The Volkswagen ID.4 electric car has been given some significant upgrades for 2024. Why does this matter? The ID.4 will be the first EV offered by Volkswagen South Africa. Here’s what’s new.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is the brand’s mid-size electric car. Bigger than the ID.3 hatchback, the ID.4 is hoping to capture that mainstream market who wishes for space, comfort and good range.

For 2024, Volkswagen has enhanced the ID.4 with a new infotainment system, new battery tech, more standard equipment as well as more power and quicker charging.

Visually, we can’t see any changes other than the new Costa Azul paint finish, but that’s okay as the under-the-skin enhancements are far more significant. Thanks to the upgraded drivetrain, the claimed range now sits at 550 km, based on the WLTP cycle, which is 17 km more.

Volkswagen ID.4 has more power!

The new 77 kWh battery offers more range and new electric motor on the rear axle results in a power increase, with the rear-wheel drive ID.4 now offering 210 kW and 545 Nm, which are increases of 60 kW and 235 Nm. The all-wheel drive Pro ID.4 gets a power increase of 15 kW, taking it to 210 kW. The all-wheel drive ID.4 models now offer quicker charging too.

Volkswagen has tweaked the chassis, suspension and if the car has it, the adaptive chassis control for additional comfort.

Cabin enhancements

Inside, the upgrades included a new-generation of software that’s more responsive, offers more functionality and there’s a larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen. The sliders for climate control and volume are now illuminated for night operation and there’s an update to the steering wheel functions. The IDA voice assistant is now available and VW is now offering a premium audio system from Harman Kardon as an option.

Impressively, Volkswagen Europe says the upgrades will not result in a price increase with the new models retailing for exactly the same price as the current lineup.

Volkswagen South Africa has already said the ID.4 will be the first electric car offered locally, followed by the ID.Buzz. The question is ultimately when? We understand the car will not be retailed as an outright purchase, but rather offered on a leasing scheme, which should help absorb depreciation. Watch this space.

Further Reading

We’ve already driven the Volkswagen ID.4, here’s a first taste of what’s coming

Volkswagen ID.4 confirmed for SA, we chat to VWSA’s product planning