Volkswagen ID4 2024 gets more power, performance and technical upgrades

Volkswagen’s first all-electric platform car, the ID4, debuted in 2020 and left us somewhat awestruck. It was comfortable, unassuming and easy to drive but had some annoying handling quirks. Fast forward to today, and we’re starting to see some evolutionary changes being made to all-electric SUVs. These new updates provide more power and better technology, but only for the 82 kWh model.

That’s the only bad news, all the positive changes are only made to ID4 cars equipped with the 82 kWh battery pack. The 62-kilowatt-hour package remains the same for the 2023 model year. Although, you can still get it with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on Standard/Pro, S, and S Plus models.

Regardless, changing the shifter position is a welcome change and helps make it more user-friendly. Instead of being located on the digital instrument panel, the shifter moves to its own stalk on the right side of the steering column. The control system remains the same by twisting it forward to put it in drive and twisting it back to put you in drive. The “Park” button is located at the end of the leg. This change also requires moving the wiper lever from the right side of the steering column to the left and combining the turn signal as one multi-function lever. With this change, the controls and driver instruments are now more compatible with the upcoming ID.Buzz.

Another major change for the 82 kWh pack models is the new 12.9-inch display with backlit sliders. We’ve struggled with these sliders before and hope they’ll be improved, but we’re not holding our breath. VW promises a more intuitive interface for climate control and a revised infotainment screen to match the larger screen.

ID4 S models with 82 kWh batteries will also get ventilated front seats, while the S Plus model gets a new nine-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system with a 16-channel subwoofer. The 2024 ID4 Standard through S models will get new 20-inch aluminum wheels while the S Plus model gets a set of 21-inch aluminum wheels.

Finally, the most significant change is the new performance drive unit. This new engine allows rear-wheel drive models with the 82 kWh battery to produce up to 282 hp, while adding a front-wheel drive lifts the 82 kWh all-wheel drive power to 330 hp. Not only will this enhance acceleration, but VW claims this new performance engine will improve efficiency and increase range. Unfortunately, VW hasn’t released what those new numbers will be, only stating that “EPA-estimated ranges for the 2024 ID4 will be available closer to market launch.” We expect to see these numbers before Volkswagen announces the new price for the 2024 VW ID4, which is expected to go on sale in early 2024.