The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX is the first of the ID range of cars to be launched in Singapore and takes the form of a family sized electric SUV. The GTX is the all wheel drive, dual motor version of the real wheel drive Pro version, and uses the same Volkswagen Group MEB platform that all VW group electric vehicles are built upon - the most closely related being the Skoda Enyaq. The GTX features excellent cabin space utilisation, good sound insulation, and a clean and modern interior.
Well Built & Intelligent
Built upon Volkswagen's group MEB platform for electric vehicles, the ID.4 GTX is a well put together vehicle that has intelligently utilised its interior space for the benefit of its occupants. Much of what you can see and touch feels like a step up from the existing era of Volkswagen vehicles, and the ID.4 GTX's interior feels future ready in that sense. A clean and uncluttered dashboard makes the car feel modern, and the use of a drive selector in the form of a hand switch by the digital driver's display is a subtle but effective way at making the car feel way more modern than its contemporaries.
Due to the absence of a traditional drive selector located in the centre console, Volkswagen have taken full opportunity to create a generous amount of storage compartments, and the car generally feels open and spacious. Add on the fact that build quality is as strong and sturdy as ever, and you get a cabin that is very nice to be in. Aside from cars like the Touareg, this is probably the most premium I've ever seen a Volkswagen interior - a compliment to Volkswagen's typical "less is more", functional approach to the user experience.
Composed Drivetrain
The ID.4 GTX features a dual motor set up in an all wheel drive configuration that provides it with approximately 294 bhp, 460M, of torque, and a 0-100km/h timing of 6.2 seconds. While not a spectarularly quick car, the ID.4 GTX is no slouch, and packs more power than what the average family will require from what I would describe as the electric version of the petrol powered Tiguan. Despite wearing a GTX badge, I am of the opinion that the ID.4 GTX does its best work as a family cruiser, and if treated as such, delivers a very pleasant driving experience that feels composed and refined. Due to large wheels and a firmer suspension setup, the ID.4 GTX handles decently as well and has decent road manners around bends and corners.
That said, a ID.4 Pro, which is supposed to be the "civilian" spec-ed ID.4 in the range, is also a decent performer as it is rear wheel drive - which in turn makes you wonder if the GTX variant of the car is worth the extra money. For many years, the GTI badge has been associated with performance, and the GTX badge was supposed to carry this legacy into the electric era. It is then slightly confusing why Volkswagen have decided to put the GTX badge on a family sized SUV with a 6.2 second 0-100km/h time, when perhaps an R-Line trim badge would have sufficed.
Price is Key
In the Singaporean context, I would say that the ID.4 Pro is the car to buy. Granted, it isn't as quick as the GTX, and does not have all wheel drive from a dual motor system, but that also makes it more fun to drive, and cheaper to buy. Ultimately that makes it better value for the consumer, especially so in a country where we don't get to travel very fast. As the car isn't officially on sale at the time of writing this article, we are all wondering what the price of the ID.4 Pro and GTX is going to be. Naturally, there will be an expectation that Volkswagen's are reasonably priced and provide good value to the people, but there is no guarantee, and with unpredictable COE prices, it's even harder to tell.
If the ID.4 Pro can be kept in the same bracket as other similarly spec-ed Japanese or Korean electric SUVs, there would be a strong case for consumers to consider the ID.4 Pro. However, things do get a little tricky if the price crosses the $300,000 threshold - as consumers then start considering entry level BMW and Mercedes options. You're still likely to get more value out of the ID.4 compared to an entry level BMW or Mercedes, but we're a materialistic bunch, and can often times be influenced by the powers of a premium badge. Not to mention, the Audi Q4 e-Tron is coming soon in 2024, and is bound to provide even more competition in that regard.
Who Will it Appeal to?
In terms of its usability and format, Exiting Tiguan owners who want to move towards an electric vehicle will find this an easy switch. The car feels more modern and upmarket, but still familiar - and features the same excellent build quality that Volkswagen owners have come to know and love. While pricing remains to be seen, a sub $300,000 price tag would also provide good value to those seeking an alternative to traditional choices like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, KIA EV6, and perhaps even a Polestar 2.
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