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Doug DeMuro Reviews 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, It’s Full of Quirks and Features

One of the newest EVs in the United States, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is a good electric vehicle by many accounts. The jacked-up brother of the ID.3 compact hatchback has also impressed Doug DeMuro, who has describes the compact crossover as “a strong challenger to Tesla.”
Doug DeMuro Reviews 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 75 photos
Photo: Doug DeMuro on YouTube
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There’s an issue with that claim, though. First of all, the Model Y is playing in a different league in terms of starting price, semi-autonomous driving technology, exterior design, and luxury, although the Palo Alto-based automaker doesn’t have the quality control of Volkswagen. But most importantly, many EV buyers won’t pick the ID.4 over Tesla because the Model Y has a more desirable badge and better bragging rights.

Priced at $43,995 excluding destination charge and the federal tax credit, the 1st Edition reviewed by the car vlogger sold out immediately after the reveal. This version features a rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor and a lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 82 kWh. At most, you can expect 250 miles (402 kilometers) of EPA range.

“You can see it doesn’t look like any other Volkswagen you’re familiar with,” and there’s a good reason for that. The ID.4 features a similar front fascia to the ID.3 from Europe, hence the more sophisticated design cues. The Arteon can also be described as different compared to locally-produced Volkswagens such as the Passat, Atlas, and the Atlas Cross Sport.

As for the list of quirks and features, the key fob is a good starting point because it’s a touch-based affair with no physical buttons whatsoever and a gloss-black finish. The door handle is pretty interesting as well because you don’t pull to unlatch. Instead, an electronic popper does that in your stead.

The ID.4 also impresses on the inside with a white steering wheel and white stalks. Even the gear selector, which is mounted on the instrument cluster's right side, is made from white plastic. The pedals stand out in the crowd, too, because the brake and throttle feature pause and play symbols.

Last but certainly not least, the driving experience is excellent, according to Doug DeMuro. “It’s quiet in here, it’s comfortable, it’s roomy.” As for the only drawback, the infotainment system “takes forever to do something. If they refine the screen a little bit, this car has some real serious benefits.”

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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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