[Fahrer]

FYI......

Tested: 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S Proves More Is Better

Adding a second motor to VW's ID.4 electric crossover changes things, including our mood.

www.caranddriver.com

 

[Nai3t]

Well damn...

It's a shame VW couldn't get at least 2.3 into the AWD launch. This "second coming" review cycle would have been a fantastic opportunity to let the automotive press sing the praises of VW's planned updates, to say "oh wow" about improved UI snappiness, navigating to EA, and — I don't know — Plug 'n Charge?

I realized PnC isn't included with 2.3 but a summary of the original ID.4 reviews last spring certainly made note of its absence.

 

[epl]

This "second coming" review cycle would have been a fantastic opportunity to let the automotive press sing the praises of VW's planned updates, to say "oh wow" about improved UI snappiness, navigating to EA, and — I don't know — Plug 'n Charge?

Perhaps even fix the delayed charging bug?

 

[Nai3t]

Perhaps even fix the delayed charging bug?

Well, yeah, though one review I watched walked through the whole scheduled charging process, but I take it never tested it to figure out it was a broken system.

 

[Fahrer]

I think that, overall, the review was quite positive. C&D touched on several items that have been discussed in these forums

1. The software needs work
2. It is not a canyon carver but it is not meant to be. It should prove to be a very good daily driver.
3. Well equipped/good value.

 

[Polyphonic]

“Trying to hustle the ID.4 through hilly, twisting roads, its mass sometimes outpaces the damping, though, and you start to feel a bit like a buoy at sea—there's the initial compression followed by a compensating but softer second bob. Eventually, those with sensitive inner ears may find themselves having had a bob too many.”

Hmmm.

 

[Fahrer]

“Trying to hustle the ID.4 through hilly, twisting roads, its mass sometimes outpaces the damping, though, and you start to feel a bit like a buoy at sea—there's the initial compression followed by a compensating but softer second bob. Eventually, those with sensitive inner ears may find themselves having had a bob too many.”

Hmmm.

You would probably experience that in a Lexus as well. Those ride well and are quiet but generally are not "driver's" cars. I would say most practical, family-oriented crossovers are not the best at "canyon carving". EVs will always be compromised regarding the ride/handling balance. Most families would not be comfortable in cars that have a more firmly controlled suspension.

Here is a test drive for the Model Y by Thomas of Autogeful. He notes that the car car bobs up and down at high speed ( 18:20) and that the suspension is a bit harsh ( 19:40).

Of course, the ID.4 does not have as high a top speed as the Y but the Audi Q4 can go about 120 mph and does not exhibit this bounciness. It comes down to design goals, compromises, etc. Neither the VW nor the Audi have harsh suspensions from the reviews I have seen.