Volkswagen’s MEB platform will underpin a vast array of vehicles over the next decade, but the first one to reach Canada is the ID.4. It is being marketed as a crossover, and is a dimensional doppelganger for the Toyota RAV4. Styling is elegant and very clean and modern, with a few interesting backlit exterior styling flourishes. What look like conventional door handles don’t move to allow access, but conceal touch pads that unlatch the doors. Once inside, the cabin is very attractive. The driver faces a motorcycle-style digital information package attached to the steering column to ensure it is always visible. Gear selection is via a toggle on the right side of the panel holding the gauges, with drive selected by rotating the toggle toward the dash, with reverse picked by rotating the toggle toward the driver. It is both neat, logical and accessible. Like Tesla Y and the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the car is turned on or off depending on whether the driver’s seat is occupied. This lack of an positive On/Off may create a big objection with the some potential buyers.

Two battery packs, 62 kWh (rear-wheel drive) and 82 kWh (Pro and all-wheel drive)  and all rear-wheel drive variant is rated at 201 horsepower, with the dual-range, all-wheel drive model producing 295 horsepower. VW Canada will follow the same strategy. Range under ideal conditions is stated to be 400 kilometres.

Like Volvo, with the XC40 Recharge, Volkswagen has elected to side-step its nation-wide dealer network for sales of the ID.4 and is selling the car exclusively online. VW dealers will still deliver the cars. The release of the U.S. built ID.4 is essentially should have marked greater availability than the soft-launch of the German-built ID.4. However, delivery delays are anywhere from one year to 18 months in April of 2023. With navigation, L.E.D. headlamps, heated front seats, rain sense wipers, dual zone climate control, wireless iOS-Android cellphone hookup, headlight washers and front and rear parking sensors and self parking, the ID.4 is comprehensively equipped. On the rear-wheel drive model, moving up from the 62 kWh battery pack to the 82 kWh battery pack costs $4000. The 82 kWh battery pack is standard on the AWD ID.4, but the dual-motor AWD system will set back buyers $5000. The Statement package, available on all models, with power-folding exterior mirrors that shine a logo on the ground, a rear centre armrest with ski-sack, a 360 degree camera system, massage-feature front seats, upgraded audio, power tailgate, eight-way power front seats and heated rear seats, is reasonable value if you like the equipment. The fixed, panoramic roof panel is now a $1250 standalone option, with a heat pump offered for $1500. Quebec offers a $7000 rebate for the ID.4, with $5000 available from the federal government.

New car, not rated. Predicted reliability is below average.