Volkswagen ID.4 at the Right Price of €36,000 to Take on Tesla?

If you have an old car to get rid of, then the Volkswagen ID.4 drops to just 34,500 euros. Interesting?

Manufacturers are stepping up to the challenge of competing with Tesla. We’re not saying victory will be easy or even certain, but pricing adjustments are inevitable. It also helps divert some of the customer base, as not everyone lives within range of a Tesla dealership in France. Local presence remains a strong argument for established manufacturers. And not all customers will switch to electric without significant support.

So, the fate of Volkswagen, Renault, and others may not be so desperate after all. It’s clear that Chinese companies are not yet able to expand easily in Europe, and this will take many more years. BYD does not want to enter the low-cost segment, leaving Tesla free for now…

Is the ID.4 still lagging behind?

Let’s look at Volkswagen’s offer for its electric SUV, ID.4, starting from 36,000 euros thanks to a €4,000 eco bonus and a €2,500 discount. With the conversion premium, the price drops by an additional €1,500.

For €990 less than the Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (currently priced at €36,990, with the €4,000 bonus and discount deducted), the Volkswagen ID.4 features the entry-level Pure Life Max trim. Attention is immediately drawn to the 52 kWh battery. Its power output is 125 kW (170 horsepower), making it a sensible family vehicle considering its weight. For more excitement, the Model Y with 300 horsepower will be more compelling.

The range isn’t outstanding, with 360 km promised in a mixed WLTP cycle, roughly 300 km in real-world conditions. The maximum recharge power reaches 145 kW, so charging times won’t be too long, but this product is mainly suited for family trips during the week, less so for longer journeys. It offers about 80 km less range than the entry-level Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive.

Ultimately, while the Volkswagen approach is commendable, its ID.4 Pure Life Max still lags significantly behind the reference Tesla Model Y. The €1,000 difference isn’t enough to justify the purchase: power, range, equipment, driving comfort, charging network—the arguments are numerous.

Standard Equipment

2 USB-C interfaces at the front, 2 USB-C charging ports in the center console at the rear; charging capacity up to 45 W
3 rear headrests
6+1 speakers
Armrest for front seats
Adaptive cruise control
Driver and front passenger airbags, with deactivation of the front passenger airbag
Curtain airbags at front and rear, side airbags at front, central airbag
SAFELOCK anti-theft alarm – volumetric and lift protection
50 A three-phase alternator
Diversity function antenna for FM reception
Private emergency call
Front optimized safety headrests
IPA (Intelligent Park Assist Plus) parking maneuver assistant
‘Front Assist’ emergency braking assistant with pedestrian and cyclist detection system
‘Lane Assist’ lane-keeping assistant
‘Matte Black’ roof strip
Rear bench seat, 3 seats, foldable (2/3 – 1/3) with ski hatch
Single-speed transmission system for electric drive
Exterior mirror housings
‘Rear View’ backup camera
Rapid charging capability: 145 kW DC
Car2X communication system
3-point front seat belts, with height adjustment and belt reel
Battery charger (11 KW AC)
Electric auxiliary heater
‘Air Care Climatronic’ climate control with activated charcoal filter and 2-zone temperature regulation
Pricing control code: 2024 promotion
Factory code
Instrument cluster with km/h display
Intuitive voice control “Hello ID.”
Backlit center console with sliding cover and 2 cup holders
Tyre pressure monitoring
Type 2 Mode 3 charging cable (32A) for charging station
Electromechanical power steering, speed-sensitive
French user manual
Fatigue detector
Rain sensor
External tailgate/trunk unlocking from outside
Door handle lighting
Perimeter lighting with logo projection
Rear intermittent wiper
LED taillights
Life Max trim
Emergency braking on steering and avoidance assist
Automatic defrosting spray nozzles at front
Black interior and wheel trim, foam sheet, ArtVelours bi-material application
ID.4 Pure
2-year maintenance indicator (fixed), for electric vehicles
Phone interface with wireless charging
‘Style’ Grey Platinum interior – Black, 18″ ‘Falun’ two-tone alloy wheels, lightweight alloy wheels 18″ ‘Falun’
Illuminated vanity mirrors in sun visors
Model designation monogram on the tailgate
Electric motor
ISOFIX tether anchors for child seats on the outer rear seats and front passenger seat, compatible with i-Size
On-board tools and puncture kit
‘Comfort’, ‘Infotainment’, and ‘Assistance’ packages
Wireless defrosting windshield, infrared-reflecting
Body bumpers in vehicle color
Standard luggage compartment floor
235/60 R18 tires
12V power outlet in trunk
Rapid charging port: Combo CCS
LED headlights with automatic headlight activation
Rear-wheel drive
Protection for light alloy wheels
Prepared for “VW Connect” and “VW Connect Plus”, over-the-air updates available (except for special conversions)
Electric motor system power: 125 kW
Stainless steel pedal with ‘Play & Pause’ symbols
Black roof rails
Door and side panels, foam sheet, ArtVelours bi-material application
DAB+ digital radio reception
Automatic day/night interior mirror
Exterior mirrors: aspherical on driver side, convex on passenger side
Electrically adjustable, foldable, and defrosting exterior mirrors
No specific pollution control measures
Bi-material ArtVelours upholstery in two colors, perforated “ID.” backrest
Audible warning signal and illuminated belt reminder at front and rear
Heated front seats
Adjustable front seats in height
‘Discover Pro’ Navigation & Infotainment system
Keyless entry and start system within detection perimeter ‘Keyless Access Advanced’
Road sign detection system
Proactive occupant protection system ‘Pre Safe Assist’
Drive profile selection
Dashboard
Textile floor mats at front and rear
Emergency triangle
Tinted rear windows
Heated multifunction steering wheel with capacitive controls
e-Sound
Customizable ambient lighting (30 colors)
Extended anti-theft wheel locks