[JerseyCheryl]

Hi everyone. I've been reading this thread for a while now and reading through some different information on the ID4. I've been waiting for the New Jersey tax credit to go through before getting my ID4 and now that it's available, I'm getting one! My dealer is able to locate a first edition for me however I'm not sure if I should do the first edition or Pro S.

How has the white interior kept up for anyone who has a first edition? Is it hard to keep clean?

Would anyone recommend the 20-in wheels versus 19-in wheels? Is there a bigger benefit for one over the other?

Are there less bugs in the pro s versus the initial first edition?

Overall would be accepting recommendations of whether the first edition or Pro S would be the better choice?

Thank you!!

 

[Froggy]

How important is towing to you since the FE comes with a tow bar installed?

 

[JerseyCheryl]

I really wouldn't need the towing so it's a nice perk but wouldn't be a factor for me in final decision.

 

[mochalatte]

How has the white interior kept up for anyone who has a first edition? Is it hard to keep clean?

I've been lurking on the forum for a few weeks and I haven't heard any FE owner complain about the white interior getting particularly dirty. My friend got some Adam ceramic spray to treat his steering wheel just in case.

Would anyone recommend the 20-in wheels versus 19-in wheels? Is there a bigger benefit for one over the other?

The Pro, which usually ships with the 19" wheels, got a 260 mi EPA range vs. 250 for the FE and Pro S. Might be because the base Pro is a bit lighter, but it is probably because the 19" wheels are more aero. In general, the taller tire on the 19" rims will a bit less sporty and a bit smoother.

Are there less bugs in the pro s versus the initial first edition?

I've read on the forum here that the FEs were an earlier production run, but not sure that translates to a noticeable difference in the amount of bugs.

 

[Nai3t]

One data point from one FE owner, but our 8000-series VIN (some FEs have VINs in the mid-20s) and we've been problem free with the exception of the most common software bugs — mainly screen blanking every so often and volume non-responsiveness, both solved with a quick reset of the infotainment center.

As for keeping the interior clean, my wife drives almost daily with her elder dad and our two boys, 10 and 12, not the tidiest group. The car requires the normal amount of upkeep — wiping shoe prints off the black plastic, vacuuming the carpets — but I haven't noticed anything remarkable keeping the lighter interior or specifically the steering wheel clean. That was admittedly a concern of mine since I'm the designated detailer.

Nobody in our household has complained about the ride quality on the 20s. I'm sure the 19s ride softer, and I'm expecting it's noticeable driven back to back, but we're happy with what we've got.

 

[Kenco]

From what I understand the "Leatherette" is very easy to clean, but of course white will show more dirt and grime. I chose the PRO S (Statement) with Moonstone Gray and charcoal interior with brown accents. I will hopefully take delivery in the next 3 weeks. Keep in mind that with 20" vs. 19" the difference will be a stiffer ride, lower range, lower profile (easier to damage and no spare) and more costly to replace. Also note that there are two PRO S packages, the Statement and the Gradient trims. The Statement (most common) comes with 19" wheels and the Gradient with 20". There are a couple of other minor exterior differences as well. To me not worth an additional $1500 or so. My dealership has two FE's, four PRO-S and one PRO. I drove all three versions before deciding. I liked the look and feel of the PRO S Statement the best. Bear in mind this is personal preference, but I steered away from the FE because it was one of the first cars produced for the US and I didn't like the white steering wheel. Good luck and smart waiting for that bump in payback from New Jersey!! Happy Motoring

 

[Tinman]

I shuddered at the thought of the white bezels, door trim, and steering wheel. It was (almost) a deal breaker. Not having an installed receiver hitch for my bike rack on Day 1, with no answer to the "When?" question was more of a deal breaker.

I sprung for a VIN: 14XXX FE. I've grown used to the white trim, absolutely like the door trim better, the wheel is still kaolin (pharmaceutical clay) white. I have grudgingly grown to kind of like it.

It's a very competent car with lots of weird design choices (up arrow is 'down'/side arrow goes 'wrong' way) and some software bugs that, IMHO, many are annoyingly weird interface graveyard choices. (Why did you bury that there?) The capacitive buttons kind of suck, just like they do in my Ford Fusion. Really, none of this is going to be different unless you get the software upgraded cars that ship with the unknown v. 2.3 improvements.

