2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Adds Lower-Range Base Model, Starts Under $40,000

The Volkswagen ID.4 landed toward the bottom of the list of cheapest electric vehicles for 2022 but, for 2023, the all-electric SUV will be even more affordable thanks to a new lower-priced base model. The 2023 ID.4 adds a cheaper Standard trim, but the reduced price comes with some notable trade-offs: a smaller battery and shorter range. In addition to the new battery option, all ID.4 models get minor styling tweaks inside and out, as well as more standard tech and charging improvements.

Related: 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Review: Comfortable, Tidy and Almost There

New Base Model Shrinks Battery, Range, Price

The new 62-kilowatt-hour battery powers both the 2023 ID.4 Standard and S. These models are only available with single-motor rear-wheel drive and get a maximum manufacturer-estimated range of 208 miles — 24% less than the SUV’s larger 82-kWh battery’s EPA-estimated range of up to 275 miles. Shoppers who don’t mind sacrificing the longer range can save thousands with the smaller battery: The Standard will start at $38,790, which is $3,735 less than the 2022 ID.4’s starting price (all prices include a $1,295 destination fee).

What Else Is New?

The exterior updates for the 2023 ID.4 are minor. New gloss-black accents are added to the front bumper, S models now get an illuminated rear logo as part of a premium lighting package, and there are three new wheel designs available depending on the model.

More significant changes are found inside. The interior of the base model sees two new color options, along with upgraded fabric and leatherette materials to replace the cloth interior in the outgoing model. The mid-tier S gains two new interior finishes, Galaxy and Cosmic. Galaxy pairs black leatherette seats with gray accents and a black steering wheel, while Cosmic gets gray leatherette upholstery with blue accents and a white steering wheel. Additional upgrades include a new center console design and heated outboard rear seats for the range-topping S Plus.

Tech and Charging Upgrades

All 2023 ID.4 models will now come with USB-C charging and get a standard 12-inch touchscreen that replaces the 10-inch unit in the outgoing model. Previously, the larger screen was only offered on Pro S models.

On the safety front, all ID.4 models come with VW’s standard IQ.Drive driver-assist suite with Travel Assist, which includes adaptive cruise control and hands-on lane centering down to a stop. For 2023, the SUV gains a driver-initiated lane change feature for the Travel Assist system and a new memory function for its Park Assist Plus that remembers up to five parking maneuvers. Additionally, cyclist detection is added to the vehicle’s standard automatic emergency braking system.

To improve the EV’s charging capability, 2023 ID.4 Pro models’ DC fast-charging speed increases to 170 kilowatts (up from 135 kW), and all models now come with VW’s Plug&Charge bidirectional charging system.

Pricing and Release Date

The 2023 ID.4 is expected to arrive at dealerships this fall and will be offered in Standard, Pro, S, Pro S and Pro S Plus trims. Standard and S models come exclusively with the new 62-kWh battery, 201 horsepower and RWD. All Pro models come with the 82-kWh battery and either single-motor RWD or an available dual-motor AWD system that boosts horsepower to 295. The ID.4’s estimated range varies from 208 miles in the Standard and S to an EPA-rated 275 miles in RWD Pro variants and 255 miles in AWD models.

While the new Standard trim brings a lower starting price than the outgoing model, all Pro and Pro S models see price increases between $1,265 (Pro) and $1,885 (Pro S AWD). In addition to the savings offered by the base model, eligible shoppers can take advantage of the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500. (All prices below do not include any applicable federal, state or local tax credits.)

• Standard: $38,790 (RWD only)
• Pro: $43,790 (RWD); $47,590 (AWD)
• S: $43,790 (RWD only)
• Pro S: $48,790 (RWD); $52,590 (AWD)
• Pro S Plus: $51,490 (RWD); $55,290 (AWD)

Versus the Competition

The lower cost of entry for the ID.4’s new base model should help it better compete against rivals like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Its new starting price of $38,790 will fall significantly below the EV6’s, which currently starts at $42,695, and it will also undercut the Ioniq 5’s $41,245 starting price. Those two vehicles offer more range in their base models, however: The standard-range EV6 gets an EPA-rated 232 miles, while the base Ioniq 5 has an EPA-rated 220-mile range.

More From Cars.com:

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• Electric Cars With the Longest Range
• Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Gets 249-Mile Range, Lowest Price Among AWD EVs
• Is the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 a Good Car? 5 Pros and 4 Cons
• Research the Volkswagen ID.4

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