Volkswagen ID.4 electric motor, drive & performance

Despite a two-tonne-plus weight, the ID.4 is comfortable for the most part, and only the biggest bumps upset its composure on a country road. This is also despite the First Edition car we tested having large 20-inch alloy wheels. It’s a little firm in terms of ride comfort, but this is on a par with similar family SUVs and the VW’s suspension is good at dealing with bumpy roads and potholes in general.

There are two regenerative braking settings to choose from. The normal mode has very little braking action when you lift off the throttle, which is like driving a petrol or diesel car. The more aggressive mode adds extra range quicker, but it’s not able to fully stop the car like in, for example, a Nissan Leaf.

Volkswagen ID.4 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration

With 201bhp and 310Nm of torque instantly available from the electric motor in the ID.4, it’s as punchy as you would expect from a standstill, just like all electric cars. Yet we felt it doesn’t quite feel as fast as it might seem given those impressive figures.

The acceleration force seems to feed in smoothly rather than give you that punch when you press the throttle that you get in many EVs. It makes it easier to drive smoothly but acceleration isn’t as instant as you might like. Still, a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds is good for a family SUV.

Handling

The ID.4 is great to drive. A favourable centre of gravity comes courtesy of its low-slung batteries, while the rear-wheel drive layout and near-perfect weight distribution help what is a pretty heavy car feel dynamically strong and comfortable at the same time; body control is particularly impressive. At lower speeds and around town, the ID.4 also benefits from a turning circle that belies its size, at just 10.2 metres. That means it’s easy to park.