The first fully electric SUV from Volkswagen has been shown in Mzansi promising good quality finishes, good range and SUV functionality. Unfortunately its only coming in Mzansi in 2026.
The ID.4 gets VWs “smiley” front design with LED headlights and LED daytime lights. The large air intake on the lower bumper feeds cooling air to the batteries.
To achieve a drag coefficient of 0.28, the roof design lowers towards the rear. There is a dynamic design line that runs from the front wheel arch to the rear of the ID.4 whilst 19inch “hammer” alloys come standard. The door handles have a soft touch to open feel that feels premium in execution. Each exterior mirror integrates a small projection light, which directs the typical ID light honeycomb onto the ground when the door is open, thereby conveniently lighting the surroundings for entry and exit.
As a standard feature, the rear lights are completely equipped with light-emitting diodes and are connected by a red light strip. The brake lights light up in the shape of an “X”. Roof rails also come standard to enhance its functionality as an SUV.
The interior layout will be familiar to VW owners with quality and ease of use. The calm interior design emphasises the light and airy feeling of space. The 10inch Ready 2Discover infotainment touchscreen is used to operate telephony, navigation, entertainment, assistance systems and vehicle setup. Sliders for volume and temperature adjustment are located below the display. The most important information is shown on a compact 5.3-inch display in front of the driver. It is operated via the standard multifunction steering wheel, whose buttons provide sensory feedback.
There are spacious stowage areas in the doors and long centre console for everyday items. The centre console incorporates a double drink holder for the front compartment and a roller shutter for the rear compartment, which also contains a mobile telephone stowage area. The windscreen equipped with a rain sensor and the leather steering wheel can be heated, as can the jets of the windscreen washer system. The Climatronic system also comes with two-zone control. As standard, the ID.4 is equipped with armrests on the inner sides of the seats, 30 colour background lighting, a speed limiter and Air Care Climatronic.
The head restraints of the front seats in the ID.4 reduce the risk of whiplash in the event of a rear impact. In the event of a side collision, in addition to the side airbags, the central airbag deploys from the right-hand bolster of the driver’s seat, preventing the driver and front passenger from colliding with one another.
The flat floor allows ease of entry and plenty of space due to a lack of a transmission tunnel as seen on ICE cars.
The luggage compartment volume is 543 litres, a figure that increases to 1,575 litres after folding down the backrests (loaded to roof height). The roof railings are fitted as standard, and the permitted roof load is 75 kilograms.
The single rear drive motor pushes 150kW/310Nm of instant Torque resulting in a 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds. At the same time, it impresses with its strong driving performance and maximum range of up to 531 kilometres (WLTP3).
At a home wall box, ID.4 models are charged with 11 kW power. A CCS (combined charging system) connection enables quick charging with direct current (DC) at a maximum charging capacity of 150 kW. In 30 minutes, the ID.4 Pro Performance charges energy for the next 397 kilometres.
At the “drive” event, the ID.4 proved comfortable and quiet. Typical EV levels of quiteness were enhanced by its low wind noise. VW Mzansi says local dealers around the country will enable customers the chance to drive and experience the EV. Local sales is expected in 2026.