First Drive: Volkswagen ID.4

First Drive: Volkswagen ID.4

 Images: Volkswagen Newsroom International

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Volkswagen has finally brought its fully-electric SUV, the ID.4, to South Africa, but there’s a catch. For now, it only forms part of its test fleet to gauge its market readiness before 2026, when it plans to roll it out to customers. Meanwhile, other EV makers continue to establish a footprint in South Africa. 

There’s no doubt that VW’s decision to keep the ID.4 in a state of limbo in the name of “viability studies” raised a few eyebrows. Keep in mind that this is the same manufacturer that already presented its ID range at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019 as a modular and interchangeable platform for its electric offerings. 

So, it had a head start during the electric genesis, but now it is playing catch-up? Odd. The official line is that supply and demand constraints in Europe (in other words, it’s first and foremost catering to a market that is lapping up EVs) have hindered the German manufacturer’s electric roll-out into South Africa, where the EV segment is still, relatively speaking, in its infancy. Add to that the government’s reluctance to subsidise EVs, opting instead to impose hefty taxes, and it’s no surprise that VW is treading carefully in this space. 

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Design and Practicality

As part of ID.4’s viability study, local media had the opportunity to test VW’s prospective EV in conditions that simulate the daily commute, and the most noticeable aspect is that it sports an SUV-like silhouette. This should, statistically speaking, find significant favour with a local buying sector that is increasingly less interested in hatchbacks (a segment represented by the smaller ID.3). It’s got a familiar-feeling high-riding stance, aesthetic roof rails, LED daytime running lights, and 19-inch alloy wheels to cater to the style-conscious small SUV buyer. 

Inside, it has ample space thanks to the absence of a bulky internal combustion engine, which also translates to cavernous amounts of boot space. But, if we're honest, the interior space already feels dated. The 10-inch infotainment screen lacks the in-depth interaction modules we've come to expect from the on-trend EVs currently available in the market, such as the BMW iX3, and the overall interior ambience leans more towards minimalist utilitarian design than truly aesthetically inviting.

Then again, has VW ever been known for its frills? VW has mentioned an update for the ID.4, which will include a new, presumably 12.9-inch screen, similar to the updated ID.5. Whether an updated model will form part of the initial rollout planned for 2026 will largely hinge on the New Energy Vehicle Policy, which supports local integration of EV value chains but has been in need of signatures for the better part of a year.

On the Road

Does it feel dated when driving? Definitely not. The ID.4’s driving polish is on par with the best. The accelerator is responsive with zero hesitation as electrons get converted into kinetic energy. While it may seem counterintuitive, the 150kW and 310Nm it offers make it accessible from a driving perspective. Less power, less temptation to stand on the electric pedal which naturally translates to better range.  

This power is harnessed through the 77kWh battery, which during our test drive registered a battery consumption of between 15 and 19kWh, which should easily net a range of over 300 kilometres. Drive conservatively, though, and I can see the ID.4 easily doing over 400km, possibly even 450km per charge. VW claims that it’s capable of doing over 500km, which, while optimistic, isn't entirely out of the question if a daily commute consists of bumper-to-bumper traffic thanks to the battery regeneration capability that harnesses charge when coasting. 

While the test routes mostly consisted of arrow-straight roads and urban streets, some sweeps along the way did indicate that the chassis is well-sorted for an EV. It is so well buttoned-up that it's easy to overlook the vehicle's weight. Full disclosure: It wasn’t built for dynamic driving, so just keep that in mind.

The EV Situation in South Africa

Whether VW's ID.4 is ready for local market rollout will be determined over the course of the next two years. I'll paint you a picture: Locally, 902 electric vehicle registrations were recorded in 2023—a sharp contrast to the more than 1.5m BEVs sold in Europe during the same time frame. While demand is faltering, with factors such as Germany’s subsidy cuts playing a significant role in an overall saturated market, VW predicts that by 2030, local EV demand could increase to more than 10,000 units per year—provided, of course, that the government can support this with progressive legislation. 

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As for the ID.4, it has the potential to be a solid competitor in the EV market. But Volkswagen's delayed introduction of the ID.4 to the market and potential pricing strategies could potentially hinder sales, particularly when compared to the ever-growing Chinese offerings, which place a greater emphasis on features at a competitive price.

At this point, timing and pricing are critical factors for VW’s potential EV success locally, especially considering that brands like BYD and GWM are not just dipping their toes in the market but aggressively appealing to a cost-conscious and tech-savvy buyer audience. VW needs to hit that perfect sweet spot where demands and price intersect to make the ID a serious competitor in SA’s EV landscape. Government support would certainly help too.