Range overview: electric; single-speed automatic; front- or four-wheel drive; five-door SUV
Reliability: about average for the class
Cost to repair: more expensive than average
Most common: Volkswagen ID.4 77kWh
Best for economy and long-distance driving: Volkswagen ID.4 77kWh
Best for urban driving: Volkswagen ID.4 58kWh
The Volkswagen ID.4 was the second all-electric ID-badged VW to launch, following hot on the heels of the ID.3’s 2020 introduction.
As with the ID.3, the ID.4 was based on the ‘MEB’ electric car platform (also used by Skoda, Audi and Cupra) and was initially introduced with a rear-wheel-drive 204hp (150kW) electric motor, powered by either a 52kWh or 77kWh battery.
It would eventually gain a high-performance four-wheel-drive GTX version, as well as a sleeker spinoff, the VW ID.5.
The ID.4 was an instant success, due to a combination of its SUV shape, which made it roomier and more practical than the ID.3 for a very small increase in overall running costs, and because it seemed to right some of the cabin quality wrongs that afflicted the early ID.3s.
It went on to become the best-selling electric car in Ireland, outstripping the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (which held the title for a while) and the Tesla Model Y.
On our first drive of the ID.4, back in January 2021, Complete Car concluded: “Thanks to the ID.3, we knew what to expect of the new Volkswagen ID.4, but even so, it feels like a better resolved car all-round. It's spacious, seems of high quality, drives exceptionally well and is priced remarkably well for one of the first electric family SUVs of its size to hit the Irish market. It's set to do well for Volkswagen and gives everyone else something to aim for.”
Engine and range options for the Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-2027)
The original ID.4, with a 77kWh battery, had a range of up to 519km, while the model with the 52kWh pack, could manage around 364km according to the official WLTP numbers.
Later, the ID.4 gained an upgraded 77kWh battery, and an improved ‘AP550’ electric motor with 286hp, which stretched the official range to 572km.
Some versions came with a 174hp motor combined with the 77kWh battery. The smaller-battery ID.4 was given a lower-power electric motor, initially with 148hp.
Later this rose to 190hp with the addition of a larger, 58kWh battery, which has helped to stretch its range to a more useful 433km.
In late 2021, the sportier four-wheel-drive GTX version came along, with 340hp from its two electric motors, but with a reduction in range to 485km.
Updates since then have improved the GTX’s range to 537km, officially, although its power output has remained the same.
The ID.5 is technically a separate model, but it’s worth mentioning here as, effectively, it’s a variant of the ID.4. The ID.5 wasn’t available with the smaller battery/less powerful motor combo but otherwise mirrored the ID.4’s motor and battery lineup, while its slightly sleeker aerodynamics gave it a circa 10km range advantage, model for model.
Later in its life, the first-generation ID.4 focused around three trim levels - Pure, Pro and GTX, with optional Plus packs for each version. Previous trim levels were called Life, Style, Match and Business while the initial launch models were called 1st Edition.
Basic equipment has traditionally included 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, and side tinted rear windows, as well as a large 12-inch touchscreen (later upgraded to as much as 15 inches), digital instruments, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats.
One item fitted to almost all ID.4s is the ‘IQ Light’ - an LED light bar that runs across the base of the windscreen, and which acts as both an ambient cabin light and as a warning light for various vehicle functions, from indicators to safe door exit.
Top spec GTX models came with 20-inch alloys, a contrast-colour roof, velour trim, Matrix LED lights and parking assistance.
How much is it to tax the Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-2027)?
Refer to our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for the up-to-date cost to tax the Volkswagen ID.4.
How reliable is the Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-2027)?
The ID.4 - indeed the ID lineup as a whole - suffered a number of issues early on, which gave the cars something of a tarnished reputation. For the most part these are more in the category of annoying, and relate to the software that controls the car, rather than major components such as the battery or the electric motor going wrong.
Glitches in the earlier versions of the software were distressingly common, and while these were mostly minor, in extremis they could leave you with a dead screen and, effectively, no way of controlling the car’s functions beyond basic driving forwards and backwards.
Some issues were more serious than that, and actually led to cars not starting at all - the ID.4 is one of those cars that starts as you sit in and put your foot on the brake, rather than using a dedicated start-stop button, although there is a small button on the steering column you can use to fire up the ID.4’s power without actually making it ready to drive.
Thankfully, the software was steadily updated, and should be much more reliable now, but make sure that any used ID.4 you’re looking to buy has had all of the available software updates.
The ID.4 has been subject to several recalls, including one in 2026 for a possible battery fire risk. Another in 2024 dealt with a fault in the front seat backrests, while one in 2023 fixed an issue with the front passenger seatbelt. A more minor recall in 2021 dealt with a faulty luggage net attachment, but a more serious 2021 recall was for a loose connector for the roof panel.
Not part of a recall, but a known issue relates to ‘grabby’ rear brake drums so make sure you test drive the car you’re considering buying and ensure it comes to a complete standstill smoothly without jerkiness or an abrupt stop.
Bear in mind that while electric cars generally need less mechanical servicing than a petrol or diesel model, their myriad electronic systems can need more attention at service time, and major items such as battery cell faults or electric motor issues can be very expensive to fix. Thankfully, Volkswagen offers an eight-year, 160,000km warranty specifically for the battery.
How much range has a Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-2027)?
This will obviously depend on which model you’re buying, and how well it’s been looked after. If a used electric car does not come with a battery health check as part of its paperwork, request one of the seller. It’s as vital as a service history when it comes to used EV purchases.
On average, batteries in electric cars will degrade by around two per cent per year, but every car will be different as it depends on how the car was driven and charged.
Figure on no more than 400km real-world range from an early 77kWh model, and less than 300km on the 52kWh version.
Newer ID.4s, with the improved batteries and motors, should still be able to manage over 500km for the 77kWh battery versions, and around 400km for the 58kWh models.
When should I service my Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-2027)?
Officially, Volkswagen is quite insouciant about ID.4 services, saying: “Members of the all-electric ID family don’t need to worry about mileage intervals, they just need an inspection service every two years.”
Can I fit child seats and a buggy in the Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-2027)?
The ID.4 is pretty well set up for family life, with three ISOFIX anchor points for child car seats (one in the front passenger seat, two in the rear seats) and there’s ample rear-seat legroom, so fitting even bulky rear-facing seats should be easy enough.
The ID.4’s boot measures a healthy 543 litres up to the luggage cover, which should be plenty big enough even for large three-wheeled buggies and prams, and more space besides.
There’s no ‘frunk’ in the nose for charging cable storage, though, so just be aware of that when you’re loading up the boot, as you might need to get access to the under-floor storage to get the cable out on your journey.
How safe is the Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-2027)?
The ID.4 ought to be very safe. EuroNCAP gave it a full five-star safety rating when it was tested in 2025, and that included an 89 per cent rating for adult occupants, 87 per cent for child occupants, 84 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 76 per cent for its active electronic safety systems which include the likes of autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping, driver drowsiness detection, and blind spot monitoring, depending on the model.
Click here for the full EuroNCAP report on the Volkswagen ID.4
Alternatives to the Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-2027)
Audi Q4 e-tron
BYD Sealion 7
Ford Explorer
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Kia EV6
MGS6 EV
Nissan Ariya
Renault Scenic
Skoda Enyaq
Tesla Model Y
Toyota bZ4X
Xpeng G6
How much is a Volkswagen ID.4 (2021-2027)?
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