Volkswagen ID.4 SUV - Interior & comfort

Like the ID.3, Volkswagen's all-electric SUV has a minimalist interior, with very few physical buttons or knobs. Yet, the ID.4 is clearly also meant to be a touch more upmarket, so there are some more premium materials in the mix. Being high in the range, the GTX also benefits from luxuries like a panoramic sunroof that floods the interior with light, attractive seats with integrated headrests and an augmented reality head-up display that provides useful navigation instructions.

Volkswagen ID.4 dashboard

There are some cheap plastics that hint at efforts to cut cost and possibly weight, and the interior falls short of the Toyota bZ4X and Hyundai Ioniq 5. What is unfortunately still an issue, is the confusing software for the infotainment display, which measures either 10- or 12-inches in size. Even some simple tasks are now buried deep in confusing menus, and it's hard to feel it is anything but a step backwards for a manufacturer that's previously led the field in logically designed dashboards. 

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Equipment

Life Edition trim kicks off the standard range, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and a leather, heated steering wheel. Upgrading to the Style Edition trim adds adaptive headlights, an illuminated strip across the car's nose, privacy glass, keyless entry, a panoramic glass roof and animated rear lights.

With the 77kWh battery, there's a significant increase in price and both trims are now fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels. The range-topping ID.4 Max Pro Performance brings technology like a 12-inch central display, an augmented reality head-up display, adjustable suspension and sports front seats.

As you'd expect for a performance model, the ID.4 GTX gets a makeover inside too. There are stainless steel pedals, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, fabric sports seats with red stitching, blue contrasting trim inserts on the dashboard and door cards, and a 30-colour ambient lighting setup.

When the ID.4 was launched in the UK, it was available for a short period in the 1st Edition trim. This model boasted a vast list of standard equipment including 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a rear-view camera, 360-degree parking sensors, heated seats and steering wheel, a 10-inch infotainment display with navigation and adaptive cruise control.

Options

If you pick a lower trim level, it's possible to bolster its equipment level by adding packs of extras. This includes the Assistance Pack Plus, adding a 360-degree camera view, powered tailgate, illuminated door handles, keyless entry and safety features for just over £2,000. The Infotainment Pack Plus includes an augmented reality head-up display, Discover Navigation Pro and a 12-inch infotainment display for £2,200. Additional packs can also alter the car's design and even how it feels to drive.