At over 500mm from the ground, the boot was just too high for her to climb into with a foot out of action, and although there’s ample space back there, the sizeable load lip might cause issues for some drivers.
Talking of the boot, it’s worth mentioning that the ID 4 GTX cannot be specified with an electric tailgate, which is available only as part of the Assistance Pack Plus on the range-topping GTX Max specification.
That will disappoint some buyers, given rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 have a smart, hands-free tailgate as part of their entry-level specification, at a significantly lower price. I often forget my car doesn’t have that option, despite having the button to open the boot on the key fob.
But back to the dog. With the seat pushed all the way back, there was more than enough space for her to comfortably fit in the front without bashing her head on the glovebox.
The ID 4’s good general stability meant she wasn’t thrown around en route. I do wonder how pets cope with the sudden acceleration of EVs, though. Even with a light-footed driving style, the ID 4 can lunge forward suddenly as it picks up speed, so I reckon most pets would be best off in a cage in the boot.
Love it
Home charging
I’m very grateful I’m lucky enough to be able to charge at home. Topping up every day elsewhere would be a major disadvantage.
Loathe it
Steering wheel touchpads
Frustrating to use and not at all responsive. Bring back proper buttons, Volkswagen.
Mileage: 9449
Well packaged or lost practicality? – 12 October
Unlike many other electric cars, the ID 4 doesn’t have any sort of cargo space beneath its bonnet. In fact, there’s so little space that you would be forgiven for thinking there was an actual engine in there somewhere. Meanwhile, its key rival, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, features an 81-litre ‘frunk’. It’s not really an issue for me, though, because the ID 4 is plenty practical as it is.