First Impressions

It feels like the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 just launched and--- wait. Yeah, it did, just hitting our roads for 2021. Well, believe it or not, it’s already time for a little bit of a shakeup. This is the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, with its U.S. assembly now up to speed, and an important new model added. So we were invited down to Tennessee for a scenic drive from Nashville to Chattanooga for a taste of this updated EV endeavor.

I spent most of my day in an AWD Pro S, which we’ve already tested before. If you want a rundown of what we think of it, check out our most recent full Road Test after the video. Don’t worry, it’s still very relevant to the 2023 model. Right now, I want to focus on a new buzz word: localization.

See, the ID.4’s home is now firmly here in Chattanooga, where VW’s plant is producing the stateside model, including a new entry-level trim: the ID.4 Standard. It’s powered by a smaller 62 kilowatt hour battery pack and just configured for rear-wheel drive, with a single motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Range is a bit lower at an estimated 209 miles, but, more importantly, so is the cost: just shy of $39,000 after delivery and before any incentives.

"So, I’ve been given a quick, like ten or fifteen minutes to drive a prototype of the standard range model. Here on the gauge cluster I have 96-percent and 197 miles of range. Take that as you will. Now, the point in me driving this isn’t to showcase, you know, the standard range model or anything like that. It’s more to show the localization. This is what’s soon going to be available. This is what’s being made here right here in Chattanooga. And this is gonna be the new entry-point for those looking to hop into an ID.4."

Out on the road, this thing felt great, from the ride itself to the cloth seats inside. Now for those seeking more creature comforts, an ID.4 S will bridge the gap with the Standard range and some of the Pro S’ more luxury amenities, like the power seats, heated steering wheel and panoramic roof. Expect to see the ID.4 S starting in the low-to-mid 40’s.

The ID.4 Standard may be the most obvious result of localization, and I do think it’ll be a solid entry in the ID lineup, but fortunately, success did not equal complacency, and VW’s statesides efforts didn’t stop with the Standard.

Changes for all US-made models include additional gloss black highlights on the front bumper, more wheels to choose from and changes to the available paint colors. S models get an illuminated VW on the rear hatch, too. The cabin now comes standard with 12-inch touchscreen infotainment; the center console has also been redesigned spaciously for the North American market. New interior finishes are available, like my tester’s white and navy blue palette.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is a refinement of what VW has already put forth as their first ground-up EV effort. Having it made here in the states will certainly boost availability, and the new ID.4 Standard will make it more affordable for anyone looking to plug-in. We can’t wait to give it the proper Road Test treatment.