Volkswagen is refining its flagship EV, the ID.4, by looking at both its heritage and future. The 2026 ID.4 mirrors the original Beetle’s rear-motor layout while introducing updated hardware for a seamless EV ownership experience. This year’s big news for the ID.4 is the addition of a North American Charging System (NACS) adapter, granting owners access to 25,000 Tesla Superchargers nationwide.
The 2026 ID.4 can be a cost-effective option for EV buyers in some instances, given the average price of a new vehicle has remained around $50,000. However, in order to avoid going over that national average with the 2026 ID.4, buyers will need to stick to one of the more entry-level trims. The lineup features five configurations across three tiers with the option for all-wheel drive:
Starting MSRP
The chart below shows the starting MSRP for the 2026 VW ID.4. The figures include the $1,475 destination fee.
Trim Level
MSRP
Pro
$46,570
AWD Pro
$50,470
Pro S
$51,670
AWD Pro s
$55,570
AWD Pro S Plus
$59,130
VW has bolstered the value proposition further by making the 2-in-1 Mobile EV Charging Cable standard across all models (it was sold separately before).
Unique hairpin motor
Increased horsepower and efficiency
The 2026 ID.4 features the APP 550 drive unit, Volkswagen’s most powerful permanent magnet synchronous motor to date. VW engineers devised a hairpin winding technique in the stator, bending square copper wires to pack them more tightly than traditional round wiring. The technique, which visually resembles a hairpin when completed, allows for more overall copper in the stator, increasing power and cooling efficiency, according to VW.
The hairpin motor is the central component of a drive unit integrated into the rear axle, alongside a dual-stage one-speed gearbox and a pulse inverter. To maintain optimal performance, the system employs a cooling strategy that combines a water heat sink on the outside of the stator with a combined oil-and-water cooling system. Volkswagen developed the inverter and its software in-house, which manages the energy flow between the battery and the motor.
Rear-wheel drive Pro models now produce 282 horsepower and 402 lb-ft. of torque, while adding an asynchronous motor to the front axle on all-wheel drive models brings the total system output to 335 horsepower.
Base Trim Engine
EV
Base Trim Transmission
Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution
Four distinct drive modes
Credit: Volkswagen
By positioning the high-voltage battery between the axles, VW has achieved a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The chassis features a strut-type front suspension and a compact multi-link rear suspension, with all-wheel drive models receiving a 0.7-inch lift in ride height and firmer springs and dampers for a more planted feel. Meanwhile, rear-wheel drive models have a 31.5-foot turning radius, ideal for maneuvering around town.
Drivers can further tailor the experience through the standard drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Custom. On all-wheel drive models, a dedicated Traction mode provides permanent all-wheel grip at speeds up to 12 mph.
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Range and charging times
Impressive MPGe combined rating
The MEB architecture allows for a flat interior floor, maximizing space for passengers and gear alike. The ID.4 offers 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. AWD Pro models come equipped with a tow hitch and a 2,700 lbs. towing capacity.
The ID.4 Pro and Pro S deliver an EPA-estimated 291 miles of range and achieve an impressive 113 MPGe combined. For those opting for the dual-motor AWD Pro and AWD Pro S, the EPA-estimated range is 263 miles at 102 MPGe combined.
When it comes to powering up, an 11-kW Level 2 charger can reach a full charge in approximately eight hours. For long-distance travel, the 175-kW DC fast-charging capability allows the 82-kWh battery to go from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes.
ID.4 buyers receive a two-year Electrify America Pass+ Membership, which includes plug and charge capability.
Material
Oxford
Organizer Dimensions
21″L x 14.6″W x 10.3″H
This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer features compartments to organize and store groceries, sports equipment, emergency supplies, and other daily essentials.
Aerodynamic greenhouse styling
Blackout styling package is optional
The ID.4’s exterior achieves a 0.28 drag coefficient through “aerodynamic greenhouse” styling, which comprises a larger roof spoiler and an electric radiator blind that opens only when cooling is required.
The lighting signature serves as a primary differentiator between trims. While Entry models feature LED headlights, the S and Pro S have LED projector headlights with VW’s Adaptive Front-lighting System and an illuminated light line that stretches toward the center logo.
For those wanting a more aggressive look, a blackout package is available for the S and S Plus. The package adds black mirror caps, door handles, badging, and 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels.
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Interior treatments by trim level
Unique light bar
Credit: Volkswagen
Inside, the ID.4 trades the traditional, bulky dashboard for a modern and airy design.
The cabin experience is further defined by two distinct interior treatments, each varying by trim. Entry models feature Nutmeg or Stone themes, with door inserts and seating surfaces covered in a mélange fabric, complemented by brown or black leatherette bolsters.
S and S Plus tiers introduce Cosmic Black or Galaxy treatments, offering a more premium look and feel with perforated leatherette seating in a unique hexagonal pattern. These higher trims also have additional stitching on the door panels and a 30-color ambient lighting system, compared to the 10-color system found on the Entry models.
Running between the front seats is a center console designed specifically for the North American market, complete with two large cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and integrated armrests.
One of the more intuitive, if not interesting, tech features is the ID. Light system, represented by a light strip below the windshield. It uses light pulses to signal essential information, such as navigation commands or brake prompts from the driver-assistance suite. When using voice commands, the strip signals that it is listening, and while the vehicle is plugged in, it serves as an indicator of the current charge level.
Updated colors and driver assistance tech
With its refined interior, high-torque hairpin motor, competitive range, and trim level structure, Volkswagen has a solid and capable EV in the ID.4.
Buyers who like a little extra variety can pick between six different exterior colors, including Arctic Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Mountain Lake Blue Metallic, Opal White Pearl, Pure Gray, and Silver Mist Metallic.
Every 2026 ID.4 features IQ.DRIVE, which includes Travel Assist for semi-automated driving from 0 to 95 mph with an attentive driver. New for Travel Assist is the assisted lane changing feature, which allows the ID.4 to automatically change lanes at speeds above 45 mph when the turn signal is activated.
