If you’re considering making the switch to an electric vehicle, the Volkswagen ID.4 might already be on your shortlist. In this real-life review, I share my honest experience after living with the car for two months — covering the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Below you can watch my full video review of the ID.4 Match Pure, or scroll down to read the written version.
Key Facts & Figures
Here’s a quick look at the key stats for the Volkswagen ID.4 Match Pure 52kWh:
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Battery: 52 kWh usable (55 kWh gross)
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Power: 125 kW (≈ 170 bhp), rear-wheel drive
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0–62 mph: ~9.0 seconds
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Top speed: ~99 mph
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Quoted range (WLTP): ~221 miles
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Boot capacity: 543 litres
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Charging: Up to 145kW DC fast charging
For context, the larger 77kWh Pro version increases range to around 347 miles WLTP, and also offers faster charging speeds and more power.
Why We Chose the Volkswagen ID.4
This is our first fully electric car, having moved away from a petrol model. We wanted something that would offer lower running costs, modern tech, and family practicality — and the ID.4 ticked all of those boxes.
We considered our typical driving pattern — around 20 miles per day, with the occasional longer trip — and decided that the 52kWh version provided more than enough range for our needs. The lease deal we found also made it an easy decision.
What We’ve Liked So Far
After two months of ownership, here’s what’s stood out in a positive way:
1. Family-friendly practicality
With two young children in rear-facing ISOFIX seats, space was a big factor for us. The ID.4 provides plenty of rear legroom, wide-opening doors, and a good-sized boot for everything from pushchairs to shopping.
2. Range that fits our lifestyle
The quoted ~220 mile range comfortably covers our daily driving and more. Even with colder weather and some motorway use, the real-world range has been consistent enough to remove any range anxiety.
3. Comfort & features
The heated seats and heated steering wheel make winter mornings a pleasure. The cabin feels calm and quiet, the ride is smooth, and the seats are supportive for longer trips.
4. Infotainment system
The large touchscreen is bright, clear, and responsive, making it easy to navigate menus and settings. It gives the interior a modern, high-tech feel.
5. Convenience technology
Front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and driver-assist features make everyday driving easy. Being able to pre-heat the cabin and schedule charging are also great EV perks.
6. Low running costs
Charging at home on a cheaper overnight tariff makes every journey incredibly cost-effective compared to our old petrol car.
What We Haven’t Liked
No car is perfect, and we’ve experienced a few frustrations too:
1. Infotainment bugs
On two occasions, the infotainment screen went black and became unresponsive, once just before a long journey when we really needed navigation. It eventually came back, but it’s shaken trust in the system a little. Hopefully this is a bug that Volkswagen are aware of and a software update will rectify this problem.
2. Collision avoidance system
The automatic emergency braking can be overly sensitive. It’s triggered a couple of times unnecessarily, braking sharply when there wasn’t real danger — which can be unnerving, and slightly embarrassing in a busy car park!
3. Safety system resets
Having to disable the speed warning and lane assist every time we start the car is tedious. Some safety systems feel a little over-eager. These are required to be in all new cars, so this will be something all new car drivers encounter.
Who the Volkswagen ID.4 52kWh Is Perfect For
This version of the ID.4 suits:
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Families who need space for children, car seats, and luggage
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Those with home charging access, the ~220 mile range won't be an issue if you are able to charge at home.
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Anyone looking for comfort, refinement, and low running costs
If that sounds like you, the 52kWh Match Pure is a brilliant option.
Who Might Prefer the 77kWh Version
If you regularly cover long distances, the ID.4 77 kWh Pro might be the better fit for you.
It offers over 300 miles of range, higher performance, and faster DC charging, making it ideal for higher-mileage drivers or those without home charging access.
Final Thoughts
After two months of real-world use, the Volkswagen ID.4 Match Pro 52kWh has impressed us. It’s quiet, comfortable, practical, and perfectly suited to everyday family life.
There are still a few quirks — mainly software-related — but overall, this car has made our transition to electric driving easy and enjoyable.
Would we choose it again? Yes — without hesitation (so far!).
Thinking About Going Electric?
At Lincoln Vehicle Solutions, we offer competitive Volkswagen ID.4 lease deals along with a wide range of electric cars available for personal or business contract hire.
👉 View our latest electric car lease offers
👉 Get a free quote on the Volkswagen ID.4
Frequently Asked Questions About the Volkswagen ID.4 Match Pure
In real-world driving, the Volkswagen ID.4 52kWh Match Pure typically achieves around 200–220 miles per full charge, depending on driving conditions, weather, and how you use features like heating and air conditioning. This makes it ideal for daily commuting, school runs, and weekend trips.
Using a 7kW home wallbox, a full charge takes around 7–8 hours, perfect for overnight charging. If you use a rapid charger (up to 145kW), you can top up from 10–80% in about 25 minutes, making longer journeys easy to manage with a quick coffee stop.
Yes — the ID.4 is an excellent choice for families. It offers a spacious cabin, a 543-litre boot, and plenty of room in the back for rear-facing child seats. Features like a heated steering wheel, reversing camera, and quiet, comfortable ride make it practical and relaxing for everyday use.
The 52kWh battery offers around 220 miles (WLTP), while the 77kWh version (known as the ID.4 Pro) provides around 347 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. The 77kWh version suits higher-mileage drivers or those who frequently travel long distances, whereas the 52kWh model is perfect for typical daily use.
Absolutely. Leasing the ID.4 is a great way to enjoy electric driving without the upfront cost of buying. At Lincoln Vehicle Solutions, we offer personal and business contract hire options, including in-stock vehicles available for quick delivery across mainland UK.
👉 View our latest Volkswagen ID.4 lease deals
Electric cars like the Volkswagen ID.4 offer lower running costs and instant torque for smooth, quiet acceleration. You can also charge at home, schedule charging times, and even pre-heat the cabin before setting off — ideal for cold mornings.