No, by all accounts from the auto press the stopping distances are about average, which is saying a lot since the ID.4 is much heavier than average for this category of vehicle. I think the pedal is a little soft, but from my perspective it stops fine.
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Brakes are soft?
Hi,
I am feeling the braking distance is too much and feel i wont be able to stop and may get in accident? I liked the suv all the way. Is it my Id4 only?
I am feeling the braking distance is too much and feel i wont be able to stop and may get in accident? I liked the suv all the way. Is it my Id4 only?
1 - 19 of 19 Posts
Compared to my old Bolt regen transition to physical brakes is not linear. Not sure how much of that is due to programming, weight, or rear drum brakes. I definitely feel more comfortable driving and braking in B mode.
Especially in 'D' mode the brake pedal does feel soft, but be reminded that the braking is initially via motor inertia and then the brake pads. In 'B' mode, with its more aggressive regeneration upon lifting off the accelerator, the braking feels more assured, but still a bit soft compared to non-EV's.
Also be reminded that [currently] in 'B' mode the vehicle will slow to 3 mph via motor inertia alone and then further pedal braking is required to bring it to a stop. I've actually gotten used to this and use it as a bit of a game in judging when to lift off to ease up to the car in front of me at a stop. But I, as many, would welcome a complete stop without pedal braking and it may come along in an OTA update (?).
Also be reminded that [currently] in 'B' mode the vehicle will slow to 3 mph via motor inertia alone and then further pedal braking is required to bring it to a stop. I've actually gotten used to this and use it as a bit of a game in judging when to lift off to ease up to the car in front of me at a stop. But I, as many, would welcome a complete stop without pedal braking and it may come along in an OTA update (?).
I also thought braking was soft when I first drove it. After two months, I'm getting used to it. Still not ideal, however.
The "sport" driving mode has a bit more regen and that makes it tolerable. I set up a custom driving mode that's mostly "comfort", but with "sport" for acceleration/braking.
The "sport" driving mode has a bit more regen and that makes it tolerable. I set up a custom driving mode that's mostly "comfort", but with "sport" for acceleration/braking.
In this driver's opinion, the brakes do feel soft, but if you mash on them hard you'll stop just fine.
My longer opinion is that the brake feel doesn't really correspond to deceleration. It's strange. It's taken me longer with this car than any other one to get to where I can control the deceleration with some semblance of fine control. In the beginning, I was always finding myself doing fine in the beginning of a stop (up over 30MPH or so) but as I got slower and closer to the car in front I'd wind up closer to that car than I thought I should be, and going faster, too.
Further, if you really get in the brakes the transition to and from the disc brakes isn't great.
And finally, coming to a stop is just strange. The car rocks after the stop unless you really, really baby the stop (which is my goal, still working on this, see above). This is most likely because the car is too heavy for the suspension design. It feels like the suspension mounting points are loose.
My longer opinion is that the brake feel doesn't really correspond to deceleration. It's strange. It's taken me longer with this car than any other one to get to where I can control the deceleration with some semblance of fine control. In the beginning, I was always finding myself doing fine in the beginning of a stop (up over 30MPH or so) but as I got slower and closer to the car in front I'd wind up closer to that car than I thought I should be, and going faster, too.
Further, if you really get in the brakes the transition to and from the disc brakes isn't great.
And finally, coming to a stop is just strange. The car rocks after the stop unless you really, really baby the stop (which is my goal, still working on this, see above). This is most likely because the car is too heavy for the suspension design. It feels like the suspension mounting points are loose.
I found the first edition I test drove to be much spongier than my pro. I suspect there are variations from car to car. A lot of reviewers mentioned that as well.
Only had my Pro a week, but I already had to do a panic stop (downhill) when cars in front slowed down drastically. The panic stop was my fault as I was doing something at the center screen and also I'm not yet used to the low regenerative braking effect of the ID.4 in B mode. (I'm coming from a '17 Bolt LT which has lots of brake regen which really slows the car down as soon as foot leaves accelerator). Anyway, ID.4 brakes worked really well with tires screaming briefly. And this was downhill. I think the Pro stops a lot faster than my Bolt. Braking is one of the few issues I've had with Bolt.
However, I seldom apply brakes in the Bolt as regen braking is so strong that most of the time there is no need to.
However, I seldom apply brakes in the Bolt as regen braking is so strong that most of the time there is no need to.
As the transition from regeneration to friction brakes is software controlled, there’s hope VW will further dial this in. Same for the correlation between pedal travel and deceleration “feel”.
It would be nice if the pedal resistance could be a bit higher, or even better, correspond to brake power directly. But I have a feeling that resistance is a simple physical spring and not adjustable.
Anyway, I agree with what folks said above, braking needs the most finesse in the ID4.
It would be nice if the pedal resistance could be a bit higher, or even better, correspond to brake power directly. But I have a feeling that resistance is a simple physical spring and not adjustable.
Anyway, I agree with what folks said above, braking needs the most finesse in the ID4.
