Lexus NX vs Volkswagen ID.4

The Lexus NX starts from $59,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.4 opens at $59,990. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $90.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $65,890 and $65,989 respectively.

The Volkswagen ID.4 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus NX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Lexus NX and Volkswagen ID.4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.4.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 6 in the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus NX misses.

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen ID.4 gets a 12.9-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 counters with panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen ID.4 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Lexus NX and 3-zone in the Volkswagen ID.4.

The Lexus NX uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Volkswagen ID.4 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Volkswagen ID.4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 152kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID.4 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 75mm longer than the Volkswagen ID.4 at 4,585mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen ID.4 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 23L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 650kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.4). The Volkswagen ID.4 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.