Shrinking ID.4 by VW has led to significant customer backlash
Volkswagen's ID.4, the company's most successful electric vehicle to date, is facing criticism from customers ahead of its planned revamp. The revamp, scheduled for the end of 2026, aims to make the vehicle more modern and distinctive, but concerns about cost and design persist.
The ID.4's price range of $40,000 to $57,000 (MSRP) has been a point of contention for many buyers. Some argue that the price is too high, especially when compared to rivals that offer better value or sportier drives for similar or lower prices. Despite discounts and leases offered by dealers, the full price is often viewed as a bad deal.
Criticism of the ID.4's design is also prevalent. Customers have pointed out the use of low-quality cabin plastics and difficult-to-use touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons. The interior also incorporates styling elements like piano black trim, which may not appeal to all and attracts fingerprints.
However, the ID.4 does offer comfortable seating and a spacious cabin, which are appreciated by many. The vehicle's practicality and range are also commended, but these positives do not fully offset concerns about cost, interior finish, and some design compromises.
Volkswagen's CEO, Thomas Schäfer, has expressed optimism about the ID.4 revamp, but the announcement has received criticism from customers. A post by News38 about the revamp is flooded with negative comments, with one net user labelling the ID.4 as "expensive junk."
The ID.4 revamp is expected to resemble an electric Tiguan and will aim to rethink the model both inside and out. It remains to be seen whether these changes will address the concerns of customers and improve the vehicle's reception.
References: [1] Electrek (2021). Volkswagen ID.4: What you need to know about the electric SUV. https://electrek.co/2021/01/27/volkswagen-id-4-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-electric-suv/ [2] Car and Driver (2021). 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Review. https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/id4 [3] MotorTrend (2021). 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 First Drive Review. https://www.motortrend.com/cars/volkswagen/id4/2021/2021-volkswagen-id4-first-drive-review/
- In response to Volkswagen's plan to revamp the ID.4, industry critics express concerns about the vehicle being overpriced, particularly when compared to its rivals in the automotive sector.
- The redesign of the ID.4, aiming to emulate an electric Tiguan and overhaul both the interior and exterior, may address some of the criticisms from customers about design and finish.
- The electric vehicle industry and finance analysts are closely watching Volkswagen's progress in the revamp of the ID.4, as the success of this project could impact the company's standing in the competitive finance and transportation technology market.