Glad to find this post. Approaching a stop sign/light, brakes become very soft at about 4-5 mph requiring a significant extra push to stop the car. Very disconcerting. I hope this is a software fix. Do others notice this? I encourage VW to take this issue seriously as inattention at a cross walk could easily have the driver rolling into it.In this driver's opinion, the brakes do feel soft, but if you mash on them hard you'll stop just fine.
My longer opinion is that the brake feel doesn't really correspond to deceleration. It's strange. It's taken me longer with this car than any other one to get to where I can control the deceleration with some semblance of fine control. In the beginning, I was always finding myself doing fine in the beginning of a stop (up over 30MPH or so) but as I got slower and closer to the car in front I'd wind up closer to that car than I thought I should be, and going faster, too.
Further, if you really get in the brakes the transition to and from the disc brakes isn't great.
And finally, coming to a stop is just strange. The car rocks after the stop unless you really, really baby the stop (which is my goal, still working on this, see above). This is most likely because the car is too heavy for the suspension design. It feels like the suspension mounting points are loose.
It's partly addressable via software. One thing to remember is that the market moved to FWD many years ago so RWD dynamics will take some re-learning. Most of the braking action occurs on the front wheels but most of our braking occurs on the rear wheels due to its reliance on and preference for regenerative braking.I hope this is a software fix.
So now we have a contradiction: maximize braking (relying more heavily on front braking) while getting the software to apply stronger braking without relying too much on mechanical braking.
How does VW resolve that contradiction? The straightforward way is to blend more mechanical front braking into the regenerative rear braking earlier in the braking sequence, which would also stiffen the pedal feel. That would also, however, use less regenerative braking, which tends to conflict with the philosophical demand to rely more heavily on regenerative braking. I predict the AWD will have much better brake feel due to the fact regenerative braking can be applied on both front and rear axles at the same time.
The brakes are soft. That doesn't require relearning. It requires stiffer brakes. And, whatever VW is doing with the regen also affects towing. As the forum has learned, there is none for the Pro and Pro S models.It's partly addressable via software. One thing to remember is that the market moved to FWD many years ago so RWD dynamics will take some re-learning. Most of the braking action occurs on the front wheels but most of our braking occurs on the rear wheels due to its reliance on and preference for regenerative braking.
So now we have a contradiction: maximize braking (relying more heavily on front braking) while getting the software to apply stronger braking without relying too much on mechanical braking.
How does VW resolve that contradiction? The straightforward way is to blend more mechanical front braking into the regenerative rear braking earlier in the braking sequence, which would also stiffen the pedal feel. That would also, however, use less regenerative braking, which tends to conflict with the philosophical demand to rely more heavily on regenerative braking. I predict the AWD will have much better brake feel due to the fact regenerative braking can be applied on both front and rear axles at the same time.
Just picked up my 2021 ID4 Pro S a few weeks ago. I love the car, but the brakes sure feel soft compared to anything I've driven lately.
I experience the same as others, in that I need to push more on the brake pedal to have the car stop when traveling at low speeds.
As the vehicle transitions from regen braking to friction braking at low speeds, I need to push down more on the pedal to get the vehicle to stop. This leads to a very soft or mushy feel on the brakes.
I'm hoping that a future OTA software update improves the regen and friction braking mix, in order to improve soft pedal feel.
For those that are in the know, how likely do you think this is?
I experience the same as others, in that I need to push more on the brake pedal to have the car stop when traveling at low speeds.
As the vehicle transitions from regen braking to friction braking at low speeds, I need to push down more on the pedal to get the vehicle to stop. This leads to a very soft or mushy feel on the brakes.
I'm hoping that a future OTA software update improves the regen and friction braking mix, in order to improve soft pedal feel.
For those that are in the know, how likely do you think this is?
Yes, around 5 mph it seems like regen abruptly stops and extra effort is needed to stop the car with friction brakes. And then the brakes make lots of creaking sounds. It's not good. Overall I prefer D mode but in stop and go I'll switch to B mode because it seems like the regen continues close to full stop and it's easier to be smooth after an adjustment period. I also will use adaptive cruise on the freeway in stop and go to avoid having to brake manuallyAs the vehicle transitions from regen braking to friction breaking at low speeds, ones needs to push down more on the pedal to get the vehicle to stop. This leads to a very soft or mushy feel on the brakes.
@eb2143
Yes, just as you described is how my ID4 brakes react while in "D" mode AND in the "comfort" or "eco" driving modes.
This abrupt transition between regen and friction braking causes a soft pedal feel where you have to quickly apply additional force to activate the friction braking to stop the car at low speeds. The transition between the two types of braking and the pedal force required, needs to be more smooth and predictable.
Honestly, it can feel a little dangerous (like you can't stop the car) until you learn to react and be ready for the extra pedal force needed to come to a stop.
This soft pedal problem is much less pronounced in "B" mode or in "Sport" driving mode, as more regen braking is held much longer into the slowing down process. This helps make the braking process more predictable.
This gives me hope that this is an issue that can be addressed in software with an OTA update.
