised stance that gives it a commanding presence on the road. The Glacier White finish with black accents on our demo car particularly highlighted this, creating a clean, modern look without trying too hard.

It fits the bill with a very traditional Volkswagen feel, and that familiarity will appeal to plenty of buyers who want an EV without futuristic styling.

Sometimes, understated elegance is exactly what you're after.

Spacious minimalism with a nostalgic twist

Step inside and you're greeted with a cabin that feels genuinely spacious.

There's a minimalist vibe here – reminiscent of the Tesla Model Y – that creates an airy, uncluttered atmosphere.

The quality of materials throughout is solid, and comfort levels are excellent whether you're in the front or back seats. The driver's seat offers great support, making it perfect for long journeys or regular commutes.

Here's a quirky detail that caught us by surprise: the pull-down armrests in the front.

You know the type, like aeroplane seats, or your parents' car from the '90s, rather than a modern raised armrest built into a storage compartment.

In such a forward-thinking EV, it felt like an unexpected throwback.

But honestly? It works.

Space for days (and all your stuff)

The ID.4 is properly practical.

With 543 litres of boot space and a wide, generous opening, loading larger items is straightforward.

The false floor creates helpful hidden storage underneath; perfect for stowing charging cables out of sight and keeping the boot looking tidy.

There's a small load lip to contend with, but nothing that'll cause any real hassle. Whether you're loading golf clubs, tackling the weekly shop, or fitting in a pushchair alongside everything else, the ID.4 swallows it all without complaint.

One missed opportunity: unlike many EVs, there's no front storage (frunk).

Tech that takes some getting used to

Let's be honest, VW's infotainment system has divided opinion in recent years.

It's not the most intuitive setup in the sector, but it's by no means terrible either.

With numerous menus and sub-sections, there's definitely a learning curve. You'll need to spend time figuring out how to customise it in a way that works for your everyday needs.

The real issue? The lack of physical buttons.

The ID.4 relies heavily on haptic-feedback touch-sensitive buttons and sliders, which can be fiddly to use while driving.

Thankfully, you've got steering wheel shortcuts and voice control to fall back on, which helps smooth out the experience once you've learned where everything lives.

It's functional and does what you need it to do. Just don't expect it to wow you straight away.

Safety features that deliver peace of mind

The ID.4 scored five stars in Euro NCAP safety tests, with an impressive 93% Adult Occupant score and 89% Child Occupant score.

Adaptive Cruise Control comes as standard across the range, along with a quality rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX points – everything a busy family needs.

Smooth operator

The ID.4's driving experience is exactly what you'd expect from Volkswagen. Refined, comfortable, and utterly dependable.

The steering is light and responsive, with an agility that's genuinely surprising for a car of this size.

Parking is a doddle, and manoeuvring through tight spaces feels effortless. It's got the kind of easy-going nature that makes every day driving genuinely stress-free.

The driver's seat offers excellent support, making long journeys comfortable. Whether you're using the ID.4 as a family runabout or a daily commuter, it's a car that won't leave you feeling drained after a few hours behind the wheel.

There's some wind noise at higher speeds, but nothing unusual for an electric vehicle.

Overall, it's a very easy car to get to grips with, and one you won't struggle to rack up serious miles in.

Range and charging: Going the distance

The ID.4 comes with two battery options: a smaller 52kWh pack and a larger 77kWh battery.

The entry-level model with the smaller battery offers up to 223 miles of range – decent for daily driving and local trips. But if you can stretch to the larger 77kWh Pro Performance variant (like we tested), you'll get up to 328 miles on a full charge.

That extra range makes a genuine difference, particularly if you regularly tackle longer journeys or don't have easy access to charging at home.

Charging speeds

At a public rapid charger with speeds up to 150kW, you'll recoup around 201 miles (WLTP Comb) in just 30 minutes.

Not bad for a quick coffee break.

At home with a 7kW charger, expect around 12 hours for a full charge from empty. Most people will top up overnight, so this rarely becomes an issue in practice.

If you're considering an ID.4, and you can afford the bigger battery pack, it's absolutely worth the upgrade for the peace of mind alone.

Price and trim levels

Starting from £38,985 for the entry-level Life Edition with the smaller 52kWh battery, the ID.4 offers impressive value. Despite being the entry point, it still comes well-equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard.

The mid-range Style Edition from £42,390 adds luxuries like a panoramic roof and Matrix LED headlights, while the top-spec GTX from £53,005 brings performance and bespoke styling.

Compare that to rivals like the SKODA Enyaq iV (starting from £38,970), and the ID.4 is competitively priced across the board.

If you'd prefer to spread the cost into affordable, fixed monthly payments, leasing an ID.4 creates a more cost-effective driving experience.

Prices correct at time of publishing

Any downsides?

Now, about that drive selector on the stalk behind the steering wheel.

It's not our favourite setup – it doesn't feel quite as intuitive or sturdy as something like the aeroplane-style gear selector we experienced in the BYD ATTO 3. You'll adjust to it quickly enough, but it's worth mentioning.

The infotainment system, while functional, can be fiddly.

The reliance on touch-sensitive buttons means you might find yourself prodding at the screen more than you'd like, particularly when you're trying to make quick adjustments on the move.

And that missing frunk? It's a real shame.

With so much space under the bonnet in an EV, it feels like a wasted opportunity for extra storage.

The verdict: Sensible never looked so good

The ID.4 delivers where it matters most: practical comfort, reliable performance, and a decent range, all wrapped up in a package that feels reassuringly Volkswagen.

For families who need space, reliability, and an easy-going driving experience, the ID.4 ticks every box.

It's the kind of car that makes everyday life easier without any fuss or drama.

The technology might take some getting used to, and yes, there are flashier options out there. But sometimes, the sensible option really is the smart choice – especially when it's this well-executed and competitively priced.

If you want something that turns heads, the IONIQ 5 or Enyaq iV might be more your style.

But if you value dependability, practicality, and that classic VW quality, the ID.4 won't disappoint.

Top 5 reasons to consider the Volkswagen ID.4:

1. Up to 328 miles (WLTP Comb) of real-world range eliminates charging anxiety
2. Spacious, practical interior perfect for families and long journeys
3. Excellent value from £38,985 with generous standard equipment
4. Smooth, comfortable driving experience that makes daily commutes effortless
5. Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating provides peace of mind

Would we recommend leasing a Volkswagen ID.4?

Absolutely.

And especially if you value practicality, comfort, and dependability over flashy design. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers exactly what it promises.