Volkswagen ID.4: Load-through hatch

Fig. 1 Pass-through in the rear seat backrest.

Fig. 2 Pass-through in the luggage compartment.

Depending on the equipment version, the Volkswagen ID.4 may feature a practical load-through hatch located behind the center armrest in the rear seat backrest. This function allows you to transport long items such as skis, boards, or narrow cargo safely inside the vehicle without compromising passenger comfort.

Opening the pass-through from the vehicle interior

1. Fold the center armrest forward (→ Center armrest).

2. Pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow → fig. 1 and fold the load-through hatch cover completely forward → .

3. Open the trunk lid of the Volkswagen ID.4.

Opening the pass-through from the luggage compartment

1. Press the release lever downward in the direction of the arrow → fig. 2 and fold the cover forward.

2. Insert long objects from the luggage compartment and carefully slide them through the load-through hatch toward the interior.

3. If necessary, secure the transported items using a seat belt for additional stability.

4. Close the trunk lid securely.

Closing the load-through hatch

1. Fold the hatch cover back until it audibly clicks into place.

A red indicator may be visible from the luggage compartment side. This marking must not be visible when the hatch is properly closed → .

2. Close the trunk lid.

3. Return the center armrest to its original position if required.

WARNING

Objects placed in the deployment zone of the center airbag in the Volkswagen ID.4 can interfere with proper airbag operation and may result in serious injury or fatal consequences.

• Never push objects into the center airbag deployment area (→ Center airbag).

WARNING

Improper handling of the load-through hatch in the Volkswagen ID.4 may lead to serious injury or damage.

• Do not operate the load-through hatch while driving.
• Ensure that seat belts are not trapped or damaged when closing the hatch.
• Keep hands, fingers, and other body parts clear of moving components during operation.
• Always confirm that the hatch is securely locked and that the red indicator is not visible.
• If the hatch is open or not locked, do not allow passengers, especially children, to sit in that seat.

Introduction

If equipped accordingly, the Volkswagen ID.4 can be used for towing a trailer, expanding its versatility for transportation needs.

Driving with a trailer increases the total load and requires heightened driver attention and awareness.

Additional towing weight affects vehicle performance, energy consumption, and component wear, and may result in shorter service intervals for the Volkswagen ID.4.

When operating under heavy load conditions, certain vehicle systems such as air conditioning may reduce output or temporarily deactivate to maintain system stability and prevent overheating.

The towing capacity of the Volkswagen ID.4 may decrease under the following conditions:

• Driving on steep inclines.
• Operating at high altitudes.
• Driving in high ambient temperatures.
• Carrying a fully loaded vehicle with passengers and luggage.
• Driving at higher speeds.

Trailer with function check for the lighting

Trailers that require active monitoring of tail lights or brake lights for approval may not be compatible with the Volkswagen ID.4. Always consult the trailer manufacturer to confirm compatibility and legal requirements.

Unused ball mount

If no trailer, bicycle rack, or similar equipment is attached, the ball mount should be folded away or removed. This is particularly important if it obstructs the license plate or lighting of the Volkswagen ID.4. Always follow country-specific regulations regarding towing equipment → .

The Volkswagen ID.4 combines practical cargo solutions like the load-through hatch with advanced towing capabilities, making it a versatile choice for both everyday use and extended travel.

Special conditions

Before towing a trailer with the Volkswagen ID.4, be aware that certain driver assistance and parking systems may operate with reduced functionality or may be temporarily limited due to the additional load and altered vehicle dynamics. This is a normal behavior designed to ensure safety and system reliability.

DANGER

Transporting passengers in a trailer is extremely dangerous, may lead to life-threatening injuries, and is prohibited by law in many countries.

• Never allow any person to ride in a trailer attached to the Volkswagen ID.4.

WARNING

Incorrect use of the trailer hitch on the Volkswagen ID.4 may lead to loss of vehicle control, accidents, and serious or fatal injuries.

• Always install and operate the trailer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Only use a ball mount that is in perfect condition and properly secured.
• Do not modify, repair, or tamper with the ball mount.

WARNING

If the ball mount of the Volkswagen ID.4 remains extended when not in use, it increases the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the severity of damage in rear-end collisions.

• Always retract or remove the ball mount when it is not required.

WARNING

The Volkswagen ID.4 is not designed for use with weight-distributing or load-equalizing trailer hitches. Using such systems may cause malfunction or detachment of the trailer, resulting in serious accidents.

• Never install or use weight-distributing or load-equalizing trailer hitch systems.

WARNING

Towing a trailer or carrying heavy and bulky loads with the Volkswagen ID.4 significantly affects handling characteristics, increases braking distance, and may lead to dangerous situations if not managed properly.

• Always secure all cargo using suitable and undamaged straps, belts, or fastening systems.
• Be aware that trailers with a higher center of gravity are more prone to tipping.
• Adjust your speed and driving style according to road, traffic, and weather conditions.
• Drive proactively and anticipate potential hazards.
• Accelerate smoothly and cautiously.
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering maneuvers.
• Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph), or 100 km/h (60 mph only if absolutely necessary), when towing with the Volkswagen ID.4.

  This recommendation also applies in regions where higher towing speeds may be legally permitted.

• Reduce speed when driving downhill or on steep inclines.
• Always follow local speed limits for vehicles towing trailers, which are often lower than standard limits.
• Exercise extreme caution when overtaking and reduce speed immediately if any trailer sway is detected.
• Never attempt to stabilize a swaying trailer by accelerating.
• Pay attention to warning messages and indicator lights in the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, as towing places additional strain on the vehicle.

Always follow all safety instructions and legal requirements for vehicles with an N1 classification (→ N1 certificate).

If a trailer is integrated into the anti-theft alarm system of the Volkswagen ID.4, disconnecting the trailer may trigger the alarm system (→ Anti-theft alarm system).

Some aftermarket or retrofitted trailer hitches may obstruct access to the towing eye. In such cases, the Volkswagen ID.4 cannot be used to tow another vehicle. For this reason, always store the removable ball mount safely inside the vehicle when it is not in use.

The Volkswagen ID.4 combines modern electric mobility with practical towing capabilities, but safe operation requires careful attention to load distribution, equipment compatibility, and driving behavior under towing conditions.