Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition

Overview

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition marked VW's grand entry into the mainstream electric SUV game, built on the dedicated MEB platform. This launch special packed a decent punch of kit and a distinct style to kickstart VW's electric revolution. It offered a balanced blend of practicality, range, and that familiar Volkswagen feel, but with a futuristic twist. As a now-discontinued model, you might snag one on the used market for around €25,930. It was a statement piece, signaling VW was serious about EVs and aiming for the masses with a capable family-friendly chariot.

What's New for 2021?

Being the "1st Edition," this ID.4 was essentially *the* news for Volkswagen's 2020/2021 electric lineup debut in many markets! It wasn't an update to a previous year; it was the trailblazer. This specific trim came loaded with unique "1st Edition" badging, often a distinct interior trim like Florence Brown accents, and a generous standard specification to celebrate its arrival. Think of it as the fully-kitted launch model, designed to showcase the best of what the ID.4 platform could offer right out of the gate, making early adopters feel a bit special.

Design & Exterior

The ID.4 1st Edition boasts a smooth, almost pebble-like exterior, ditching aggressive grilles for a friendly, futuristic face. Its clean lines and flowing silhouette shout "electric!" from every angle. This trim often featured distinctive 20-inch 'Drammen' alloy wheels and "1st" badging on the front wings. Key dimensions are a practical 4584 mm in length, 1852 mm in width (sans mirrors), and 1620 mm in height, giving it a solid but not overly massive SUV stance. The rear light bar adds a touch of class, especially at night.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the ID.4 1st Edition, and you're greeted by a refreshingly minimalist cabin with a modern vibe. The "1st Edition" often featured unique interior touches like ArtVelours and leatherette seats. Passenger space is generous for its five seats. Boot space is a very usable 543 litres, expanding to a van-like 1575 litres with the seats down. No frunk here, unfortunately! Tech-wise, a 10-inch central touchscreen and a compact digital driver’s display are standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeping you effortlessly connected on the go.

Performance & Driving Experience

The ID.4 1st Edition, with its rear-wheel-drive setup and single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), delivers a sprightly 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of instant torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in a respectable 8.5 seconds, plenty for daily driving and nipping through city traffic. It's a comfy cruiser, soaking up bumps well. The driving experience is smooth, refined, and very easy-going. Selectable regenerative braking modes, including a 'B' mode for stronger one-pedal feel, help claw back precious energy into the battery.

Range, Battery & Charging

Juice comes from a 77 kWh (usable) battery pack, giving a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 417 km – pretty decent for weekend getaways! Energy consumption is a tidy 5.42 km/kWh. For charging, its CCS Type 2 port handles up to 11 kW AC, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 7.5-8 hours overnight. Hook it up to a DC fast charger, and it’ll slurp power at up to 125 kW, zapping you from 10-80% in about 35-38 minutes. This early model doesn't feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is top-notch, with the Volkswagen ID.4 impressively scoring a full 5 stars from Euro NCAP. The 1st Edition came generously equipped with VW’s IQ.Drive suite of assistance systems. This typically included standard goodies like Adaptive Cruise Control to make motorway slogs a breeze, Lane Assist to help keep you centred in your lane, and Front Assist with emergency braking to watch out for unexpected hazards. Blind-spot monitoring was also often part of the launch package, making this a reassuring family chariot that’s always got your back.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For European owners, Volkswagen typically provides a 2-year/unlimited kilometre basic vehicle warranty on the ID.4 1st Edition. Crucially, the high-voltage battery is covered for a more substantial 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (usually to maintain at least 70% of its original usable capacity). Powertrain components generally fall under the basic vehicle warranty. While specific complimentary maintenance offers varied by market at launch, the MEB platform underpinning the ID.4 is designed for reduced servicing needs compared to traditional combustion engine cars.