Introduction to the Volkswagen ID.4 Standard RWD
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Standard RWD represents an excellent entry point into the world of premium electric vehicles. As VW’s globally renowned electric SUV, the ID.4 has established itself as a trusted choice for buyers seeking reliability, practicality, and advanced technology in an all-electric package. The Standard RWD trim delivers impressive performance, range, and features at an accessible price point, making it one of the most compelling electric SUV options available in the market today.
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Standard RWD – Modern electric SUV design with sleek exterior
Performance and Powertrain
Electric Motor and Power Delivery
The 2025 ID.4 Standard RWD is equipped with a single rear-mounted electric motor that produces 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque. This represents a significant power increase compared to previous generations, offering a responsive and engaging driving experience that rivals traditional gas-powered SUVs. The motor is specifically engineered for efficiency without compromising on dynamic performance.
The acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour takes approximately 7.7 seconds, providing adequate acceleration for highway merging and everyday driving situations. The electric powertrain delivers power instantly, creating a smooth and refined driving experience that many owners find superior to conventional internal combustion engines.
Single-Speed Transmission and Drivetrain
Unlike traditional multi-gear transmissions, the ID.4 Standard RWD features a single-speed direct drive transmission. This design simplifies the powertrain, reduces maintenance requirements, and contributes to the vehicle’s exceptional reliability. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provides optimal weight distribution and contributes to the exceptional turning radius of just 36.4 feet, which many drivers find remarkable for an SUV of this size.
The rear-wheel-drive setup also means that the ID.4 Standard RWD delivers power to the rear wheels only, resulting in improved efficiency and maximum range compared to its all-wheel-drive siblings. This makes it an ideal choice for drivers in moderate climates or those prioritizing range efficiency over all-weather traction.
Performance Specifications – ID.4 Standard RWD with 282 HP and advanced electric motor
Battery and Range
High-Capacity Battery Pack
The 2025 ID.4 Standard RWD now comes exclusively with an 82-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, which represents an upgrade from previous model years. This battery consists of 12 modules housing individual battery cells housed in aluminum casings that are integrated into the vehicle’s underbody. The 82-kWh battery provides 77 kilowatt-hours of usable capacity, ensuring sustained performance throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.
The battery pack is equipped with advanced liquid cooling technology that maintains the battery at an ideal operating temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). This thermal management system significantly improves charging speed, extends battery life, and maintains consistent performance in various climate conditions.
EPA-Estimated Driving Range
The 2025 ID.4 Standard RWD delivers an impressive EPA-estimated driving range of 291 miles on a single full charge. This exceptional range means that owners can comfortably handle most daily commutes, weekend trips, and extended driving scenarios without range anxiety. The range is sufficient for a full week of typical commuting, school runs, and everyday errands without requiring daily charging.
Real-world range varies based on multiple factors, including driving habits, weather conditions, temperature, terrain, and the use of climate control systems. Cold weather typically reduces range by approximately 30 to 50 miles, while highway driving at sustained high speeds (75 miles per hour and above) reduces efficiency. Conversely, city driving and highway driving at 65 miles per hour or less often delivers range performance exceeding EPA estimates.
The vehicle features a regenerative braking system that recovers energy during deceleration and braking. Drivers can choose between two braking modes: “D” mode for coasting, which preserves energy by allowing the motor to spin freely, or “B” mode for maximum regeneration, which provides a more pronounced braking effect as the motor recuperates energy back to the battery.
Charging Capabilities
Level 1 Charging at Home
Level 1 charging utilizes a standard household 120-volt outlet and is included with every new ID.4 purchase. While this option provides the most convenient charging solution, it is the slowest method, delivering approximately three miles of range per hour. This means a full charge from 10 percent to 100 percent would require approximately 30 hours or more. Level 1 charging is best suited for supplemental charging or emergency situations rather than regular daily charging.
Level 2 Charging
Most ID.4 Standard RWD owners utilize Level 2 charging for convenient overnight charging at home. A 240-volt wallbox installation allows for significantly faster charging speeds. Depending on the charger capacity, owners can expect the following charging times for a full 10 percent to 100 percent charge:
- 7.2-kW charger: Approximately 12.5 hours
- 9.6-kW charger: Approximately 9.5 hours
- 11-kW charger: Approximately 8 hours
Level 2 charging is ideal for daily charging needs, as it allows owners to charge overnight and start each morning with a full battery. Professional installation of a 240-volt home charging station typically costs between $500 and $2,000, depending on existing electrical infrastructure.
