Volkswagen ID.4 Pure

Overview

The Volkswagen ID.4 Pure was the friendly entry point into VW’s all-electric SUV family, offering a practical package before its production concluded in 2023. Aimed at European buyers wanting a sensible EV without breaking the bank, the Pure focused on core strengths: a spacious interior and fuss-free electric motoring. It carved out a niche as a no-nonsense electric SUV, perfect for city commutes and school runs. On the used market, you might snag one for around €21,499, making it an even more tempting proposition for those dipping their toes into electric driving.

What's New for 2023?

For its final model year, 2023, the ID.4 Pure didn't see a massive shake-up, as VW was likely focusing on newer trims and upcoming models. However, it benefited from the ongoing software improvements rolled out across the ID. family. This meant potential tweaks to the infotainment system’s responsiveness and perhaps some refinements in charging logic or battery management. Essentially, the 2023 Pure was a polished version of what came before, representing the culmination of this specific entry-level offering before it bowed out of production.

Design & Exterior

The ID.4 Pure rocks a clean, almost minimalist SUV design that’s unmistakably VW. It’s smooth, aerodynamic, and manages to look modern without shouting about its electric heart. Dimensions stand at a practical 4584 mm long, 1852 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1642 mm tall. As the entry-level trim, the Pure typically featured simpler alloy wheel designs and standard LED headlights, distinguishing it from its flashier siblings. It’s a design that prioritises function and understated style, fitting neatly into urban landscapes and family life.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the ID.4 Pure offers a surprisingly airy and spacious cabin for five, thanks to that dedicated EV platform and a 2765 mm wheelbase. The design is modern and uncluttered, though materials reflect its entry-level position. You get a decent 543 litres of boot space, expanding to a massive 1575 litres with the rear seats folded flat – sadly, no frunk for extra bits. Tech-wise, a central touchscreen (typically 10-inch) handles infotainment, usually with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a neat digital driver’s display.

Performance & Driving Experience

The ID.4 Pure isn't about scorching tarmac, but it delivers a smooth and competent drive. Its rear-wheel-drive setup is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) dishing out 109 kW and 220 Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in a leisurely 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. It’s more cruiser than bruiser, offering a comfortable ride ideal for daily duties. Regenerative braking helps claw back some energy, making stop-start traffic a bit more efficient.

Range, Battery & Charging

The ID.4 Pure is equipped with a 52 kWh usable battery pack, giving it a real-world range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 305 km – plenty for most daily driving. Efficiency is rated at a respectable 5.87 km/kWh. For charging, the standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger will top it up overnight (around 8 hours). Hooked up to a DC fast charger via its CCS Type 2 port, it can accept up to 100 kW, meaning a 10-80% boost can be done in roughly 30-35 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Volkswagen didn't skimp on safety with the ID.4 Pure, which proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard kit in Europe typically included essentials like Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, plus Lane Assist to help keep you on the straight and narrow. While some of the fancier driver aids like Adaptive Cruise Control or Travel Assist might have been optional or reserved for higher trims, the Pure still offered a solid foundation of safety tech to keep occupants protected.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, new Volkswagen ID.4s typically came with a 2-year vehicle warranty with unlimited mileage, though some markets extended this. The crucial high-voltage battery was usually covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever came first, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (often to 70% capacity). As an EV, maintenance on the Pure is generally less demanding than a petrol or diesel car, meaning fewer trips to the garage for routine servicing. Reliability for the ID. platform has been steadily improving with software updates.