VW ID Crozz: Concept to ID.4 Electric SUV Explained

I still remember the first time I saw photos of the VW ID Crozz. It looked like something straight out of the future: sleek lights, a coupe-style body, and a glowing VW badge.

Back then, I wasn’t sure if it was just a fancy concept or a hint at what was to come. Turns out, it was both.

That concept car laid the foundation for the VW ID.4, the electric crossover you see on the road today.

Let’s break down what the ID Crozz was all about, how it turned into the VW ID.4, and what to expect if you’re eyeing one for yourself.

From design and features to specs, pricing, and real-world reviews, it’s all here.

What Is the VW ID Crozz Concept?

Volkswagen first introduced the ID Crozz in 2017 as a bold electric concept vehicle. It wasn’t something you could buy, more like a sneak peek into where VW was headed with its electric car plans.

The first version made its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show, and a more refined version, called ID Crozz II, showed up later that year at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

The whole idea behind the concept was to show off the future of VW’s electric design and technology. It was meant to be a mix between a sporty coupe and a compact SUV, blending utility and style into one sleek package.

Some standout features of the concept included:

• A low, coupe-style roofline for a sporty silhouette
• A CleanAir system that filters the cabin air
• Dual-motor all-wheel drive with one motor on each axle
• No B-pillar and sliding rear doors for wide, open access
• An interactive LED lighting system that responded to the environment and driver commands

It was built on VW’s MEB platform, which is their dedicated architecture for electric vehicles. In terms of size, the ID Crozz was similar to the Tiguan, but its appearance was more futuristic with clean lines, a short front overhang, and a wide stance.

The ID Crozz wasn’t just about looks. It also hinted at what driving an electric VW might feel like: quiet, smooth, smart, and full of helpful tech.

Volkswagen ID Crozz: Bold Specs and Tech

Under the hood, or, rather, under the floor, it had a dual-motor setup that produced approximately 225 kW (close to 300 horsepower). VW said the range was about 500 kilometers, which is around 310 miles.

For a concept car at the time, that was pretty ambitious and showed VW wasn’t playing it safe with their EV plans.

Inside, it was just as high-tech:

• The steering wheel could retract when the self-driving mode was on
• It had voice and gesture controls
• There was ambient lighting that would shift depending on the drive mode
• Smart lights on the outside would even “look” at pedestrians or light up for alerts
• The doors could open using voice commands
• The interior had no traditional dashboard, just a clean, screen-focused layout

A lot of this felt futuristic back then, maybe even too bold. But looking back, it’s clear how the ID Crozz helped shape what eventually made it into the ID.4.

VW took the wild ideas and molded them into real, usable features that drivers could enjoy every day.

From Vision to Reality: The ID Crozz to VW ID.4

Fast forward to 2020, and Volkswagen officially released the ID.4, the first fully electric SUV from the brand that people could actually buy and drive. If the ID Crozz was the bold concept, the ID.4 became the real-world version that made those ideas practical.

The ID.4 isn’t quite as flashy as the Crozz. It has:

• Regular front and rear doors
• A more traditional, family-friendly interior
• Fewer light-up features and futuristic touches

But it still carries over a lot of what the ID Crozz promised, including:

• The MEB all-electric platform
• Available all-wheel drive with dual motors
• Similar in size and shape to the concept
• A focus on comfort, space, and in-car tech

Volkswagen described the ID.4 as “an electric car for the people.” It was designed to be spacious, affordable, and easy to live with. Something that everyday drivers could actually use for errands, commuting, or weekend trips.

VW ID.4 Overview: Specs, Pricing, and Performance

If you’re considering a VW ID.4, this is a straightforward breakdown of the most important details, including its driving characteristics, key features, and pricing. Let’s take a look at what it offers:

With the AWD model, you’ll get more power and better traction. The RWD version is more efficient and usually costs less.

2025 U.S. Pricing

VW has kept pricing fairly straightforward. You get a good amount of features at each level.

Higher trims and add-on packages can bump the price up, but the base models already include a lot of tech.

Tech and Comfort Features

The ID.4 comes with VW’s IQ.DRIVE, which helps with things like lane keeping and adaptive cruise. The cabin is quiet, minimal, and comes with a large touchscreen.

Some features worth noting:

• 12-inch touchscreen on most trims
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• An optional heat-pump system for more efficient winter heating
• Hands-free power liftgate (just swipe your foot under the bumper)
• DC fast-charging ready on all trims

Charging and Infrastructure

• Home charging with a Level 2 setup takes ~7.5–11 hours
• DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in under 40 minutes (with 125 kW chargers)
• VW recommends the Electrify Home Level 2 charger if you want faster at-home charging

Overall, the ID.4 delivers a balanced mix of comfort, range, and tech, without being overwhelming or too futuristic. It’s easy to live with, whether you’re new to EVs or not.

ID.4: Real Reactions and Ratings

I’ve test-driven the ID.4 myself. And honestly? It feels smooth, quiet, and roomy. The steering is easy, the ride feels solid, and the cabin is more like a lounge than a traditional car interior.

This is what others are saying:

• “Drives like a GTI” – some reviewers noted it’s more fun than expected

• “Roomy like a Tiguan” – lots of headroom and legroom, even in the back

• “Touch controls take time” – some dislike the lack of physical buttons

• “Solid range” – especially with the larger battery

The ID.4 also picked up some major awards, including World Car of the Year in 2021, and it earned top safety scores from IIHS, making it a well-rounded choice for both new EV drivers and longtime VW fans.

ID.4 Prices and Trim Options

The ID.4 offers a few different trims depending on what you’re looking for, be it the basics, more power, or extra comfort features. This is how they break down:

Bonus: Every new ID.4 includes 3 years or 500 kWh of free DC fast charging through Electrify America.

These trim options give buyers flexibility to pick what fits their budget and needs without feeling like they’re missing out on core features.

Is the ID.4 Right for You?

The ID.4 isn’t aimed at just one type of driver. It works well for families, commuters, and anyone looking to switch to electric without sacrificing everyday practicality.

For Families

• Spacious back seat with room for child seats
• Good cargo space (though no front trunk)
• Quiet ride and strong safety ratings

For Commuters

• Enough range for most daily drives
• Fast-charging support for longer trips
• Comfortable seating and an easy driving experience

For First-Time EV Buyers

• Doesn’t feel overly futuristic or unfamiliar
• Affordable pricing compared to other EV SUVs
• Comes with helpful driver assistance tools

If you’re new to electric vehicles or simply looking for something functional, the ID.4 offers a bit of everything.

How the ID Crozz Became the ID.4

It’s interesting to look at what made it from the ID Crozz concept into the final ID.4 model, and what didn’t. VW kept many core ideas but toned down some of the flashier elements.

So while the final ID.4 lost a few futuristic touches, it became a car that’s easier to build, sell, and drive every day. It’s a solid example of a concept turning into something real and useful.

Conclusion

If you were wondering what the VW ID Crozz was and how it led to the ID.4 we see on the road today, I hope this blog helps clear things up.

I walked through how the ID Crozz introduced bold design and tech ideas, and how the ID.4 shaped those into a practical electric SUV that works for everyday life.

From features and pricing to real-world use and comparisons, I’ve covered everything you need to know in one place.

If you’re considering EVs or simply curious about Volkswagen’s direction, you should now feel more informed and ready to take the next step.