Level 3 DC Fast Charging
For road trips and rapid charging sessions, the ID.4 Standard RWD supports DC fast charging at public charging networks. DC fast charging capabilities allow drivers to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent battery capacity in approximately 28 minutes at compatible 175-kilowatt charging stations. Charging from 80 percent to 100 percent proceeds much more slowly to protect battery health, which is why the charging curve is optimized to reach 80 percent quickly.
During DC fast charging, the vehicle can accept up to 175 kilowatts of charging power, making it one of the fastest-charging vehicles in its class. This rapid charging capability makes the ID.4 Standard RWD exceptionally well-suited for long road trips, where owners can stop for a quick meal and bathroom break while the vehicle charges.
DC Fast Charging – ID.4 Standard RWD rapid charging capability for convenient road trips
Exterior Design and Styling
The ID.4 Standard RWD features a modern and contemporary exterior design that represents Volkswagen’s vision for the future of electric mobility. The SUV combines elegant lines with practical functionality, creating a vehicle that appeals to both aesthetics and utility-focused buyers.
Exterior Features
The Standard RWD trim includes a comprehensive suite of exterior features designed for both functionality and visual appeal. The front end features LED headlights with automatic headlight control, which adjusts brightness and direction based on driving conditions and oncoming traffic. LED daytime running lights provide enhanced visibility during daylight hours, while the LED tail lights ensure maximum visibility from behind.
The vehicle includes black roof rails that provide mounting points for roof accessories such as cargo carriers or ski racks. Power-adjustable, power-folding, and heated exterior mirrors integrate seamlessly into the vehicle’s design while providing excellent visibility. The mirrors include integrated turn signal indicators that improve visibility to other drivers.
The ID.4 Standard RWD rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires, providing an optimal balance between comfort, handling, and aesthetics. The vehicle’s body-colored bumpers and door handles create a cohesive visual appearance, while the heat-insulating darkened glass in the side and rear windows reduces interior heat gain and enhances privacy.
Aerodynamic Efficiency
The ID.4’s design prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency, which directly contributes to extended driving range. Every curve, angle, and surface has been optimized to minimize wind resistance and drag. The result is a vehicle that not only looks modern and sophisticated but also maximizes the efficiency of its electric powertrain.
Interior Design and Comfort Features
Modern and Spacious Cabin
The ID.4 Standard RWD interior showcases a contemporary design philosophy with a minimalist approach that eliminates unnecessary clutter while maintaining all essential controls within easy reach. The dashboard features an uncluttered layout dominated by the infotainment touchscreen, with thoughtfully integrated climate controls and intuitive button placement.
The cabin offers seating for five passengers across two rows, with front seats that provide excellent support for extended driving. The Standard trim includes cloth upholstery with a sophisticated color scheme, while heated front seats come standard to ensure comfort during cold weather driving.
The interior features ambient lighting with multiple color options that can be customized to match your preferences and driving mood. The lighting system also includes puddle lights on the side mirrors that illuminate the area around the vehicle when you open the doors, enhancing safety and providing a premium touch.
Spacious Cargo Area
The ID.4 Standard RWD offers genuinely impressive cargo capacity for an SUV in this class. Behind the rear seats, the vehicle provides 30.3 cubic feet of storage space, sufficient for groceries, luggage, sports equipment, and everyday items. When the rear seats are folded, the maximum cargo capacity expands to 64.2 cubic feet, providing room for large items, road trip luggage, or moving boxes.
The low load floor makes loading and unloading items significantly easier, while the wide rear opening improves accessibility to items stored deep in the cargo area. Cargo tie-down anchors secure items safely during transportation, and the cargo cover option helps protect contents from view.
Spacious Cargo Area – ID.4 Standard RWD offers 64.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded
Climate Control
The ID.4 Standard RWD comes equipped with a dual-zone Climatronic automatic climate control system that allows the driver and front passenger to set independent temperatures. The system maintains your preferred temperature automatically, adjusting heating and cooling as needed based on interior and exterior conditions.
An optional heat pump technology replaces traditional electric heating elements and can significantly improve range during cold weather by up to 10 to 15 percent. The heat pump system utilizes waste heat from electrical components and ambient air to efficiently heat the vehicle interior, providing exceptional comfort without sacrificing efficiency.
The vehicle includes rear ventilation ducts that distribute conditioned air to rear passengers, ensuring comfortable conditions for all occupants. Air filtration systems remove allergens, dust, and pollutants from outside air, creating a healthy interior environment.
