Volkswagen ID.4: VW's electric revival

Because we need to laugh a bit, this story of Volkswagen and its new electric SUV hits hard in the good sense... or the bad, depending on the perspective. The ID.4, a slightly larger cousin of the ID.3, arrives in a context where the pressure is at its peak. Between the temptation to buy a good old Passat and the need to play futuristic with an eco-friendly car, Volkswagen must navigate carefully. And when we know that the ID.3 arrived to prove that electric could be as slow as a herd of sloths in full digestion, the ID.4 had quite a task on its shoulders. Off to the Bay of Somme to see more.

A technology that rolls, but not very fast

Thinking that the technology of the German brand was going to revolutionize the automotive scene would be a big mistake. Although Volkswagen is quite proud to announce its MEB modular architecture, there is not much new here. The same underpinnings, the same engines, for a model that one could qualify as an "evolved version". Because yes, the |ID.4| and the ID.3 are so similar that one could almost believe they were designed by the same weary and somewhat distracted architect.

Comfort at the expense of performance

With a weight approaching that of a dieting rhinoceros, the ID.4 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in a lifetime of 8.5 seconds. Isn't it absurd that this figure is announced with pride in brochures, when in reality, it drags like an old cat at the end of a meal. It's pleasant for leisurely drives, but for making a pass on the highway, you'd better clench your cheeks and pray to the sky. And what about its maneuverability? It's a bit like driving a barge on a calm lake: everything is smooth, but if you plan to weave through traffic jams, prepare for a little yoga session.

Life on board: a mix of spacious and cheap

Getting into the ID.4 is a bit like settling into a well-rated hotel... here, with a chef, but also with an IKEA flat-pack piece of furniture. The design is inviting, although less glamorous plastics are peeking on the horizon, like a bad surprise at breakfast. The large trunk, on the other hand, is a bonus point that hints at a bit of practicality, but it is all tarnished by temperamental touch controls. You really have to learn to juggle these elements, which is like cultivating bonsais: it requires patience and skill.

Sometimes capricious range

All of this brings us to the big question: range. In the world of electric SUVs, it's a bit like a man's age: it's a point of pride. With around 350 km on the dashboard, there's enough for a daily commute. But beware of the call of speed, because there, everything can quickly become a real comedy sketch! Recovering 200 km of range in 35 minutes is not a record by any means. It's just enough to remind you that finding charging stations should be scheduled as a "treasure hunt," all while gritting your teeth.

A price of relative efficiency

Regarding the price, there's enough to rub hands in front of a dealer's nose. Starting at €39,370 for the base model, there's indeed a way to lick your fingers. But here's the thing, at that price, it would be quite possible to fit in a good old Passat that, between us, has more character than a bumper of the ID.4. These low prices attract some buyers, but the cruel question remains on everyone's lips: why spend so much on a vehicle that, aside from being electric, doesn't have enough soul to charm the driver's heart?

A half-hearted electric revival

In the end, the ID.4 remains a work of renewal for Volkswagen in an era where electricity is on the rise. But, with a cream of rivals on the market, it has yet to achieve that feat that many hoped for. If sustainable mobility is on the right track, a breeze of innovation and performance is clearly desirable. In a world that evolves at breakneck speed, this electric revival from VW could very well end up being a shot in the water. Because ultimately, we need to know what we want: to drive boldly or to be carried by a calm sea. The question remains open.

Source: abcmoteur.fr

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