Volkswagen ID.4 Pro: A game-changer in the South African electric car scene?

While established players and startups have been racing to develop electric vehicles in recent years, Volkswagen is making a significant contribution to the electric car movement with the ID.4. This all-electric SUV marks a turning point for the brand, showcasing its commitment to intelligent, innovative, and sustainable transportation.

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Rather than simply catching up, the ID.4 promises to be a competitive option in the growing electric vehicle market. Let’s take a closer look at what this new offering from Volkswagen brings to the table.

Volkswagen ID.4 Pro fast facts:

• Price: N/a
• Battery: 77kWh
• Transmission: single-speed automatic
• Combined power: 150kW
• Combined torque: 310N.m
• Driven wheels: Rear wheels
• 0-100 km/h: 8.5 sec
• Top speed: 160km/h
• Claimed range: 531km

What are we driving and why is it significant?

The ID.4 Pro’s arrival in South Africa is a landmark moment for both Volkswagen and potential owners. For VW, it signifies its entry into the local electric vehicle market, a crucial step to stay relevant in the face of a growing EV trend. This cements its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Drivers looking to go electric will find much to love in the ID.4 Pro. Its extended range, exceeding 500km, offers peace of mind for everyday commutes and even road trips, addressing range anxiety, a common concern for EV ownership. With South Africa focusing on developing its charging infrastructure, the ID.4 Pro arrives at an opportune time. This combination of an electric SUV that is said to be more than capable and a developing charging network paves the way for a more sustainable driving experience in South Africa.

According to Volkswagen, the ID.4 is all about bringing electric mobility to the mainstream. Unlike some EVs aimed at luxury buyers, Volkswagen is making a clear statement with the ID.4 – electric cars shouldn’t just be for ‘the millionaires’, but for ‘the millions’. This focus on everyday drivers has been a hit – the ID.4 has become its number-one-selling electric vehicle globally, proving that there’s a strong demand for practical and affordable EVs. This success puts Volkswagen at the forefront of a critical change in the auto industry, demonstrating that electric cars are a realistic option, not just for the wealthy, but for everyday drivers too.

What is new on the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro?

The ID.4 isn’t just a new electric SUV, it’s a glimpse into Volkswagen’s electric future. This boldly styled EV boasts an aerodynamic design (drag coefficient of 0.28) and rides on a platform specifically designed for electric vehicles (MEB). This platform allows for a surprisingly spacious interior despite the ID.4’s compact size (think Tiguan with more legroom).

Taking design cues from the ID family, the ID.4 Pro features a sleek front end with a closed grille (electric cars don’t need radiators!) and standard LED headlights. The vehicle features 19-inch black diamond-turned Hamar alloy wheels with tyres sized 235/55 R19 in the front and 255/50 R19 in the rear. Stepping inside, the focus is on minimalism. A 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver, controlled by the multifunction steering wheel. The centre console features a standard 10-inch touchscreen that’s angled slightly towards the driver for easy access.

Related: Review: Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 110kW

One unique feature is the ID. Light system – a light strip that runs along the bottom of the windshield and communicates with the driver using light pulses. Need to know if the car is ready to drive, following navigation, or just get a brake check? The ID. Light will show you. The ID.4 Pro isn’t just about tech gimmicks though. With a maximum range of up to 531km (WLTP), it offers plenty of driving range for most needs. Plus, the cargo space is generous, offering 543l with the seats up and 1 575l with the seats folded.

The ID.4 Pro positions itself as a practical and affordable electric SUV for the everyday driver. It’s packed with clever tech features to enhance the driving experience and offers enough space for people and cargo. With VW aiming for high-volume sales locally, this could be the EV that finally brings electric mobility to the mainstream in South Africa.

What’s the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro like to drive?

After a presentation on the new ID.4 Pro, we took the wheel to see if it could translate its specs into real-world driving pleasure. Thankfully, the ID.4 Pro’s aerodynamic design delivers on its promise – wind noise is minimal, creating a serene environment for cruising. Acceleration is also a plus, with the rear-wheel drive layout providing a satisfying shove off the line. Passenger and cargo space are generous, making the ID.4 Pro a practical choice for everyday driving.

However, the ID.4 Pro’s handling isn’t quite as confidence-inspiring. The brakes required more pressure than expected to achieve the desired stopping power and the car exhibited a touch of looseness, particularly during cornering, leaning more than expected. According to VW, the battery’s placement between the axles contributes to a low centre of gravity, resulting in a near 50:50 weight distribution – a factor that usually translates into balanced handling. To isolate the car’s performance, a retest in calm, sunny weather would be ideal.

On the technical side, the ID.4 Pro boasts a 77kWh battery that delivers 150kW and 310N.m of torque to the rear wheels. Volkswagen claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed limited to 160km/h. Charging times are yet to be tested in real life, but VW assured us that the DC fast charger with 50kW can take the battery percentage from 0-80% in 1 hour 30 minutes and the DC Super fast charger with 150kW will do the same job in 40 minutes.

How much does the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Cost?

Due to ongoing testing, pricing for this E-SUV remains undisclosed. However, Volkswagen has hinted at a competitive price point based on current market trends.

What are the Volkswagen ID.4 Pro Rivals?

• Mercedes-Benz EQA 250: This contender enters the ring with a starting price of R1 176 350. While it offers a slightly lower power output of 140kW compared to the ID.4 Pro, it boasts a higher torque of 370N.m. This could translate to a more powerful feeling during acceleration from a standstill.
• Volvo EX30 Core: This new offering from Volvo comes in at a more competitive price point of R775 900. Despite its lower starting price, the EX30 Core packs a punch with a single motor generating 200kW of power and 343N.m of torque, potentially offering a more exciting driving experience than the ID.4 Pro in terms of acceleration.

Verdict:

The ID.4 Pro could be a game-changer in the South African electric car scene. Combining a comfortable highway ride with the solidity you expect from Volkswagen, it perfectly blends familiarity with cutting-edge technology. While a full test drive is needed to explore its city capabilities and everyday usability, the ID.4 has all the makings of a must-consider for South Africans looking to embrace electric driving with a brand they know and trust.

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