The one thing that drives me nuts about this car is control of the fore and aft lighting. I have absolutely no idea of what the headlights are doing at any one time, like in the rain, at dusk, in a tunnel, etc. I'd love to be able to push a damned button and know that which lights are on, and when they are on. The Auto feature is not clicking in my head. It's there, but it's not intuitive to me. Same with the brake lights. I want to know that I'm not being perceived as some douche just tapping the brakes and brake checking people behind me. But, that's not the unsafe part to me. What is unsafe is not knowing your brakes lights are on when you are practicing ID.4's flavor of one pedal driving/regenerative braking. I've been rear-ended hard in enough with brake lights that I know were on to put me in the hospital and out of work for months.

That's more than you asked for, sorry. I'd go for the FE, if the comparative pricing was favorable. The white trim is not a deal breaker. Oh, I wouldn't pay extra for the FE wheel/tires combo, probably would have preferred the 19s, but getting them for "free" got me something that I think looks great. The ride is excellent despite the $$$$ profile tires.

 

[Timbobh]

The white steering wheel was a major con for me when I decided to buy my FE. But I saw a dealer's test drive ID.4 that had seen hundreds, if not thousands, of different drivers. The wheel was as white as my brand new FE when I drove off the lot. In my experience, the white steering wheel has been easy to keep clean. I have a package of baby wipes to clean off my hands after volleyball and softball nights and I have made it a point to condition the wheel with leather conditioner every month or two, but other than that its been essentially maintenance free. The only mishap was I put a cheap steering wheel cover on that transferred a little dye to the wheel. After a few days of wiping every time I got into the car, it faded into nothing. I have the light grey interior and that is even less troublesome. The leatherette seats wipe up easy. So far so good!

I managed to get the 20's swapped for a set of 19's from a Pro model on the lot. Others have had success executing the swap as well. IMO, the 19's drive a little comfier, should offer a little extra protection from wicked midwest potholes, and replacement tires should be a little more available but in all honesty the 20's are great too.

The tow hitch is a great perk. Even if you don't have a plan to use it today, it will likely come in handy one day and it will be great that you have the option!

No serious bugs to report here. My main issue has been the volume up slider stops functioning on occasion, but muting and unmuting the system (takes 1 sec) solves it. I do have the weird light bar bowing in the back during hot weather like many others have reported. But so far it pops back in with minimal pressure and I think its pretty difficult to detect if you aren't looking for it.

I don't think I can recommend the first edition over the Pro S or vice versa. They are both really similar in my book. For me it would come down to what color combinations you prefer. It's a great car and you will enjoy either model!

 

[Huey52]

Are you saying we elders are messy?

I make a lot of home store runs and although I try to remember to clean my hands I sometimes forget. I've still had no issue with the white wheel/trim. I do occasionally wipe with a leather cleaner just because.

I have a fairly early build FE and few problems. Just the most discussed software items we're hoping get soon OTA resolved. The driving itself has been superb, with again just yesterday a tight 180 deg turn needed and easily accomplished.

I initially had an order for a Pro S non-Gradient mostly for the 19" wheels, but 2nd chance opted for the FE and find the 20" just fine as well.

One data point from one FE owner, but our 8000-series VIN (some FEs have VINs in the mid-20s) and we've been problem free with the exception of the most common software bugs — mainly screen blanking every so often and volume non-responsiveness, both solved with a quick reset of the infotainment center.

As for keeping the interior clean, my wife drives almost daily with her elder dad and our two boys, 10 and 12, not the tidiest group. The car requires the normal amount of upkeep — wiping shoe prints off the black plastic, vacuuming the carpets — but I haven't noticed anything remarkable keeping the lighter interior or specifically the steering wheel clean. That was admittedly a concern of mine since I'm the designated detailer.

Nobody in our household has complained about the ride quality on the 20s. I'm sure the 19s ride softer, and I'm expecting it's noticeable driven back to back, but we're happy with what we've got.

