Is Volkswagen’s ID.4 SUV up to Overlanding Duty?

4WDrive’s Mercedes Lilienthal takes this latest EV effort across 2,000-plus km of competition-level trails in Nevada and California.

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Words by Mercedes Lilienthal

Perfectly poised at the base of a steep and rocky trail, I cautiously exited my AWD adventure rig in search of a clear path forward. Jagged boulders and uneven ground met my feet as I slowly trudged along. I stopped for a second to evaluate the track ahead that led straight up the hillside—only to curve and disappear into the unknown.

My trusty companion, an EV 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro SUV sat silent, ready for action, its meaty Yokohama Geolandar A/Ts ready for the next challenge. How would this new all-electric offroader fare in environments normally suited for customized 4x4s and lift kits? Would it excel in certain overlanding terrain or gain back kilometres during off-pavement adventures? Only time would tell as I slipped back into the driver’s seat and began to depress its throttle.

What’s it Like to Overland an All-Electric?

My partner for this adventure, Washington-based Emily Winslow, and I accepted a unique challenge. We partnered with Volkswagen of America to overland its new all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro SUV, travelling from Arizona’s Hoover Dam to the Mexican border in the Imperial Sand Dunes of Southeast California for the 2021 Rebelle Rally.

Piloting a newly released EV overlander among a remote desert landscape invited triumphant experiences, memorable moments, and unique challenges. Not only were we in the middle of nowhere for a 2,275 km (1,414 mi) off-road competition, we were new to the vehicle and its capabilities. The Nevada and California deserts were calling our names, summoning us with subtle hues, soft sand, and endless seas of sagebrush.

Rallying an EV through dirt, sand, rock, and muck is an interesting experience. Normally internal combustion engines spring to life as they bang and clang their way to optimal operating temperatures. However, an EV is virtually silent, inviting nature’s noises to proliferate in one’s mind. Rocks and trail impediments crunch underneath tires while winds whip around the vehicle. Lurching tires squawk with anticipation and suspension creaks are amplified. Electric vehicles eliminate engine noises—making owners truly at one with Mother Nature’s sounds.

Charge Challenges and Terrain Games

We take for granted the litany of fuel stations, seemingly placed at every major intersection and in most far-flung towns. However, the North American charging infrastructure to keep EV adventure vehicles charged is still in its infancy, but companies are taking note. They’re devising a variety of static and mobile charging opportunities. Some of which, like those from Utah-based Renewable Innovations, are for remote adventuring.

Rallying an EV overlander in the desert takes patience, critical thinking, and conservative driving. Readily available fuel sources are scarce and technical terrain eats up range in unexpected ways. Cold startups lessen a battery’s capacity; the colder it gets, the less range it may have. During our experience with the ID.4, we noticed that early morning range checks gave way to varying full charge capacities - approximately 52 km (32 mi) of difference from our coldest temperature of -5℃ (23℉) to our warmest startup at just over 14℃ (57℉).

Terrain can also play a large factor in an EV’s performance. Easy tracks with little elevation change or trail obstacles provided the best results, using a little more than 1 km (.6 mi) of range to an actual 1 km (.6 mi) distance. Conversely, steep inclines or rocky terrain, where slow-going was a must, ate up to 4 km (2.5 mi) of range to 1 km (.6 mi) driven. This made our range game one of chess, carefully playing each match to ensure ample charge for trips back to base camp.

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro EV Statistics and Upgrades

The ID.4 houses up to 401 km (249 mi) of range on a full charge. It has 217 kW and 460 Nm of torque (or 295 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque), and can also sprint out of the gate from 0 km to 100 km (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds.

Whereas the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 boasts a single motor, the AWD derivative features a dual-motor setup, featuring a 107 hp asynchronous motor upfront and 148 kW permanent magnet synchronous rear motor via its 82 kWh (gross) battery.

Although most vehicles competing in the rally were lifted, the ID.4 retained its stock height of 17 cm (6.7 in) (sans the underbody skid plate thickness). Many stock components were retained to showcase the ID.4’s factory capability, including items like an AWD drivetrain, shocks, steering and overall vehicle geometry.

However, the Volkswagen ID.4 was beefed up in a few critical areas, bolstering its off-road prowess. With expert rally driver Tanner Foust’s direction, the notable California race shop Rhys Millen Racing completed the build. O.Z. Racing wheels shod in Yokohama Geolander 235/60R18 A/T tires kept the ID.4 safe and steady whereas an oversized Thule Canyon XT roof rack and extension donned a full-size spare tire and four MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards mounted to Axia Alloy one-inch tube mounts.

Additional upgrades included moving the radiator back and up several inches, which allowed it to generate adequate battery base plate cooling and provide added protection. The build also included a small custom tubular front bumper that protected critical components from trail hazards as well as an improved approach angle. Reinforced suspension components beefed up the ID.4’s off-road capability.

The ID.4’s interior boasted two shovels, a hard-mounted 22.7 L (5 gal) water container, full-size floor jack on a skid base, a vehicle recovery kit, two hard-mounted fire extinguishers, plus a second spare wheel and tire, and an air compressor. The rear seatbacks and bottoms were removed. Our camping gear, extra food, and other important items comprised the rear storage area and were secured with a cargo cage and ratchet straps for the competition.

Driving Dynamics and Off-Road Capability

While similar in driving dynamics to fossil-fuel-powered crossovers, the ID.4 EV utilizes different drive categories like eco, sport, comfort, and custom, as well as D mode, its primary driving mode. However, the Volkswagen ID.4 allows for greater control in trickier sections by using its B driving mode which invokes regenerative braking.

When the ID.4 is in D mode it’s like driving a regular crossover since it reacts in the same driving style, even when braking. It also allows the vehicle to coast if the throttle isn’t depressed. As the driver uses the brake, though, regenerative braking is activated. This sends energy back to the battery while slowing the vehicle, creating extra kilometres for off-roading fun.

The ID.4 is different from other EV vehicles. It’s designed to coast and not trigger regenerative braking in D mode unless the brakes are used. Volkswagen’s idea for this was to create driving dynamics similar to regular gas-powered vehicles.

When switching the ID.4 into B mode, it automatically increases regenerative braking, actively slowing the vehicle while sending energy to the battery pack. Personally, this mode works best when slowing down to a stop at higher speeds or when traversing through tight, technical trails. In a way, B mode acts similar to a 4WD’s low-range gearing.

Although our ID.4 competed at stock height, its off-road handling ability was quickly realized. With careful maneuvering and cautious tire placement, it climbed up and trudged through just about everything we tossed its way. Its battery pack, residing in between both sets of wheels, just above the ground, created a surprisingly steadfast and surefooted EV SUV.

Each day during competition, we gained confidence in its ability and range as it comfortably settled into desert terrain. Smooth throttle and speed transitions saved range and provided an enjoyable and contented ride. Taking smarter lines and alternative trails played in our favour, too. Systematic odometer checks and other calculations computed the range gain and retention as we completed the 2021 Rebelle Rally. Tire punctures, blow-outs, mechanical failures or battery issues were not experienced. The ID.4 leapt at the chance to tackle desert terrain and succeeded in its ambitions, completing 2,275 km (1,414 mi) in all-electric awesomeness.

For all of the details, availability and pricing visit www.vw.com