Volkswagen ID.4 named World Car of the Year. Can the ID.4 tow? Need a VW ID.4 towbar. How much can the ID.4 actually tow - towing capacity?

Volkswagen ID.4 named World Car of the Year.  Can the ID.4 tow? Need a VW ID.4 towbar.  How much can the ID.4 actually tow - towing capacity?

Like many manufactures, Volkswagen is facing up to an all-electric future with a steady rollout of zero-emission cars under its new, innovative ID sub-brand. It appears the future is electric vehicles.

You only need to glance at the ID.4 price list to realise that Volkswagen intends for the ID.4 to have a broad appeal.  Volkswagen execs feel the ID.4’s arrival is “the most important launch for Volkswagen since the Beetle”.  Time will tell.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is first and foremost be comfortable and quiet.  It ticks all the family SUV boxes with its practicality, image and technology while bringing all that bang up to date, ready for the future of electric cars.

It goes without saying that buying a battery-powered car brings lower day-to-day running costs, and the ID.4 is no different. 

Volkswagen will first offer the ID.4 with a 77kWh battery pack providing a 520km range and a mid-spec 150kW motor.

In this spec, the ID.4 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds and has a 160km/h top speed – relatively sedate by EV standards.

Recharging the 77kWh battery on a 125kW or higher DC fast-charger will add 320km in 30 minutes, claims Volkswagen.

The ID.4 also comes with a 52kWh battery, with a single motor driving the rear wheels. Versions with the smaller battery are available with either 146bhp or 168bhp, badged as Pure and Pure Performance respectively, while those seeking extra power will no doubt look to the bigger capacity battery and the 201bhp Pro Performance and 295bhp GTX variants.

The ID.4’s light steering and soft suspension add to its easy-going nature, while longer road trips on motorways are an excuse to utilise the adaptive cruise control and sail on to your destination in complete comfort.  Thanks to a flat underbody and aerodynamic bodywork, the ID.4 cuts through the air with low wind resistance, with 0.28Cd drag coefficient.

The typically minimalist style that has become prevalent in so many EVs is all present and correct in the ID.4, but it doesn’t feel particularly refined. Look even closer, and you’ll notice that the material quality is average at best, while the interior lacks the fizz and flair needed to set it apart from rivals.

Family life with the ID.4 should be pretty straightforward as it offers superb practicality. In addition to the spacious interior, there are lots of storage areas and cubbies, with the central bin also providing a wireless charging pad for your smartphone.

Other handy standard features include a rear centre armrest with two cupholders, rain-sensing wipers, a rear-view camera and a keyless go function, while the rear-mounted motor allows for a tight turning circle.

The new EV measures 4584mm long, 1852mm wide and 1612mm high, and rides on a 2766mm wheelbase, with a completely flat floor and generous distance to the front seats, there’s lots of space to utilise.

It seats five comfortably, placing it between the Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace.

Practicality is a real strength of the ID.4, and its useful 543-litre boot capacity. Folding the ID.4’s rear seats unlocks a vast 1,575 litres, and loading larger items is made easier by the relatively low boot lip.  Need additional space, why not fit an ID.4 towbar.  Take a small trailer to the tip, hook up a lightweight camper or just take your bikes along on your next weekend getaway.  VW has rated the ID.4 for a max of 1000kgs, with 75kgs on the ball.  

Overall safety is certainly worth highlighting, as the ID.4 not only achieved a full five-star rating when crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but also gained Advanced status which is a mark of a car’s superior onboard safety technology. Volkswagen’s all-electric family SUV gained a 93 per cent score for adult protection, 89 per cent for child occupants and 85 per cent for the car’s safety systems.

Standard kit for all ID.4 versions includes adaptive cruise control, a City Emergency Braking System, a driver fatigue alert and High Beam Assist and Lane Assist functions, while Max versions add Side and Travel Assist tech.

Whether you're considering the switch to electric or not, we urge anyone shopping for a compact SUV to test drive the ID.4.  See first hand why it won the World car of the year.  And rest assured we have your towing needs covered as always.