 

[nigela]

l love the look of the white interior, but worried about keeping it clean. Now with 3000 miles, it still looks like new with minimal intervention.

 

[Spin]

I originally ordered a Pro but purchased a FE when one became available. I was hesitant because of the white wheel, but it has not been a problem. As others have said, it is very easy to keep clean.

 

[KatEV]

The one thing that drives me nuts about this car is control of the fore and aft lighting. I have absolutely no idea of what the headlights are doing at any one time, like in the rain, at dusk, in a tunnel, etc. I'd love to be able to push a damned button and know that which lights are on, and when they are on. The Auto feature is not clicking in my head. It's there, but it's not intuitive to me. Same with the brake lights. I want to know that I'm not being perceived as some douche just tapping the brakes and brake checking people behind me. But, that's not the unsafe part to me. What is unsafe is not knowing your brakes lights are on when you are practicing ID.4's flavor of one pedal driving/regenerative braking. I've been rear-ended hard in enough with brake lights that I know were on to put me in the hospital and out of work for months.

YES!! I love my ID4 Pro, but this is something that drives me nuts, too. I leave the lights on AUTO because I like that option, but I'd like to know what it is doing, especially at dusk and when it is really cloudy and dark, but not raining. And ditto for the rear brake lights any time regen is happening. At some point I read the details of when those brake lights come on, but I don't remember if the brakes light up with all amounts of pressure on the brake pedal or whether it has to reach a certain point before lighting up. I'm pretty sure in B mode the brakes light whenever you take your foot off the pedal. And I assume the brakes light up when slowing down in cruise control.
Edit: Just now seeing this thread: Dumb EV Question Re: Brake Lights

 

[ChristophW]

What everyone said. White is a non-issue for upkeep, and it brightens the cabin. The FE was $2000 less than a comparable Pro S, which is what made me jump for it without hesitation. I am a little worried about the high price of the 20" tires, but then I am financially much better off than 10-15 years ago, so I can deal with it.

 

[Lxtruong]

The white interior hasn't been an issue. I was installing mudguards on my car and then touched the white wheel, so it did get dirty. Dirt wiped right off with a car cleaner-type wipe.
The 20" wheels are fine and I personally do not think it I would've noticed the ride difference. That said, appearance-wise, we were parked to a Pro S (non-gradient) the other day and I doubt I would've noticed the 1" wheels between the two cars if I didn't know they were there.

If I were making this purchase, I would be personally be balancing the hitch on the FE (very useful!) to the lack of silver accents on the Pro S (I actually prefer black). If you prefer the look of the black and don't care about the hitch, I'd go Pro S. If you like the hitch and don't care about the silver accents, go FE.

*This is, of course, assuming they're the same price.

 

[Nai3t]

Are you saying we elders are messy?

Maybe that wasn't fair. He's 91, wears gloves everywhere because his fingers get cold, and as a result leaves fingertip smudges on any upholstered surface he touches. I could go on from there but won't.

BTW to the OP, the 1st Edition production was intermixed with Pro / Pro S trim and whatever they've named their models in Europe, so take comfort in knowing that 1st isn't necessarily equivalent to early production.

 

[Froggy]

Well I can tell you that a front tire on the FE costs $283 including tax and installation. The white isn’t a problem.

 

[dfox]

After 3000 miles on my FE, white steering wheel looks great. I did buy some Armor All leather cleaner wipes which I used just last week. Helps protect the wheel, but I didn't notice any discoloration before.

 

[sethpo]

l love the look of the white interior, but worried about keeping it clean. Now with 3000 miles, it still looks like new with minimal intervention.

Exactly this for me as well

 

[Bubbajet]

Yea, the FE white interior is one of the things that VW got right. It really does look nice, and I'd like to say it cleans up well but it's never really gotten dirty! I do wipe the wheel with a baby wipe once in a while when stuck in traffic and I'll hit the seats as well when I can. But that's it.

Also, the "vegan leather" or whatever it's called is surprisingly comfortable in a hot climate. Way, way more comfortable than real leather, but possibly a bit behind fabric. I do wish the seats were at least ventilated, but VW got this part right.