RWD or AWD?
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Depends on how much snow you get, how good your snow driving skills are. Unless you routinely drive in 5+" of snow, you will be okay with RWD and a good set of winter snow tires. The other thing to consider, at the moment the AWD version, and any left over 1st editions, are the only way to get a tow hitch from the factory.
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Many of us logically reason that the steering radius won’t be as tight in the AWD as it is in the RWD. You may want to await a trusted review or better your own test drive.
I can pick my snow day driving so even tho’ I’ve had the pleasure of Quattro for over a decade the RWD was adequate for my current needs.
The RWD horsepower is also adequate for me and thanks to the significant electric motor torque the low end is more than adequate especially in around town maneuvering.
I can pick my snow day driving so even tho’ I’ve had the pleasure of Quattro for over a decade the RWD was adequate for my current needs.
The RWD horsepower is also adequate for me and thanks to the significant electric motor torque the low end is more than adequate especially in around town maneuvering.
Your logical reasoning is correct, but not necessary. The manufacturer has published the specifications. The AWD turning circle is 38.06', which is 4.46' larger than the RWD turning circle.
I started my reservation with the AWD but I have since changed to the RWD. I'm in my 70's so I don't do a lot of the things I used to like skiing, mountain biking, or camping in the national forest. The ID.4 RWD can run with chains if the occasional winter storm makes driving difficult.
My dealer made me sign a form that said the warranty was void if I used chains.
RWD with snow tires is safer overall (and likely more usable) than AWD on all-season or summer tires. Stopping distance will be much better, and there should be less tendency to lose control.
Snow tires on AWD is the ultimate scenario, though. If you don't intend to get snow tires on either variant, or experience mild winters, AWD would logically be better.
RWD ID.4s roamed Europe when they launched early this year and a lot of the Youtubers had winter tires fitted. It doesn't stop the Norwegians! I am looking forward to driving in Upstate NY winter on snows this year.
Snow tires on AWD is the ultimate scenario, though. If you don't intend to get snow tires on either variant, or experience mild winters, AWD would logically be better.
RWD ID.4s roamed Europe when they launched early this year and a lot of the Youtubers had winter tires fitted. It doesn't stop the Norwegians! I am looking forward to driving in Upstate NY winter on snows this year.
Your dealer, and whatever paperwork they concocted, has no authority to void a manufacturer's warranty because of an aftermarket part. A specific warranty claim directly related to an aftermarket part can certainly be rejected on the grounds of vehicle modification and/or misuse as a result of said aftermarket part but your manufacturer's warranty will not ever void because of an aftermarket part...period. If you have a failure of a brake system or suspension or driveline as a direct result of tire chains then the manufacturer has grounds for rejecting a warranty claim. If your window regulator fails then it is a valid warranty claim regardless of whether you ran tire chains.
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First of all your dealer can't make you sign anything. They cannot speak on behalf of Volkswagen corporate. Secondly if a state requires chains in certain conditions that law supercedes any warranty clause. I would never sign that without first talking to VW and knowing state laws. If they can't make their car go in snow then don't sell it where it snows.
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Choices and Tradeoffs: AWD v RWD
We live in Washington State the West side of the mountains, so it doesn't snow here much. But when it does, those 2 snow plows have a big job to do. I like to additional security of the AWD, the additional acceleration and all the added features the come with the AWD model. It is definitely...
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The pecking order will be
1) quattro
2) AWD
3) RWD
4) FWD
Seriously, once you drive a quattro you won't go back driving a non-quattro.
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I say AWD or nothin’!
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Well .... I did. After over a decade with very assuring Quattro I do tend to agree, but given my present non-commuting, pick my snow day, driving I now favor the relative simplicity (and bit smaller turning radius) of RWD. 
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Great mind thinks quattro!
A set of 18" snow tires and you'll be set for the winter.but given my present non-commuting, pick my snow day, driving I now favor the relative simplicity (and bit smaller turning radius) of RWD.
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I originally ordered an AWD but when I learned that the turning circle would be a little over 38', I switched to a RWD. The tight RWD's turning circle really appealed to me. I live in Coronado, CA which is a small town with speed limits 45MPH or less. Parking is very limited and I access my garage through an alleyway. I am looking forward to easily slipping in and out of the garage in a single maneuver. I have driven my daughter's FE on the freeway and find its acceleration is great. Sure it doesn't drive your head into the headrest like a friend's Dual Motor Model Y, but it seems plenty fast to me. Most of my driving is around San Diego. I also have a BMW which I feel is like cheetah in a cage - there is just no place to let it loose. I was also turned off by the heated windshield. Not needed in southern California and I assume is expensive to replace. Today I see that my car is "Leaving Factory."
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No, you need snow tires on all 4 wheels, not just two in the rear. Summer tires rubber hardened as the temp. drops to 45° F (7° C) and below. Snow tires rubber remains flexible below that temp. So, if you only have snow tires in the back and summer tires in the front, the front tires will harden as the temp. drops and you won't have any steering control, no grip etc.
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