Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 received a 2025/2026 refresh that updated its exterior styling and, more importantly, improved the cabin and infotainment - addressing the main criticism of earlier cars. It also earned a strong 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2025, with excellent scores of 89 percent for adult occupant protection, 87 percent for child occupants and 84 percent for vulnerable road users.

The UK line-up is broad, running from the Essential trims at about GBP 36,995 - where the 77 kWh Essential Pro stands out as exceptional value - through Match and Black Edition versions, up to the 335 hp GTX 4MOTION at GBP 52,245. Battery options now span 52 kWh to 84 kWh for up to around 352 miles WLTP, with fast 185 kW charging and towing capacity of up to 1,800 kg, which keeps the ID.4 one of the most practical family electric SUVs on sale.

The ID.4 offers a wide spread of performance. Entry Pure versions make 170 to 190 hp with 52 to 58 kWh batteries for 222 to 268 miles WLTP, while the popular Pro models use 77 to 79 kWh packs for 325 to 351 miles and up to 286 hp - and a newer 84 kWh option stretches to around 352 miles. The GTX 4MOTION tops the range with 335 hp, 545 Nm and dual-motor all-wheel drive for a 5.4-second 0-62 mph time.

Most versions are rear-wheel drive, which gives the ID.4 a natural balance and a surprisingly tight turning circle for an SUV. It is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, so it rides well and stays quiet at speed. Efficiency of 3.6 to 4.2 mi/kWh is competitive, giving a real-world range of roughly 270 to 300 miles from the 77 kWh cars.

The Volkswagen ID.4 holds a 5-star Euro NCAP rating from its 2025 test, and the scores are genuinely strong: 89 percent for adult occupant protection, 87 percent for child occupants, 84 percent for vulnerable road users and 76 percent for safety assist. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, VW's Travel Assist lane-centring, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, multiple airbags and ISOFIX anchors. For a family SUV, that combination of a top crash rating and comprehensive driver assistance is exactly what most buyers want.

Charging is a strong point. The ID.4 accepts up to 185 kW on DC, taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 27 to 28 minutes - quick enough that motorway stops stay short. At home, a 7 kW wallbox gives a full charge in roughly 8.5 to 12 hours depending on battery size, ideal overnight. It uses a CCS (Type 2) connector, and efficiency of 3.6 to 4.2 mi/kWh keeps charging costs low for a car of this size.

Volkswagen covers the ID.4 with a 3-year or 60,000-mile vehicle warranty plus an 8-year or 100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty, in line with the segment. VW's large, well-established UK dealer network makes servicing convenient and parts easy to source, and fixed-price service plans are available to spread costs. Confirm the latest terms and any extended-warranty options with your Volkswagen dealer at purchase.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is the sensible choice in the family electric SUV class, and after its 2025/2026 refresh it is a genuinely strong one. It offers real space with a 543-litre boot, up to around 352 miles of range, fast 185 kW charging, a top 5-star Euro NCAP rating and - unusually for an EV - the ability to tow up to 1,800 kg. The 77 kWh Essential Pro at GBP 36,995 is the standout value in the range. It will not thrill you with its styling or handling, and the GTX is expensive, but if you want a comfortable, spacious, safe and efficient electric SUV that simply works for family life, the ID.4 is very hard to beat.

Against the Skoda Enyaq, which shares its MEB platform, the ID.4 is closely matched - the Skoda offers slightly more practicality and value, while the VW has the newer interior after its refresh. Versus the Tesla Model Y, the ID.4 is more comfortable and better built inside but gives up the Supercharger network and software polish. Compared with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the VW is more conventional and less striking, though it counters with towing capability and a strong safety score. In short: choose the ID.4 for comfort, space, safety and towing; look at the Enyaq for value or the Ioniq 5 for faster charging and design flair.

Buy the ID.4 if you want a spacious, comfortable, safe family electric SUV - and target the 77 kWh Essential Pro, which at GBP 36,995 gives you the big battery and 325-plus miles for the same price as the entry Pure. Step up to Match or Black Edition only if you want the extra kit, and choose the GTX 4MOTION only if you genuinely need all-wheel drive and performance, since it is a big price jump. Look elsewhere if you want engaging handling or standout styling - the Ioniq 5 or EV6 suit better - or if you need maximum value, where the Skoda Enyaq is worth a look.

The ID.4 is sensible to own. Efficiency of 3.6 to 4.2 miles per kWh keeps home-charging costs well below petrol, and EV maintenance is minimal, with regenerative braking (and rear drum brakes on most versions) reducing wear. VW's large dealer network keeps servicing convenient, and fixed-price service plans help budgeting. For company-car drivers, the very low Benefit-in-Kind tax on EVs makes the ID.4 especially cheap on a business or salary-sacrifice scheme. Strong Carwow-style discounts of around GBP 3,300 off RRP also improve the value equation.

As an electric car, the ID.4 remains attractive on tax in the UK, though the rules changed in April 2025 - EVs now pay Vehicle Excise Duty, and higher-priced versions such as the GTX may attract the expensive-car VED supplement, which is worth checking before you order. Company-car drivers still benefit from very low Benefit-in-Kind rates, making the ID.4 far cheaper than a petrol equivalent on business and salary-sacrifice schemes. It is also ULEZ-compliant. Confirm current VED bands, the expensive-car threshold and BIK rates before buying.

Like all EVs, the ID.4 needs far less maintenance than a petrol SUV - no engine oil, no spark plugs, no clutch and no exhaust - and regenerative braking means brake components last longer, with most versions using rear drums that need less attention. Routine servicing covers tyres, brake fluid, cabin filter and software updates at set intervals. Volkswagen's large UK dealer network makes servicing easy and parts readily available, and the 8-year battery warranty protects the most expensive component.