The Volkswagen ID4 is the pioneer model of the German automaker's acceleration of electrification in the United States. Based on our experience in the annual SUV evaluation, these efforts have had a good start. In order for ID4 to enter the finals, its overall packaging left a deep impression on the judges.

The ID4 did not shock us in any aspect of our standards, but it performed well in several areas, earning high scores for its easy-to-drive features, comfortable seats and overall cabin space. The faster dual-motor AWD models were not ready to participate in our event in time, but the rear-mounted motors we have on hand-and the rear-wheel drive-ID4 Pro and Pro S models have enough power to complete everything we require.

There are not many complaints about the range or price. Charging for about 250 miles, ID4 has enough energy for most people's daily work, as long as you can plug it in every night or so. Its starting price is also competitive, at US$41,190. (The cost of our test car was in the mid-1940s.) Having said that, some judges wondered whether the interior materials can meet so many dough requirements.

On the paved loop of the Honda Proving Ground, the judges were impressed by the ID4's steering and the overall road. It shows Volkswagen's usual charm and chassis balance in handling evaluations, and can usually easily deal with road defects and other challenges without fussing. But when asked to do real SUV-type things on non-pavements, ID4 did trip up a bit. This is not the kind of vehicle that likes to fall and get dirty-it's more like a runner in a shopping mall than an off-road vehicle.

In fact, we found that ID4 performs best on highways and small roads, and the editors praised its personability. "Overall, this is a very interesting car," said Detroit editor Alisa Priddle. "Compared to the proving ground, I prefer to do it on the public loop." Some people report that there is considerable cabin noise when driving at high speeds, but it never rises to annoying levels. This noise is accompanied by In today's field of electric vehicles—especially in the affordable range—noisy and vibrating internal combustion engines cannot be used as ointments.

We don't like certain controls and switch devices of ID4, because window controls can cause a lot of fires. All four windows are activated by only two switches, and this feature is weird in all wrong ways. There are also some complaints about touch screen controls, most notably those that deal with climate control. Other shortcomings are centered on the ID4's rear drum brake (we don't see much anymore, even on the cheapest cars) and the lack of the frunk that most electric cars have.

Despite its flaws, the ID4 is an impressive SUV, a livable, lively and powerful vehicle, and it happens to be electric. It just doesn't provide excellence in enough areas to push it to the top.

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