Volkswagen ID.4 Official Thread

Sadly, deal breaker for me is the TOTAL lack of physical/tactile controls. Is that just Luddite talk; the iPad tombstone in the dash, for EVERYTHING, is a fait accompli?

 

For me that isn’t a deal breaker in and of itself.
Just as with physical controls, I need to sit in the car and see/use the layout of the UI.
How much is/can be controlled by voice?
How thoughtful and easy is it to get to frequently used controls?
Etc, etc...

 

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Achieved 190 Miles of Range in Our Testing

- what do buyers get to make up for the higher cost from >22% worse efficiency than a model Y .... maybe fit & finish?
.

 

Reviewer repeatedly says (paraphrasing) “this is a wagon for the folks”.

Interesting. Not that enamoured of the dash, but that’s what’s ubiquitous now I guess. White interior too, though that’s maybe just one option.

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Like the looks. Like the stalks. Don't like the charging infrastructure. Nor the infotanement system. Don't like the immature OTA updates. And hate the dealerships. Owned 2 VWs. 3 Porsches. 4 of the 6 were disasters. Ah but those last 2 Porsches....

 

I won't be buying this because of VW's cheating, but you have left some details out. Their price was for the limited 1st edition model; the ID.4 Pro starts at around the same price as the Model Y. The VW was tested in 40F weather, and the Tesla in 75F.

 

Sounds like a wonderful new entry into the BEV marketplace built by an influential manufacture in the automotive area.
Just out of curiosity I visited the VW site to see and learn more and it appears the Premium level of this vehicle is already sold out in the US. They are still accepting orders on the base model.

Very exciting news and thank you for bringing this vehicle to my attention

 

They sold out of the 1st edition, which was a limited run with some unique features(like the interior color). VW is taking reservations for the Pro and Pro S trims now. Later this year, a shorter range trim will be available.

 

I am not impressed:


Build and sell the electrified MicroBus and I'll visit a VW dealer. Otherwise, nothing.

Bob Wilson

 

You really want that amount of crush space in front of your legs? Do you have Tiger's doctors on speed dial?

Seriously, what would the crash tests look like? I've seen cases where the kid from across the street's driver's side front wheel dented the driver's seat frame. Or cases where the engine was spit out under the cab's floor because it was designed that way. New designs address the first but could a bus pass the offset crash test? And the second, without that engine to absorb some power as it broke away ...

 

Mike you are making me nostalgic. Rode across the Western USA in an old beat up VW van in my younger years.

Growing up I can remember Billboard VW adds for a brand new VW Beatle for $1998.

Talking about dangerous vehicles When I was in the Service and just stationed in Nebraska at Offutt AFB I was able to pick up a 1968 Chevy C10 step side pickup with a 4 speed and 250 inline 6 at a State of Nebraska Surplus Agriculture Department Auction. The gas tank was directly behind the driver in the passenger cab. You could always tell how much gas you had by the sloshing sound the gas made in the tank as you drove on uneven surfaces.

Could you imagine doing a modern crash test on an old Corvair or Pinto - They would probably have to evacuate the testing facility and have a fire department on standby.

There were some fascinating cars years ago my personal favorite a Ford Falcon.

 

With airbags and modern design I think a Microbus could be made to at least pass the crash tests. Like the smart fortwo, it would need a safety cage that would direct forces around the passenger space to the rear area. This is probably the delay in bringing it out.