Technology and Infotainment
Infotainment System
The ID.4 Standard RWD features a modern 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment, delivering crisp graphics and intuitive navigation through an improved menu structure. The touchscreen serves as the command center for vehicle settings, climate control, entertainment, and connectivity features.
The system includes illuminated touch sliders for volume and climate control, which provide tactile feedback and improve usability, especially during driving. The multifunction steering wheel features updated controls that are more intuitive and responsive than previous generations.
Navigation functionality comes standard on the ID.4 Standard RWD, providing real-time traffic information, points of interest, and intelligent route planning. The navigation system automatically identifies charging stations along your route on road trips and provides timing estimates for charging stops, making long-distance travel planning straightforward and stress-free.
Voice Control and IDA Assistant
The vehicle includes the new IDA voice assistant, which understands natural language commands and responds more accurately than previous voice recognition systems. IDA can control entertainment, climate, navigation, and vehicle settings through simple voice commands. The system also provides access to cloud-based information including weather forecasts, sports scores, and stock market data.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone. These systems mirror your phone’s interface to the infotainment screen, providing access to navigation apps, messaging services, music streaming platforms, and other applications you use daily. The wireless capability eliminates the need for USB cables and works automatically when your phone comes within range of the vehicle.
Digital Gauge Cluster
The 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster displays essential driving information including speed, remaining battery charge, estimated range, and navigation prompts. The reconfigurable display allows customization of shown information and can prioritize different metrics based on driving conditions and driver preferences.
ID. Light Ambient Lighting
The ID. Light, a distinctive light strip positioned below the windscreen, provides visual feedback about important vehicle functions. The light changes color to indicate charging status, brake alerts, incoming calls, and other system notifications. This innovative feature enhances safety and provides drivers with important information at a glance without requiring attention to the main display screen.
ID.4 Standard RWD – Modern interior with 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and climate controls
Safety Features and Crash Test Performance
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Standard RWD combines excellent structural design with comprehensive safety technology to provide occupant protection in a variety of accident scenarios. The vehicle has received top safety ratings from both government and independent testing organizations.
Crash Test Results
The ID.4 achieved a full five-star rating in the more rigorous 2021 Euro NCAP crash testing program, demonstrating exceptional protection in frontal, side, and rollover scenarios. The vehicle received particularly high marks for adult occupant protection (93 percent) and safety assistance features (85 percent). In North American NHTSA crash testing, the ID.4 excels across all tested categories, earning top scores for frontal and side crash protection as well as rollover resistance.
Active Safety and Driver Assistance
The ID.4 Standard RWD comes standard with Volkswagen’s comprehensive IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver assistance features, which represents one of the most comprehensive driver assistance systems available in the industry.
Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking:
This system uses radar sensors to monitor the roadway ahead and detects potential collision risks with vehicles, obstacles, or pedestrians. If a collision threat is detected, the system first alerts the driver through visual and auditory warnings. If the driver does not respond, the system can autonomously apply emergency braking to reduce collision severity or prevent accidents entirely. The system includes pedestrian and cyclist detection to improve safety for all road users.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
The standard adaptive cruise control system maintains your selected speed while automatically adjusting to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. The system engages and disengages smoothly, providing a more comfortable driving experience than manual acceleration and braking in stop-and-go traffic. This feature is particularly valuable during highway driving where it reduces driver fatigue and helps maintain consistent traffic flow.
Lane Keeping Assist:
This system monitors lane markings and provides gentle steering corrections if the vehicle begins to drift unintentionally from its lane. The system is particularly helpful during long drives or in adverse weather conditions where driver fatigue might increase the risk of unintended lane departures.
Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Traffic Alert:
The blind spot monitoring system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots during lane changes. Visual alerts appear in the side mirrors or on the dashboard if it’s unsafe to change lanes. The rear traffic alert function enhances this protection when backing out of parking spaces by detecting vehicles approaching from the side.
Travel Assist:
This advanced system combines adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and steering assist to provide nearly autonomous highway driving. Travel Assist handles acceleration, deceleration, and steering adjustments to keep the vehicle centered in its lane and at a safe distance from other vehicles. Many owners report that Travel Assist provides a more natural and refined driving experience than competitor systems.
