Volkswagen ID.4 First Generation (2021-present)

Single generation since 2021. Built on MEB (Modular Electric Drive Matrix) platform — Volkswagen Group's first dedicated EV platform shared with Audi Q4 e-tron, ID.3, ID.7, and Porsche-affiliated alliance products. US-market ID.4 was Germany-built for 2021 model year, then production transitioned to VW Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2022 — the same plant building Atlas / Atlas Cross Sport. The Chattanooga build makes the ID.4 federal tax credit eligible at delivery (USA-built + battery sourcing requirements). Two battery sizes: 62 kWh (58 kWh usable, base trims) and 82 kWh (77 kWh usable, larger pack on volume trims). Powertrain configurations: Standard RWD (single rear motor, 201 hp / 229 lb-ft, ~209 mi EPA range with 62 kWh), Pro RWD (single rear motor, 282 hp / 402 lb-ft, ~291 mi EPA range with 82 kWh), Pro S RWD (top RWD trim, same powertrain), Pro AWD (dual-motor AWD, 282 hp / 339 lb-ft combined, ~263 mi range), Pro S Plus AWD (top sport AWD trim, 335 hp / 472 lb-ft, ~250 mi range, 5.4 sec 0-60). DC fast-charging peak 170 kW (135 kW on smaller battery). 11 kW AC onboard charger standard. Cabin: 5.3-inch driver display + 12-inch touchscreen (10-inch on early builds), wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, Harman Kardon premium audio optional. The 2021/2022 launch ID.4 was widely criticized for haptic touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard — VW's all-touch UX strategy was rejected by customers and reviewers. 2024 facelift addressed this directly: physical buttons returned to the steering wheel, Volkswagen Travel Assist 2.0 semi-autonomous standard (lane keep + adaptive cruise + automated lane change in some scenarios), updated 12-inch infotainment software (Discover Pro Max). Trims: Standard, S, Pro, Pro S, Pro S Plus. The ID.4 has been VW's strongest US EV play — supported aggressively with lease incentives, federal tax credit eligibility for purchase, and the Chattanooga build positioning it for Buy America requirements. Sales reasonable. Software issues have plagued the platform globally — multiple OTA updates have addressed early bugs but the ID.4 (and other MEB cars) gained reputation for software quirks.