Another new EV SUV coming to market in the next few months is the VW ID.4. This new vehicle is similar in size and competitively priced to the Mustang Mach-E Select. For buyers looking to get a non-Tesla electric SUV, many may be choosing between these two vehicles. Let’s take a look and see how they compare.
Since the VW ID.4 seems to be focused on being an affordable electric SUV, I’ll focus on the more affordable options for these vehicles.
Common Ground
Both of these vehicles are full Battery Electric SUVs with somewhat similar size. They could both appeal to a large number of people that want an electric vehicle for commuting, but need something bigger than a sedan. The compact SUV/Crossover segment is the largest segment of the US auto market, and these two give options to those buyers.
Pricing
The VW ID.4 starts at $39,995 for the rear wheel drive version, while the Mustang Mach-E Select RWD starts at $42,895. Both are eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit in the US. An AWD version of the ID.4 is expected next summer for a price of $43,675. The Mach-E has AWD as an option for $45,595. They both have other options and models if you are looking for higher performance or more features. The Mach-E also has options for Extended Range versions as well.
Range
The VW ID.4 has not gone through official testing for its EPA range certification. VW is estimating that the RWD models of the ID.4 will achieve an EPA range of 250 miles per charge. Ford has completed its testing and the Mach-E’s numbers have been certified by the EPA. The Select RWD with the Standard Range battery achieved a range for 230 miles and the AWD Standard Range reached 211 miles. For an additional cost, the Mach-E can get up to 300 miles with a RWD, Extended Range option.
Performance
Expect to get 201 Horsepower and 228 Pound-Feet with the VW ID.4 which should mean a 0-60 mph time of about 8 seconds (I’ve seen varying estimates from 6.5 to 8.5 seconds for this). The base Mustang Mach-E RWD, will give you 266 horsepower and 317 Pound-Feet of torque. Ford says that will get you from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Both VW and Ford will offer higher performance versions with more power and faster 0-60 times.
Size
These two vehicles are pretty similar in size. The VW ID.4 is 180.5 inches long by 72.9 inches wide by 64.4 inches tall. It has a wheelbase of 108.9 inches. The Mach-E is 186 inches long, 74 inches wide, and 63 inches tall. As for cargo space, th ID.4 has 30.3 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The Mach-E has 29 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and 59.6 feet of space with the rear seats down. The Mach-E also has a frunk with 4.8 cubic feet.
Other Features
The standard ID.4 has heated seats, a heated steering wheel, heated washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, a wireless phone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the 10-inch central touchscreen. All ID.4s include the IQ. Drive suite of driver-assists and safety technology including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear traffic alert.
One additional bonus that the VW ID.4 has is 3 years of free charging at Electrify America. If you will be doing a lot of charging away from home, this could be very beneficial. However, most people doing their charging at home for convenience. Driving several miles out of your way and waiting 30+ minutes for your EV to charge may not be something you’d want to do on a regular basis.
Standard equipment on the Mach-E Select includes phone-as-key capability, automatic LED headlights and wipers, front parking sensors, an eight-way power driver seat, a 15.5-inch vertically oriented touchscreen & a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, wireless phone charging pad, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and integrated navigation. The Mach-E includes the Ford Co-Pilot 360 driver assistance suite which includes forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, and automatic high beams.
Upgrades
VW is promising AWD and higher performance versions (6.5 seconds in 0-60) sometime next year. However, even the most powerful ID.4 will not be as quick as the Select Mach-E. The Mach-E already has the option for AWD and/or extended range when you order that will be as quick as 4.8 seconds in going from 0-60. And next summer, Ford will offer a GT and GT Performance Edition that is even quicker.
The ID.4 and Mach-E also have other upgrades available via packages that include items like appearance enhancements, different wheels, a glass roof, and improved sound system.
Summary
At first glance of the specs, these cars do appear to be quite similar. The ID.4 will likely appeal to many customers that are seeking a small SUV but are not concerned about performance. It comes standard with an impressive list of features and has pretty good range.
The Mach-E can compete with its Select model on the lower end for those that want a bit better performance for a slightly higher price. But the Mach-E will also have options for those that want a lot more power and competes with any other vehicle in its class.