Additional Safety Features:
- Lane departure warning alerts drivers if they unintentionally cross lane markings
- Dynamic road sign display shows speed limits and traffic restrictions
- Light assist automatically adjusts headlight brightness and pattern based on driving conditions
- Park assist plus with memory parking function automatically parks the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces
- Rear park distance control provides proximity alerts when reversing
- Rearview camera with area view displays a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle for enhanced parking and maneuvering awareness
- Emergency assist can automatically slow the vehicle if it detects driver inattention or emergency situations
- Automatic post-collision braking applies brakes after a collision to prevent secondary impacts
Passive Safety
The ID.4’s structural design incorporates an extremely rigid frame that provides excellent crashworthiness. The battery pack is fully integrated into the vehicle floor, contributing to a low center of gravity that improves handling and reduces rollover risk. The vehicle features comprehensive airbag protection with front, side, side-curtain, and knee airbags positioned to protect all occupants in various collision scenarios.
Warranty and Maintenance
Comprehensive Warranty Coverage
The 2025 ID.4 Standard RWD comes with an excellent warranty package that reflects Volkswagen’s confidence in the vehicle’s durability and reliability. The new vehicle limited warranty covers all aspects of the vehicle against defects in materials and workmanship for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
The high-voltage battery receives dedicated warranty coverage for 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing that the battery will maintain at least 70 percent of its original net capacity. This comprehensive battery coverage is among the best in the industry and provides exceptional peace of mind regarding the vehicle’s most expensive component.
Maintenance
The ID.4 Standard RWD requires significantly less maintenance than traditional internal combustion vehicles, resulting in lower lifetime ownership costs. The electric drivetrain has far fewer moving parts than gas engines, eliminating oil changes, spark plug replacements, transmission fluid changes, and other routine maintenance items required on conventional vehicles.
Because the ID.4 uses regenerative braking, the brake pads last significantly longer than in traditional vehicles where brakes are the primary stopping method. Many owners report brake pad replacement intervals of 100,000 miles or more, compared to typical 50,000-mile intervals on gas vehicles.
Scheduled maintenance for the ID.4 includes cabin air filter replacements, coolant checks for the thermal management system, and occasional software updates. Volkswagen includes two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance with new vehicle purchases, covering all manufacturer-recommended service items during this period.
The relatively low maintenance requirements contribute to the vehicle’s excellent total cost of ownership when compared to traditional SUVs, especially when considering electricity costs versus gasoline prices.
Fuel Economy and Operating Costs
MPGe Rating
The ID.4 Standard RWD achieves an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 107 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), which translates to exceptional efficiency compared to all traditional SUV competitors. City driving delivers 115 MPGe while highway driving achieves 98 MPGe, reflecting the vehicle’s excellent efficiency across all driving conditions.
This efficiency rating means the ID.4 Standard RWD achieves approximately the same energy efficiency as a car getting 35 to 40 miles per gallon with a traditional gasoline engine, while providing the benefits of electric driving and dramatically lower emissions.
Operating Costs
The cost to charge the ID.4 Standard RWD depends on your local electricity rates, but most owners report charging costs of approximately $0.03 to $0.05 per mile, compared to gasoline costs of $0.10 to $0.15 per mile for traditional SUVs. For an owner driving 15,000 miles annually, this translates to annual electricity costs of approximately $450 to $750, compared to annual gasoline costs of $1,500 to $2,250 for an equivalent gas vehicle.
Total maintenance costs for the ID.4 Standard RWD average approximately $326 per year, significantly lower than the $1,000+ annual maintenance costs typical for conventional SUVs. When combined with lower fuel costs and federal tax credits available in many markets, the total cost of ownership over five years is competitive with or lower than comparable gas-powered SUVs.
Trim Levels and Trim Comparison
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 lineup includes multiple trim levels designed to accommodate different budgets and feature preferences.
| Feature | Limited | Standard | Pro | Pro S |
| Powertrain | 201 HP RWD | 282 HP RWD | 282 HP RWD | 282 HP RWD |
| Battery | 62 kWh | 82 kWh | 82 kWh | 82 kWh |
| EPA Range | 206 mi | 291 mi | 291 mi | 291 mi |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.0″ | 12.0″ | 12.9″ | 12.9″ |
| Heated Front Seats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heated Steering Wheel | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging Pad | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated Front Seats | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Panoramic Glass Roof | No | No | Optional | Standard |
| Power Seats | Manual | Manual | 12-way power | 12-way power |
| Adaptive Chassis Control | No | No | Optional | Available |
| Harman Kardon Audio | No | No | Optional | Optional |
The ID.4 Standard RWD occupies the ideal middle ground, providing the superior 82-kWh battery and 291-mile range of higher trims while maintaining an accessible price point. The Standard trim includes all essential comfort features including heated seats, heated steering wheel, and a 12.0-inch touchscreen, making it an excellent value proposition.
