Quickies: 2025 Volkswagen ID.4

Before we talk about this Volkswagen, we should acknowledge the fact that the Federal tax incentives for EVs are going away at the end of September. That $7,500 savings helped introduce automotive consumers to an alternative in vehicular propulsion. An alternative that was once a viable choice some 125 years ago. 

Yet, Volkswagen remains as a leading mainstream automaker producing EVs for the marketplace. As an added bonus, the ID.4 is assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

This should be a win-win proposition for those looking for sustainable transportation. 

To test out that hypothesis, I took a 2025 ID.4 Pro AWD out for a short stint. The reason was to see whether Volkswagen continues to provide EV consumers a solid choice for their gas-free transportation. 

There have not been a lot of changes since its debut in the USA some four years ago. It is a softer edged design that is contemporary. It is also influential, as evidenced by recent updates to most of the current Volkswagen lineup. That starts with an upper front fascia that has two LED headlamp units with a bar that bridges the brand’s iconic logo. A similar design is found out back with the LED lighting units across the liftgate. 

A design detail that fooled me the first couple of times was the spoiler that extends from the top of the liftgate. It appears to extend the roofline, but it also creates an aerodynamic effect that also shrouds the rear glass. 

The test vehicle sported a lovely monotone shade of blue. This was complimented by a set of 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels found standard on the Pro AWD model. 

Stepping inside, I noticed a couple of things that were updated from the last time I drove an ID.4. They not only changed the center console, but they moved the transmission actuator onto a stalk off of the steering column. It is the same stalk that we found in the ID.Buzz. 

That steering column continues to house the digital instrument cluster screen. Most controls are haptic touch for various functions.

Dominating the center stack is a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. You can connect your smartphone wirelessly through App-Connect. There is also a clever charging pad in the center console that you can stow inside a pocket. Seven speakers emit sound throughout the cabin. 

Seating is upholstered with a combination of cloth and leatherette surfaces. The front seats were very comfortable and relaxing. The rear seats were equally comfortable with excellent space for adults.  There is generous space for cargo, starting with 30.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, that space expands to 64.2 cubic feet. 

Up until now, every ID.4 we drove was with the single motor mounted in the rear. Living in Minnesota, we expect our vehicles to be equipped with all-wheel drive. We finally got some seat time with the dual-motor driveline – mounted at each axle – and it is truly the way to go. Combined, there is 335 horsepower and a total of 501 pound-feet of torque of pure power. Both motors are fed by an 82-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, mounted between the axles. While the Environmental Protection Agency rated the ID.4 at 263 miles of range on a full state of charge, we observed an energy return of 3.2-miles-per-kilowatt hour. Anything above 3.0-m/kwh is considered good.

One upshot of driving a 2025 ID.4. is the way it goes about its business. Power comes on instantly and quickly. It has no qualms about cruising on the highway and around town.  

We found the ride quality to be solid, while managing rougher road surfaces with superb suspension travel. It also handled very smoothly, offering quick response in evasive maneuvers. 

The steering system on the 2025 ID.4 yielded a tight turning radius. On-center feel was quite good, however. It stayed in the lane without any needed adjustment. Brake pedal feel was also quite good. Stopping power was also good, without any adjustments to the rate of regeneration. 

For 2025, there is a choice of five trim levels on the ID.4. Three of which offer the dual-motor AWD driveline. Pricing starts from $45,095. Our Pro AWD test vehicle came with a sticker price of $51,566. 

As the Federal tax incentive on electric vehicles go away, this will change the trajectory of sales and in consumer confidence. Which really puts the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 on the defensive. It is a really good EV SUV, and it does not deserve being ignored on dealer lots. 

What can you do about it? If you must shop for an EV before the end of September, just take a look at the Chattanooga, Tennessee-assembled Volkswagen ID.4 – then you decide if this is your entry into the world of EVs. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Volkswagen of Inver Grove, Inver Grove Heights, MN – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern