VW ID 4 vs Skoda Enyaq iV 60 – close call

Skoda and VW both belong to the same group, the Volkswagen group. As a result, vehicles from both VW and Skoda share a lot between them, from the drivetrains, platform, and technology. But despite the similarities between them, in this review, we will talk about some of the features that distinguish VW ID.4 from Skoda Enyaq iV 60, helping you decide what your next purchase should be.

OVERVIEW

The ID.4 is built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, unlike previous models such as the e-Golf. According to Volkswagen, the vehicle has been built up for the best efficiency, interior space, and range. Compared to VW’s Tiguan, a small SUV, the ID.4 is 1.9 inches lower and 4.6 shorter.

The Enyaq got its name based on the Irish name “Enya”, which means “source of life”. Letter Q could not be removed as it represents the tradition that the previous models had in their name (KAMIQ, KAROQ, KODIAQ). This model is also equipped with Skoda’s clever features that are designed to make everyday stress-free. It is also priced favorably with the entry-level Enyaq qualifying for a 2500 pound (~$3460) grant from the UK government, for those in the UK.

Driving and Range

Initially, the ID 4 came in a rear-wheel-drive guise with a single motor driving the rear wheels, but VW plans to add all-wheel-drive models to the range eventually. The rear motor makes around 200 horsepower. Sitting at just over two tons, the VW ID.4 isn’t as quick as some of its competitors, such as the Tesla Model Y, with a 0 to 60 time of 8.5 seconds. Even though it isn’t punchy of the line, it has a refined, and smooth ride quality. The ID.4’s 77 kWh battery pack holds enough charge to cover a real-world figure of 250 miles, but which falls far less than the WLTP estimated range of 310 miles. Charging using a 125-KW DC fast charger will get the ID.4 from near empty to 80% in 38 minutes. Using a level 2 home charger, a full charge takes about 7.5 hrs.

The Enyaq iV 60 has a smaller battery capacity when compared to the VW ID 4 at 62kWh. The Enyaq is also rear wheeled, with a motor of 177 horsepower, and torque figures of 229lb-ft. The car takes 8.7 seconds to reach 60mph from a standstill. The claimed maximum range you’ll receive from a fully charged battery is about 256 miles, but expect real-world figures of about 180 miles in ideal conditions. It rides smoother than some of its rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and adding the adaptive dampers option to the package allows the vehicle to be composed or cushy, depending on the driving characteristics. The Enyaq has the option of being charged from near empty to 80% in 33 minutes using a 100KW DC fast charger. Using a level 2 single-phase charger, charging at 7.4KW will take 9.5hrs from zero to full.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The ID 4 is based on the ID. CROZZ concept, but unlike the extreme interior of the concept, ID 4’s interior is uncluttered and playful. The pedals come with play and pause symbols on them, symbolizing start and go. As standard, you get cloth seats, but there is an option to upgrade to leather. The boot has 534 liters of capacity.

In comparison to the ID 4, the Enyaq has far fewer touch-sensitive sliders and buttons, relying on buttons and a click wheel for essentials such as climate controls and radio volume. All seats are comfortable and there is a lot of room for five people within the cabin. The boot is positively large at 585 liters. With the second-row seats folded down, the Enyaq gives you 1710 liters of space to play with, which is more than the ID.4’s 1655 liters.

Infotainment and Tech

The ID.4 has screens, sliders, and capacitive touchpoints used to interact with the vehicle’s systems and infotainment. As standard the vehicle comes with a 10.0-inch infotainment screen, that is upgradable to a larger 12.0-inch slab of glass. The vehicle also comes standard with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. All models also come with a 5.3-inch digital driver’s display that is very configurable. But one negative about the ID.4’s volume and temperature sliders is that they are not illuminated, and will prove a challenge to use during dark hours. The driver’s display shows the speed, range, battery percentage and can be configured to show other information the driver needs.

The Enyaq comes with a generous 13-inch infotainment screen, below which are the shortcut buttons for things like heated screes, and drive modes. Climate controls can be found by searching through the screen. The driver’s dash display is small compared to other electric vehicles but it shows all the essential information needed by the driver. You also get Android Auto and Apple Car Play, two USB sockets as standard with options to add more

One other interesting feature that Volkswagen’s model has is the “Crack a joke” feature. If you’re feeling down, or you need a little entertainment, with the simple command “Hello ID, tell me a joke”, you will invoke ID 4’s inner comedian.

Safety

The ID.4 has standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, then adaptive cruise control, standard lane assist, and departure warnings. The ID.4 also has a feature called the emergency assist function which constantly monitors the driver’s alertness and warns in case of a lapse in attentiveness, even going as far as slowing the vehicle when the driver doesn’t respond.

In terms of safety, the Enyaq has received a maximum five-star rating from Euro NCAP. The car has nine airbags ensuring all passengers are well protected. It has an impressive auto emergency braking system capable of cyclist and pedestrian detection. It has active cruise control and 360 cameras that make parking fairly easy.

Pricing

At the time of this writing, base ID.4 starts from $39,995 which is by no means a low price. In the US you are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7500, but it is not eligible in the UK.

The base Enyaq starts from a little over $44,000, which qualifies for a vehicle grant from the UK government. The more options you include with the vehicle, the higher the cost.

Verdict

The two EVs are truly remarkable and although they have the same underpinnings, we have mentioned some of the features that differentiate them. Looking solely at the exterior, we would have to hand first place to the Skoda Enyaq. It’s sporty, stylish, but still well-trimmed and elegant. But at the same time, the ID.4 offers more range, more power, and a nicer interior when compared to the Enyaq. Due to the price difference, and some of the higher performance with the Volkswagen, we are inclined to choose ID.4 as our winner. Nevertheless, either of the two vehicles will satisfy buyers, because they are both impressive at what they do.