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The unsung advantages of an ID.4

7.2K views 42 replies 31 participants last post by  p__x  
#1 · (Edited)
So all of this talk about that 60k Cdn battery replacement on that Ioniq 5 is both scary and thought provoking.

I have to be honest, one of the main attractions to the ID4 for me was the ride height. Due to the added ride height, it is less likely this Ioniq 5 scenario would happen to an ID4.

All cars have their advantages and disadvantages, but it seems as tho most YouTubers focus way too much on ID4 flaws or disadvantages and hardly at all mention it's advantages. The opposite is true with Tesla, they go on and on and on about the advantages of Tesla and never call out its flaws or disadvantages, which after owning a model y for a year can assure you that there are many. Why have no YouTubers called out Tesla for not having what is standard features in everything but an econobox such as blind spot monitors, cross traffic monitors, 360 camera, no way to "avoid highways" on navigation to name a few of the glaring substandards with Tesla's. (There are many more as well). But I literally have NEVER heard a YouTuber call them out for this but every YouTuber is sure to mention VWs (admittedly stupid two window buttons).

So I thought it would be cool for us to compile a list of the advantages the ID4 has over the competition, or at least over most of the competition. These features/benefits come to mind for me.

One of the highest ride heights
Rear wiper
Rear camera washer
Standard self parking
Wireless carplay/aa
Standard trailer hitch on awd
One of highest tow ratings
Massage seats on statement package

Feel free to add to the list.

Edit:. Electric defrost windshield(don't think any competition has this)
 
#2 · (Edited)
Edit: the following are available in Europe only and I actually didn’t remember that about the second one.

Head up display. Will not get a car without one after having it now.

Oh and matrix lights. Sun sets like 4 pm if it bothers to show up. One drive late at night was the trigger for getting a new car.
 
#4 ·
For U.S. spec'ed ID4s:
  • Standard full-featured ADAS (Travel Assist with ACC) at all trim levels at no extra cost
  • Automatic, LED headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) in Pro S trim
  • Rear seat 60/40 split-folding with center armrest & ski pass-through in Pro S trim
  • Blended braking (regen when you press the brake pedal blended with friction brakes when needed) at all trim levels, which Tesla does not have
  • Choice of different levels of regen or no regen (B vs D modes, plus other driving modes with more or less regen), also something Tesla does not have
  • Dynamic road sign display
Also, all of these features work very well with no issues (for me at least), including a smooth implementation of the ADAS features with no phantom braking at speed or other unexpected behaviors that might lead to a safety recall a la Autopilot.
 
#10 · (Edited)
  • A better battery pack design where we can replace one module if there is a problem or accident, with Tesla you must replace the entire pack.
  • Lower repair costs overall leading to lower insurance rates.
  • Better headlights than anything on the market with Pro S, they turn to see around corners (we have the matrix lights, only slightly different software compared to EU.)
  • We have a binnacle (instrument panel) display and don't get as distracted by having to look down to the center display for speed, etc.
 
#12 ·
I had never considered the single module replacement angle until I was recently told I was getting 3 of the 12 modules replaced as part of the recall (were defective at factory). Pretty neat that the modules can be swapped out so easily.

I do wonder how replacements will be available in the future, if they are this seems like a big advantage to the id4 vs Tesla over the 100ks mile range
 
#14 ·
  • Open cockpit / interior
To appreciate this and experience the polar opposite, poke your head into a Polestar

  • Generously sized door openings and rear seat head and leg room for taller riders
 
#23 ·
Maybe I'm harping on the same things:

+ Best outside mirrors
+ Good crash test results from 4 agencies (in 3 countries)
+ Availability of a steel roof, unlike TESLAs. (Some folks are predisposed to skin cancer and panoramic roofs allow UVA)
+ Posted speed limit shown on display.
+ Availability of wheels as small as 19" (maybe '24 ID.4 will no longer have this energy/cost saving feature).
 
#26 ·
Ten months in, there isn't anything we don't like about our AWD Pro. The Infotainment can be a bit obtuse at times, but then we're coming from a 10-year-old Subaru whose Infotainment was an AM/FM radio. Because we eschewed such unnecessarica as power seats and back massagers and side mirrors that peer down at the ground on command, we economically sidestepped a lot of what seems, from this forum, to be cluster-points of pains in the patooties.
 
#29 · (Edited)
WOW it is truly eyeopening to consider and compare specific features of the "Intelligent Design" (ID.4). I ended up "liking" every one of the posts listing advantages! Cleary some of them prompted me to buy (ground clearance, comfort and storage design) it but there are so many more good reasons. Looking at my experience with hitting a rock with the underbelly (see Dented Battery Protection Plate) which ended up totally harmless I am pretty darn happy with the ID.4. Sure we all hate some of the bone-headed infotainment features (or lack thereof) and maybe the erratic operation of the seats and 2-button windows but the car feels amazing to drive!
 
#31 ·
I love this post. I've seen so many videos and reviews over the years. It always felt like the ID.4 was underappreciated. A few other things I can think of:

  • ID Light. I know it's not a huge thing, but it really adds character and has potential for future uses.
  • Ambient lighting. Again, not huge but adds character and lets people individualize their ID.4.
  • Great visibility, especially out the rear window
  • Hands free rear door opening with the swipe of the foot
  • Puddle lights and lights in the external door handles. Again, just cool and gives character.
 
#35 ·
Probably not. Different battery chemistries require different monitoring and charging parameters, and solid state is going to be a whole 'nother ballpark. With the way VW has locked down the BMS module, without their direct support for this sort of endeavor, I can't imagine somebody having an easy go of that type of conversion.
 
#37 ·
The post started with pros that are all about high trim levels with AWD, but as someone with a Pro RWD, I can say the biggest advantage is getting most premium features at the ~base price (I know the small battery exists). I think there are better premium options for those who can spend more, but at the trim levels comparable to a Pro RWD, I'd choose the ID.4 10 out of 10 times. (US market)
 
#38 ·
I concur and would say the premium features what one may or may not have are only icing on a cake that is very comfortable car and chassis. If BEV can have a soul then ID.4 is such BEV. I bet that is the reason some of us who are somewhat critical at times (not naming anyone @Atlant) for good reasons still decide to drive ID.4. Either that or just because this forum is great. Yes, I have had few glasses of red wine..