Volkswagen ID.4 Pure Match

FIRST DRIVE VW's mid-sized EV is now cheaper than ever, but you need to study the spec sheets carefully before you buy

- Steve Walker

VOLKSWAGEN’S Match trim level is usually a sound, value-for-money choice. While sparsely equipped entry-level versions exist largely for the purpose of lowering the range’s base price and disappointing company car drivers who get lumbered with one, the Match sits one rung higher on the trim-level ladder, offering added kit for little extra outlay. If you're one of those people who orders the second-cheapest bottle of wine from a restaurant menu, this may be a value proposition you're able to get behind.

The ID.4 range conforms to VW’s Match masterplan to a point but, as is so often the way with today’s electric-car market, things get a bit complicated when you look at the price list. The midsize range now opens at £36,995 in both Pure Essential and Pro Essential trim.

The Pure Essential has the smaller, 52kWh battery. But why would anyone buy that car when the Pro Essential adds a 77kWh battery for the same price? Delve a little deeper and things get worse: the Pure’s 168bhp, 224-mile range and 145kW maximum charging speed play the Pro’s 282bhp, 351 miles and 175kW peak charging.

Then we get to the Match models. Usually a thoroughly sensible option for the average buyer, the Pure Match sits one step up, using the same 52kWh battery as the Pure Essential but priced from £39,590. Larger, 19-inch alloys replace the entry-level car’s 18-inch steel wheels. These look better but reduce the range figure slightly from 224 miles to 222 miles. You also get tinted rear windows. But that’s it.