Design Details and Customization
Color Options
The ID.4 Standard RWD is available in a selection of sophisticated exterior colors that complement the vehicle’s modern design. Popular color choices include Pure White (a bright, clean appearance), Deep Black Pearl (sophisticated and timeless elegance), Glacier Blue Metallic (contemporary and distinctive), and Moonstone Grey Metallic (refined and practical).
Wheel Options
The ID.4 Standard RWD comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires, providing an excellent balance between comfort and performance. Optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheel designs are available through dealership options, allowing further customization of the vehicle’s visual appearance.
Interior Customization
The ID.4 Standard RWD’s interior appointments offer multiple color schemes that create distinct visual personalities. The standard cloth upholstery combines durability with visual appeal, while optional premium upholstery materials are available through higher trim levels.
Driving Experience and Handling
Responsive and Smooth Acceleration
The ID.4 Standard RWD’s 282-horsepower electric motor delivers smooth, linear acceleration across the entire speed range. Unlike traditional engines that build power gradually, the electric motor provides maximum torque instantly from a standstill, creating responsive acceleration for merging onto highways or overtaking slower vehicles.
The power delivery is refined and smooth, without the rough shifting or vibration experienced in many gasoline-powered vehicles. The absence of gear shifting creates a serene driving experience where attention remains on the road rather than on transmission dynamics.
Precise Steering and Handling
The ID.4’s rear-wheel-drive configuration provides excellent balance and responsive steering. The vehicle’s low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery pack) contributes to composed handling in curves, inspiring driver confidence. The turning radius of just 36.4 feet is remarkable for an SUV, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces surprisingly easy.
Regenerative braking provides one-pedal driving capability when engaged in “B” mode. Lifting off the accelerator causes the vehicle to slow itself through motor resistance as energy is recovered to the battery. Many drivers quickly adapt to this braking method and find they rarely need to use the traditional brake pedal except in emergency situations.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The ID.4 Standard RWD provides a composed and comfortable ride despite the firm suspension tuning required for an electric vehicle’s weight distribution. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, creating a smooth ride on highways while maintaining sufficient body control for spirited driving through curves.
Buying Considerations
Who Should Buy the ID.4 Standard RWD?
The 2025 ID.4 Standard RWD is an excellent choice for buyers who prioritize:
- Value: The Standard trim offers the 82-kWh battery and 291-mile range at a reasonable price point
- Practicality: The spacious interior and 64.2-cubic-foot cargo capacity accommodate family needs
- Technology: Comprehensive infotainment and driver assistance features rival luxury vehicles
- Efficiency: Superior MPGe rating and low operating costs reduce long-term ownership expenses
- Reliability: Comprehensive warranty coverage and proven Volkswagen quality
- Environmental Consciousness: Zero local emissions and ability to charge on renewable energy
Important Considerations
Winter Range Reduction: Cold weather reduces the ID.4’s range by approximately 30 to 50 miles. Buyers in cold climates should factor this into their range calculations for winter driving.
No Frunk: Unlike many competitors, the ID.4 lacks a front trunk (frunk) because the engine compartment area accommodates the vehicle’s structure and charging equipment.
Charging Infrastructure: Home charging installation is highly recommended to maximize convenience. Before purchasing, verify that adequate public charging infrastructure exists in your region for road trips.
Depreciation: While EVs are depreciating less rapidly than in previous years, the used EV market remains relatively new, and future depreciation patterns are uncertain.
Conclusion
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Standard RWD represents one of the most compelling value propositions in the electric SUV market. The vehicle combines a sophisticated and practical design with cutting-edge electric powertrain technology, resulting in an engaging and capable daily driver. The 291-mile EPA range eliminates range anxiety for most buyers, while the comprehensive safety features, quality materials, and refined driving experience create a vehicle worthy of its growing reputation as a segment leader.
For buyers seeking an electric SUV that delivers excellent efficiency, practical space, advanced technology, and peace-of-mind warranty coverage at a competitive price, the ID.4 Standard RWD deserves serious consideration. The vehicle successfully bridges the gap between practical family transportation and sophisticated electric mobility, making it an outstanding choice for the modern driver committed to sustainable transportation.