After years of anticipation and a rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape in India, Volkswagen is finally stepping into the market with its first battery-powered SUV, theVolkswagen ID.4 Announced at Volkswagen’s annual brand conference, the ID.4 promises to bring a fresh, modern, and electrified driving experience to Indian roads by the end of 2025 . As an automotive enthusiast and longtime follower of VW’s journey, I’m excited to share a detailed first look at this much-awaited EV and what it means for Indian buyers.
Volkswagen ID.4: A New Era for VW in India
Volkswagen’s ID.4 is not a brand-new vehicle globally—it was first unveiled in 2020—but its introduction to India marks a significant milestone. The Volkswagen ID.4 represents VW’s commitment to electrification and signals the brand’s readiness to compete in the growing Indian EV segment. Unlike many SUVs that emphasize ruggedness and off-road capability, the ID.4 leans more towards a crossover design with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and urban-friendly dimensions.
Design and Styling: Simple, Clean, and Aerodynamic
The design philosophy of the Volkswagen ID.4 is a blend of modern minimalism and functional elegance. At the front, the SUV features Volkswagen’s signature IQ LED headlights, which are connected by a sleek light strip running across the width of the vehicle’s face. This not only enhances the car’s futuristic appeal but also improves visibility and safety. The new 2D VW logo is a subtle yet stylish touch that complements the clean front fascia.
Looking at the side profile, the Volkswagen ID.4 rides on large dual-tone wheels crafted for aerodynamic efficiency, helping to maximize range and reduce drag. The two-tone finish—with a silver element that elegantly drops down towards the rear—adds a layer of visual interest while maintaining a sophisticated and neutral look. This approach makes the Volkswagen ID.4 appealing to buyers who prefer understated, timeless design over flashy aesthetics.
The rear of the vehicle features a wide tail light unit with individual light elements that create a captivating light signature when illuminated. The overall exterior design balances modernity with Volkswagen’s classic simplicity, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of customers.
Inside the ID.4: Volkswagen’s Signature Simplicity Meets Modern Tech
Step inside the Volkswagen ID.4, and you immediately notice Volkswagen’s familiar interior design language—clean, uncluttered, and thoughtfully arranged. Despite being an electric vehicle, the ID.4’s cabin doesn’t overwhelm with gimmicks but instead focuses on user-friendly interfaces and comfort.
Dashboard and Infotainment
The updated Volkswagen ID.4 comes equipped with a larger 12.9-inch central touchscreen that runs Volkswagen’s latest software. This upgrade brings improved graphics, a more responsive interface, and a seamless user experience. The digital instrument cluster is mounted directly on the steering column, providing essential driving information right in the driver’s line of sight. Additionally, the drive mode selector is also conveniently positioned on the steering column, freeing up space in the center console.
This freed-up space is put to good use, featuring cup holders, a wireless phone charging pad, and two fast-charging USB ports for added convenience. The pedals have a unique “pause and play” embossing, a quirky detail that adds personality to the otherwise minimalist interior.
Comfort and Features
The Volkswagen ID.4 doesn’t just excel in technology; it also prioritizes comfort and luxury. It boasts ventilated seats, which are a welcome feature for Indian climates, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system that delivers an immersive audio experience. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are also part of the package, enhancing safety and convenience for daily driving.
Rear Seat Experience
While the rear cabin offers a pleasant environment, it’s best suited for two passengers rather than three. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, but the slightly high floor means passengers will sit with knees a bit elevated. Headroom is somewhat limited, especially for taller passengers—at 5’6”, I found the space a bit tight between my head and the roof. However, the panoramic glass roof contributes to a feeling of openness and airiness inside the cabin.
Rear passengers also benefit from AC vents and two fast-charging USB Type-C ports, ensuring comfort and connectivity on longer journeys.
Performance and Range: Powering the Future
The Volkswagen Volkswagen ID.4 is built on VW’s dedicated modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform, designed specifically for electric vehicles. While the India-spec version is still being finalized, the international model offers two battery options, with the larger 77 kWh battery delivering an impressive range of up to 556 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. This range is competitive and practical for Indian conditions, where long-distance travel is common.
One of the standout features of the updated Volkswagen ID.4 is its enhanced electric motor, which now produces close to 280 horsepower and over 540 Nm of torque. This is a substantial increase over previous versions, promising brisk acceleration and a dynamic driving experience. For Indian buyers, this means the ID.4 will not only be efficient but also fun to drive.
Pricing and Launch Timeline: What to Expect in India
The Volkswagen ID.4 is expected to arrive in India by the end of 2025 as a fully imported (CBU) model. The pricing will be influenced heavily by import duties, which currently stand at 70% for electric vehicles. However, under the new EV policy introduced by the Indian government, Volkswagen could benefit from a reduced import duty rate of 15% if the ID.4 qualifies under the policy’s criteria.
This reduction would significantly impact the vehicle’s final price, making it more accessible to Indian consumers and competitive against other EVs in the market. The exact pricing and variant details are yet to be announced, but the potential for a lower tax bracket is a promising sign for prospective buyers.
Why the ID.4 Matters for India’s EV Market
The introduction of the Volkswagen ID.4 is a promising development for the Indian electric vehicle market for several reasons:
- Global Expertise Meets Local Demand: Volkswagen’s decades of automotive experience combined with its latest EV technology offers Indian customers a reliable and advanced electric SUV option.
- Range and Performance: With a competitive range and powerful motor, the ID.4 addresses common concerns about EV usability and performance in India.
- Design and Comfort: The ID.4’s clean design and premium interior features cater to Indian buyers looking for style, comfort, and a modern driving experience.
- Potential Price Advantage: If the ID.4 qualifies under India’s new EV policy, it could come with significantly lower import duties, making it more affordable compared to other imported EVs.
What’s Next for Volkswagen and Indian EV Buyers?
As Volkswagen prepares to launch the ID.4 in India, several questions remain: What exact specifications will the Indian model feature? How will the pricing shape up once import duties and subsidies are factored in? And how will the ID.4 compete with other EVs already in the market?
While these details are yet to be finalized, one thing is clear—the ID.4 marks the beginning of Volkswagen’s all-electric journey in India. For buyers looking to switch to EVs but reluctant due to range anxiety or lack of options, the ID.4 could be a game-changer.
Its combination of refined design, advanced technology, and promising performance makes it a strong contender in the Indian electric SUV segment. Moreover, Volkswagen’s global commitment to sustainability and electrification means that the ID.4 will likely be the first of many electric vehicles to arrive from the brand in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a compelling entry into India’s EV market. It blends Volkswagen’s trusted design ethos with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, offering a spacious, comfortable, and efficient ride. From the clean exterior lines to the thoughtfully designed interior, the ID.4 is tailored for modern Indian consumers who want a reliable, stylish, and eco-friendly vehicle.
With its launch slated for late 2025, the ID.4 will arrive at a crucial time when India’s push for electric mobility is gaining momentum. It promises to deliver a driving experience that combines power, range, and comfort without compromising on Volkswagen’s hallmark quality.
Indian buyers eager to embrace electric vehicles should keep a close eye on the ID.4 as more details emerge. If Volkswagen can leverage the new EV policy to reduce costs and offer competitive pricing, the ID.4 could well be the EV that accelerates the adoption of electric SUVs in India.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Volkswagen ID.4 and other exciting electric vehicles as the Indian automotive landscape continues to evolve.
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