After a lengthy wait, the Volkswagen ID.4 has finally landed on Australian shores, bringing with it not just the promise of German engineering but the crucial 2025 model-year updates—including a significantly more powerful and efficient powertrain. For Australian buyers, the biggest question isn’t about the improved 12.9-inch screen or the new 210kW power figure; it’s about real-world range on the vast, demanding Aussie highway network.

The entry-level, rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro is the volume seller, boasting an impressive official 544 km (WLTP) range from its 77 kWh usable battery. But as every Australian EV owner knows, the highway is the ultimate test, where high, sustained speeds and a lack of regenerative braking brutally expose a car’s true efficiency.

We take a deep dive into the ID.4 Pro’s performance on the open road to see if it’s a genuine highway hero capable of tackling the tyranny of distance.

The Official Numbers vs. The Open Road Reality

Volkswagen’s official 544 km WLTP figure is competitive, significantly beating rivals like the entry-level Tesla Model Y RWD (466 km). The Pro’s efficiency is rated at a claimed 16.69 kWh/100km (or $0.1669 / km if we convert to kWh/km).

However, real-world testing conducted by Australian reviewers reveals the expected drop-off once the ID.4 is cruising at 100 km/h and 110 km/h:

Why the Highway Number Drops

This drop in range is typical for all EVs and is largely due to two factors:

1. Aerodynamic Drag: Air resistance increases exponentially with speed. The ID.4, being a mid-size SUV with a higher profile than a sedan, has to work much harder to push air at 110 km/h.
2. Lack of Regen: Unlike city driving, where regenerative braking tops up the battery with energy captured from slowing down, highway cruising is mostly coasting and maintaining speed, offering zero energy recovery.

The real-world range of 350-385 km on a pure highway run is the figure Australians need to plan their road trips around. This is a very respectable result for a non-aerodynamic focused SUV and proves the efficiency gains VW squeezed out of the updated 210 kW motor are meaningful.

Power and Confidence: The 210 kW Difference

One of the biggest factors aiding the ID.4’s highway manners is the significant powertrain upgrade for the 2025 model year. The new RWD motor now produces 210 kW of power and a massive 545 Nm of torque—a torque increase of over 75% compared to the earlier versions sold overseas.

• Overtaking Safety: On Australian country roads, the ability to quickly and safely overtake a road train or a slower vehicle is crucial. The instantaneous 545 Nm of torque allows the ID.4 Pro to surge forward without hesitation, making high-speed overtakes effortless and safe.
• Refinement: Despite the power boost, the motor remains refined and quiet, contributing to a premium, relaxed highway experience that is essential for mitigating driver fatigue on long stretches.

Reviewers noted that while the ID.4 Pro may not have the raw launch speed of the dual-motor GTX or a Tesla Model Y Performance, its in-gear acceleration—the power required to go from 80 km/h to 110 km/h—is excellent.

Charging Performance: The Road Trip Metric

For long-distance Aussie travel, the speed at which you can recharge is just as important as the range you start with.

The ID.4 Pro comes with a substantially improved 175 kW DC fast-charging capacity.

• 10-80% Time: Volkswagen claims the ID.4 Pro can charge from 10% to 80% in around 28 minutes at a capable 175 kW charger.
• The 10-Minute Top-Up: This 175 kW peak allows the car to add a significant amount of range in a short time, giving the ID.4 the ability to gain an estimated 170-180 km of highway range in just 15 minutes—enough time for a driver comfort stop.

While not running on the ultra-fast 800V architecture of rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the ID.4’s improved 400V charging speed is highly competitive and makes it a genuinely viable contender for cross-state travel, especially given the rapid expansion of 150 kW+ public chargers.

The ID.4’s Unsung Highway Strengths

Beyond the core figures, Australian reviewers consistently praised the ID.4 Pro’s chassis and comfort features—factors that make the long-haul journey far more enjoyable:

• Adaptive Suspension (DCC): The standard Adaptive Chassis Control allows drivers to stiffen the suspension for twisty roads or soften it for cruising over rough regional tarmac, offering an excellent balance of handling and comfort.
• IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist: Volkswagen’s suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and active lane-keep assist, is highly rated for its smooth and unintrusive operation. It acts as a genuinely supportive co-pilot on long highway stretches, reducing driver fatigue without the frustrating “nannying” often associated with early driver assistance systems.
• Cabin Quality: The 2025 interior upgrades—including the improved 12.9-inch screen and a generally more premium feel—make spending hours in the cabin a pleasure.

The Verdict for the Aussie Buyer

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro is a compelling choice for the Australian EV market. It steps away from the “tech-first” mentality of some rivals and leans into Volkswagen’s core strengths: refinement, sensible engineering, and robust comfort.

While its pure highway range of ~370 km means you will still need to plan charging stops, the combination of its strong 544 km WLTP rating, the powerful new 210 kW motor, and the quick 175 kW charging ability makes it a deeply practical and confidence-inspiring vehicle for tackling the Australian long haul.

For those who want a quality, German-built EV that feels like a true car rather than a gadget, the ID.4 Pro’s efficiency and capabilities firmly establish it as a credible highway runner and a formidable rival to the segment leader.

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