Volkswagen ID.4
Compact electric SUV · 2021–present. 17,021 units sold in the US in 2024
How it began
Volkswagen AG created the ID.4 in Germany. Klaus Zyciora, then head of design for the Volkswagen Group, led the design team. Original September 2020 launch reporting identifies Ralf Brandstätter as the passenger-car brand head and Thomas Ulbrich as e-mobility head. Volkswagen’s January 2021 personnel announcement dates Ulbrich’s move to Development responsibility from February 1; the original April 2021 award statement identifies him in that later role.
Series production began in August 2020 at Zwickau, Germany, the initial source for U.S. vehicles. Anting and Foshan in China also produced ID.4, followed by Emden in Germany from May 2022. Chattanooga assembly began July 26, 2022 after Volkswagen’s $800 million electrification investment. The April 9, 2026 report announced a planned mid-April end there; the later October 2 production report states that assembly ended in mid-April. Volkswagen expected remaining MY2026 inventory to continue into 2027; that forecast does not establish every new vehicle remaining in nationwide dealer stock is MY2026.
The I.D. CROZZ concept shown at Shanghai in 2017 previewed the production SUV. The ID.4 was revealed September 23, 2020, with U.S. reservations opening that day. Volkswagen’s February 2, 2021 statement announced additional-model presales by mid-February after special-edition presales had already occurred. The actual March 18 report records U.S. customer deliveries already underway, as a 2021 model.
According to Volkswagen, ID. stands for intelligent design, identity and visionary technologies. When it named the ID.3, the brand explained that the number marks the vehicle's class; the ID.4 is the family's compact SUV, one step above the ID.3.
Volkswagen set out to become the world leader in electric mobility and to invest more than 11 billion euros through 2023 to get there. Compact SUVs were, in the brand's words, the world's largest growth segment, and it had no electric model there. The ID.4 was the second model on the MEB electric platform, after the ID.3, and the first meant to be sold at the same time in Europe, China and the U.S., where it took on the Tesla Model Y. To appeal to more buyers, the design became more conventional than the concept's.
Generation by generation
- Gen. 12021–2023 · MEB
Volkswagen's first electric SUV, from Germany to Tennessee
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. Volkswagen’s first fully electric SUV entered the U.S. with an 82 kWh gross battery and a 201 hp, 228 lb-ft rear motor. The original November 2020 manufacturer announcement quoted 250 EPA miles for Pro and 1st Edition; the retained EPA historical records separately show 250 for the 2021 1st Edition/Pro S and 260 for Pro. Original base MSRP was $39,995 for Pro and $43,995 for 1st Edition before incentives and destination; the limited edition sold out on launch day. For MY2023, Chattanooga production added a 62 kWh, 201 hp Standard from $37,495, with 295 hp in the AWD configuration.
The innovation. The MEB platform, designed only for electric cars: the battery sits in the floor to lower the center of gravity, inside an aluminum frame, with a replaceable aluminum underbody panel that protects it from road debris. The battery disconnects automatically in a serious crash, and the body reaches a drag coefficient of 0.28.
If you buy one usedCheck the actual VIN and completed remedies. Door-handle campaign 24V651 requires new work on specified 2021–2024 vehicles even after 23V312 or 23V213 repairs. Other selected campaigns include display software 24V344 (2021–2023), battery-module connections 22V162 and control software 23V040 (specified 2021 vehicles), and motor-seal coolant leakage 22V830 (specified 2023 vehicles). For affected 2023–2024 vehicles under 25V836 or 26V028, limit charge to 80%, avoid Level 3 DC charging, park outside immediately after charging and do not leave the vehicle charging indoors overnight until repaired. Campaign 26V030 has battery-health/software work and conditional module replacement. For affected 2023–2026 vehicles under 26V630, charge to at most 80% until the final repair: the October 2026 documents say the remedy remains under development, with interim notices expected November 27, 2026. An interim setting or previous invoice does not establish final completion; confirm current instructions with Volkswagen. - Gen. 22024–present · MEB (actualización 2024)
The big update: more power and a new screen
Photo: LuvsMG481 · CC BY-SA 4.0 What changed. For the 2024 model, the 82 kWh versions got a new rear motor with 282 hp and 402 lb-ft, 81 hp and 173 lb-ft more than in 2023; with all-wheel drive they total 335 hp. EPA range rose to 291 miles in the rear-drive Pro. Inside came a 12.9-inch screen (12 inches on 62 kWh versions), revised menus and climate controls, a relocated shifter and a new steering wheel. In February 2024 it started at $41,160 including destination.
The innovation. A newly designed electric motor that, with the same 82 kWh battery, delivers 81 more horsepower, together with fast charging of up to 175 kW on that battery (10% to 80% in about 30 minutes).
If you buy one usedFor specified 2024 ID.4s, selected campaigns include sunshade treatment 23V750, passenger-airbag fasteners 24V643, door handles 24V651, onboard charger replacement 25V125 and chassis/brake/suspension bolts 25V434. Battery campaigns have separate scopes: 25V836 and 26V028 cover certain 2023–2024 vehicles and require the temporary 80% limit, no Level 3 DC charging, outdoor parking after charging and no indoor overnight charging until repaired. Campaign 26V030 covers specified 2023–2025 vehicles; 26V630 covers specified 2023–2026 vehicles with an 80% limit and final remedy still under development in the retained October/November records. Certain 2026 vehicles also have wheel-bolt campaign 25V835: do not drive an affected unrepaired vehicle until repaired; arrange the remedy with Volkswagen. IIHS lists the 2024 ID.4 as TOP SAFETY PICK. Verify every applicable campaign and actual completed work by VIN.
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