By Prashirwin Naidu
As the year comes to a close, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on cars that have made a lasting impression on me, and the VW ID.4 Pro is certainly one of them. This is VW’s foray into luxury electric vehicles, and a taste of things to come for South African motorists.
First impressions
The ID.4 Pro looks impressive in metal, with 19-inch wheels, sturdy body cladding, and generous proportions, reminiscent of the Tiguan Allspace. The front features Matrix LED headlights, a sleek bumper, and a stylish frost-white VW badge.
The cabin is well-designed, offering plenty of boot space for four large suitcases and a smaller one. While local specs are still to be confirmed, our test unit included features like adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting, digital climate controls, and a rearview camera. However, it doesn’t have a heads-up display.
Performance
The Volkswagen ID.4 Pro offers a solid 520km range on a full charge. With a 77kWh battery, it delivers 150kW and 310Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds. While it’s not as fast as the Volvo XC40 Twin Recharge (that reaches 100km/h in only 4.9 seconds), the ID.4 provides smooth, refined performance, a comfortable ride, and the quiet serenity typical of EVs. The ID.4 Pro is a reliable road companion, perfect for family trips or grocery runs. Its efficiency—13kWh/100km during my test—is impressive. It competes with the BMW iX3, Audi e-tron, and Volvo XC40 Recharge, making it a strong contender in the growing EV market.
Shot Left
On a bright, crisp Sunday morning, I had a moment of clarity. Instead of heading to church as usual, I grabbed the keys to the new Volkswagen ID.4 Pro and felt the pull of the open road. I called my good friend, Teshin Reddy, a sharp-witted, easy-going companion, and we set off. With the ID.4 Pro’s 520km range, we aimed for Harrie’s Pancakes in Cullinan. The scenic drive and great company were the perfect cure for a heavy heart. The journey was a quick 41km each way, and Harrie’s Pancakes didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed an apple and apricot eggless pancake, while Tesh went for a rich Nutella one, both paired with cappuccinos. It was a lovely detour, reminding me of the value of friendship, open roads, and moments of reflection.
Verdict
Volkswagen South Africa has not yet confirmed local pricing, but in Germany, the ID.4 Pro starts at €40,000 (around R800,000). It is expected to launch in South Africa in 2026. The shift to EVs is clear, and the ID.4 Pro is a strong contender in this electric revolution. For now, I’m grateful for the chance to experience it—a brief but enjoyable glimpse of the future. And yes, EVs might just be the new “Ice, Ice Baby.”
