Is the Volkswagen ID.4 More Ready to Compete with Tesla Than the Mustang Mach-E?
The Volkswagen ID.4 is hot on the heels of Tesla. When the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 hit American streets, it was marketed as a cutting-edge crossover SUV that could hold its own as an EV, and also be an easy entry-level EV for those first-time owners. Of course, the ID.4 was exciting on release, but many critics and consumers put the ID.4 in the same category as the Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Bolt EUV; a good EV, but nothing that’ll challenge the likes of Tesla.
How wrong they were. The Volkswagen ID.4 is seeing a huge increase in sales. The ID.4 is experiencing a sales increase of 254% from its first-quarter numbers 2022 to its first-quarter numbers in 2023. With such a significant increase, is the Volkswagen ID.4 going to be the mass-market automotive brand that finally competes head-to-head with Tesla?
Move over, Mustang Mach-E
When the Ford Mustang Mach-E was released in 2020 as a 2021 model, many thought that it would be the mass-market EV that finally dethrones Tesla in the EV marketplace. At first glance, it is easy to see why many thought this would happen.
The Mustang name is legendary, and for Ford to affix this electric SUV with the Mustang name, meant that they were all-in on the performance aspect of this SUV. It seemed like Ford knew exactly what they were doing, offering Mustang performance and style in a one-size-fits-all SUV that happens to be electric. In a way, it looked like this was the Ford product to legitimately appeal to just about every American on the road. But sadly, that didn’t happen.
According to Car Figures, 39,458 Ford Mustang Mach-Es were sold; however, this pales in comparison to the 747,000 Tesla Model Ys that were sold worldwide. The Mustang Mach-E isn’t a bad vehicle, but with a low base range, styling that fails to appeal to a wide range of consumers, and a price that doesn’t attract anyone from a Tesla, it doesn’t seem to be the answer people are looking for as a Tesla alternative.
Make way for the Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 starts at around $40,290. For that price, you get a stylish SUV that has electric vehicle design language without being too futuristic and polarizing. With this low price, the ID.4 comes with a standard 208-mile range, which is pretty rough, but the optional 275-mile battery pack found in the Pro model is close enough to compete with a standard Tesla Model Y.
When it comes to entertainment, the ID.4 features a 12-inch touchscreen outfitted with wireless Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto. a 5.3-inch programmable digital gauge cluster is also standard equipment on the ID.4 as well, giving drivers a much more conventional dashboard layout than a Tesla.
For those drivers looking for an alternative to a Tesla Model Y, the Volkswagen ID.4 might be the option for you. It offers a similar experience to a Tesla, but without all of the Tesla, quirkiness found when driving a vehicle that relies on a center touchscreen to handle nearly every action behind the wheel.
The ID.4 is a safe, affordable, and conventional entry-level electric vehicle that offers a good list of features without offering anything too complicated.
