Volkswagen

FIRST DRIVE High-spec trim subtly updates electric SUV's look and offers buyers a good-value package of standard equipment

- Dean Gibson [e-mail]

VOLKSWAGEN had lofty aspirations for its electric ID models at launch.

It wanted them to have the same impact on the new-car market as the original Beetle or Golf, but the ID.3 hasn’t replaced the Golf in the family hatch class, while the ID.4 SUV isn't quite the Tiguan substitute that VW might have expected it to become.

However, it would be churlish to dismiss the ID.4 as an also-ran in the sector; if it was, then Ford wouldn't have picked it as the basis for its Explorer and Capri models. VW’s dedicated MEB electric platform offers a good base, and the ID.4 takes advantage of that with plenty of passenger space for its size and impressive comfort, although this comes at the expense of driving fun.

At the top of the range is the high-performance GTX, but just below that is the car driven here, the Black Edition. This is based on Match trim, but adds gloss-black detailing outside, including for the alloy wheels, while there's extra equipment on board, too.