I usually leave the car in "Sport" mode when my wife drives, as I want the ID4 to have a predictable braking feel when she drives it.
I have had many PHEVs and hybrids over the years, and nothing I've driven requires the ID4's level of awareness or finesse when braking while driving in "D" mode and "Comfort" or "Eco" mode.
I'm hoping the engineers at VW might be looking at these forums. I'm also hopeful this is something that can be adjusted by software in a future update.
Yes, just as you described is how my ID4 brakes react while in "D" mode AND in the "comfort" or "eco" driving modes.
This abrupt transition between regen and friction braking causes a soft pedal feel where you have to quickly apply additional force to activate the friction braking to stop the car at low speeds. The transition between the two types of braking and the pedal force required, needs to be more smooth and predictable.
Honestly, it can feel a little dangerous (like you can't stop the car) until you learn to react and be ready for the extra pedal force needed to come to a stop.
This soft pedal problem is much less pronounced in "B" mode or in "Sport" driving mode, as more regen braking is held much longer into the slowing down process. This helps make the braking process more predictable.
This gives me hope that this is an issue that can be addressed in software with an OTA update.
I usually leave the car in "Sport" mode when my wife drives, as I want the ID4 to have a predictable braking feel when she drives it.
I have had many PHEVs and hybrids over the years, and nothing I've driven requires the ID4's level of awareness or finesse when braking while driving in "D" mode and "Comfort" or "Eco" mode.
I'm hoping the engineers at VW might be looking at these forums. I'm also hopeful this is something that can be adjusted by software in a future update.
Have the AWD and our car feels exactly like what is described in this post. Actually thought maybe there was something wrong with our brakes until finding this thread. The correlation between pedal feel and slowing down isn’t linear and it’s disconcerting to say the least.It's partly addressable via software. One thing to remember is that the market moved to FWD many years ago so RWD dynamics will take some re-learning. Most of the braking action occurs on the front wheels but most of our braking occurs on the rear wheels due to its reliance on and preference for regenerative braking.
So now we have a contradiction: maximize braking (relying more heavily on front braking) while getting the software to apply stronger braking without relying too much on mechanical braking.
How does VW resolve that contradiction? The straightforward way is to blend more mechanical front braking into the regenerative rear braking earlier in the braking sequence, which would also stiffen the pedal feel. That would also, however, use less regenerative braking, which tends to conflict with the philosophical demand to rely more heavily on regenerative braking. I predict the AWD will have much better brake feel due to the fact regenerative braking can be applied on both front and rear axles at the same time.
We’d had two instances of slow-speed emergency braking this week while reversing not the garage (garden hose spooked the car haha). Usually drive with ACC on so don’t use the brakes too much. Drove without ACC today and experienced everything listed here and was convinced the emergency brake instances broke the brakes or something. Instead, now think I’d just never really used the brakes until today and discovered they were more jarring than anticipated.
Still seriously love this car, though
My two cents on brakes, I initially felt them to be too soft, after driving awhile, I’m of the conclusion it’s more an 2022 issue, everybody is in a hurry, always, drivers as a rule fly up to intersections and stop signs way too fast, panic brake last minute,pull out before the other car has even cleared halfway through, most don’t look more than 20 feet in front of them, no way to anticipate what’s going to happen nor what other cars will possibly do.
Absolutely. Whereas on a racetrack approaching a turn you want to brake as late as the surface and your vehicle's capabilities allow it should be just the opposite on public roadways. When stopped at a light I'm always a bit nervous when I see someone behind me approaching too fast, which is often!
I rather make a bit of a game of using my v2.1 ID.4's 3-mph creep mode to slowly approach. I also watch what a few cars up is doing to anticipate accordion braking. It's called driving. But then to many these days the driving part just gets in the way of their texting.
I rather make a bit of a game of using my v2.1 ID.4's 3-mph creep mode to slowly approach. I also watch what a few cars up is doing to anticipate accordion braking. It's called driving. But then to many these days the driving part just gets in the way of their texting.
My two cents on brakes, I initially felt them to be too soft, after driving awhile, I’m of the conclusion it’s more an 2022 issue, everybody is in a hurry, always, drivers as a rule fly up to intersections and stop signs way too fast, panic brake last minute,pull out before the other car has even cleared halfway through, most don’t look more than 20 feet in front of them, no way to anticipate what’s going to happen nor what other cars will possibly do.
Funny turn in this thread! I was in my son's Model Y yesterday, and it complained twice to him as he approached an intersection and stopped cars too aggressively. It wasn't bad in my opinion, just sporty, but the Tesla software doesn't like it. It actually dings his safety score and sets him back on his journey to qualifying for FSD and since last week, Enhanced Autopilot. Me, I think software encouraging people to stick to safe driving habits is a good thing. Maybe it will help reverse a bad trend. One can hope!
On the original topic, I still think the brake pedal could feel better, but the actual performance of the brakes is stellar. See link in my signature for documentation.
On the original topic, I still think the brake pedal could feel better, but the actual performance of the brakes is stellar. See link in my signature for documentation.
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