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By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 67

Volkswagen's most significant global EV is this one, the mid-sized ID.4 crossover, here usefully improved. An upgraded entry-level drivetrain brings significant increases in both driving range and power output. Plus there's a tweak to the larger battery; and across the line-up, a bit more standard kit. As before, this contender's practical, decent to drive and reasonable value. And there's the option of AWD if you want it.

Background word count: 172

The ID.4 was Volkswagen's first global EV, launched in the UK in early 2022 and tasked with accounting for a third of all the brand's EV sales around the world. It's that important, built not only in Germany (at VW's Zwickau plant) but also by factories in China and the US. Under the skin (and dimensionally) the ID.4 is much the same as the three segment rivals that share its primarily rear-driven MEB platform, the Skoda Enyaq, the CUPRA Tavascan and the Ford Explorer. All though, hasn't really gone to plan for Volkswagen with this car. From launch, its fortunes were hit by Pandemic-related shutdowns and lockdowns, then production suffered due to the global semiconductor shortage and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As well as all of that, there were criticisms of the original model's performance, driving range and cabin quality. In 2024, Volkswagen announced an improved model which cured some of these issues. Then in Spring 2026, there was a further update creating the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience word count: 387

The key change made as part of this further ID.4 update lies with a bigger entry-level battery pack, increased from 52kWh to 58kWh in size. That's improved range of course - from 222 to 265 miles. The slightly bigger pack necessitated the need for slightly more output from the rear-mounted motor, which previously delivered 170PS but now offers 190PS. The larger battery pack is now 79kWh in size but works with the same 286PS rear motor and the range figure is unchanged at up to 342 miles. The old 77kWh battery is retained only for the top twin motor GTX 4MOTION variant, which offers 340PS and a range of up to 325 miles. The whole ID.4 experience should be familiar if you've tried one previously. If you haven't, there's a bit to adapt to if this is your first experience of EV motoring. No gearstick, no handbrake, no ignition key and just the sound of silence as the fixed ratio transmission blends an almost endless wave of torque into meaningful and surprisingly rapid forward progress. Like Volkswagen's original post-war Beetle, most versions of this car are rear-driven and when you drive such an ID.4 in town, you quickly realise the real advantages of placing the powertrain - the electric motor and its associated single-speed auto gearbox - on the back axle, thereby freeing up the front wheels for steering duties; the result is a London taxi-like 10.2-metre turning circle. Beyond the city limits, that drive format allows for a near-50:50 almost perfect weight distribution which, together with the low centre of gravity provided by the central battery pack placement, helps disguise the portly weight this SUV must carry around. Traction through the turns is excellent and body roll is checked by firm damping cleverly engineered for suppleness over poor surfaces. All of which ought to provide the recipe for a decently sporting EV - and in some ways it does. There are four drive settings common across the model line-up - 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Individual'. Plus you get an 'Eco' setting that, to maximise range, you'll need to frequently use in combination with the available 'B' regenerative braking function, which slows the car significantly when you come off the accelerator. The GTX model has an extra 'Traction' mode too - and can now tow up to 1,800kg.