Biplab Das 
Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced that the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV has been awarded the TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This accolade places the ID.4 alongside the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport on the 2024 TOP SAFETY PICK list.
Stringent safety standards
To earn the 2024 TOP SAFETY PICK award, vehicles must achieve good ratings in several rigorous crash tests. These tests include the small overlap front, original moderate overlap front, and the updated side test. Additionally, vehicles need to have acceptable or good-rated headlights across all trim levels. An essential criterion is also an acceptable or good rating in the revised pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation, which now comprises both daylight and nighttime assessments.
The ID.4 electric SUV meets these requirements with acceptable or good-rated headlights, depending on the trim level. Its standard front crash prevention system has earned an acceptable rating in the IIHS pedestrian test. However, the SUV has not undergone the updated moderate overlap front test, which is necessary for the higher-tier TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.
Advanced safety features
The 2024 ID.4 comes equipped with the IQ.DRIVE system, which is standard across all trims. This advanced system utilises front and rear radar, a front camera, and several ultrasound sensors to gather data from the surrounding area. The IQ.DRIVE system includes:
Travel Assist: Semi-automated driving assistance
Front Assist: Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring
Active Side Assist: Blind Spot Monitor
Rear Traffic Alert
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go
Lane Assist: Lane Keeping System
Emergency Assist: Semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency
Additional standard features on the 2024 ID.4 include Park Distance Control, Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights). The vehicle also offers an available Area View (Overhead View Camera).
Safety and market positioning
The recognition by IIHS highlights Volkswagen’s commitment to safety and innovation in their electric vehicle offerings. The ID.4’s advanced safety systems and its performance in crash tests demonstrate its readiness to compete in a market that increasingly values both sustainability and safety.
“The inclusion of the ID.4 on the TOP SAFETY PICK list underscores our commitment to providing not only sustainable but also safe vehicles,” stated a Volkswagen spokesperson. This alignment with safety standards is crucial as the automotive industry moves towards more electric vehicle offerings.
Industry context and future prospects
Volkswagen’s ID.4, along with its safety features and recognition, positions it well in the competitive electric vehicle market. As more consumers prioritise safety in their purchasing decisions, awards like the TOP SAFETY PICK can significantly influence market dynamics.
The decision to make the IQ.DRIVE system standard across all ID.4 trims is part of Volkswagen’s strategy to enhance the appeal of their electric vehicles. This move ensures that safety features are accessible to all customers, not just those purchasing higher-end models.
Economic considerations
The ID.4 is available at a starting MSRP of $39,735 for the 62 kWh models and $44,875 for the 82 kWh models, with an additional destination charge of $1,425. These price points place the ID.4 in a competitive position within the electric SUV market, offering a blend of safety, technology, and affordability.
The focus on safety, coupled with advanced driver-assistance systems, reflects Volkswagen’s approach to meeting stringent safety standards while appealing to a broad customer base. The company’s commitment to safety and sustainability through innovations like the IQ.DRIVE system and the ID.4’s comprehensive safety features could drive broader adoption of electric vehicles.
The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4’s achievement as a TOP SAFETY PICK by IIHS underscores the importance of advanced safety features in electric vehicles. Volkswagen’s focus on integrating comprehensive safety systems and achieving high safety ratings is likely to resonate well with consumers, solidifying the ID.4’s position in the growing electric vehicle market.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, safety and sustainability will remain key factors in consumer decision-making. Volkswagen’s recognition by IIHS highlights the company’s progress in these areas and sets a benchmark for future electric vehicle development.
