smart #1 vs Volkswagen ID.4
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The smart #1 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.4 opens at $59,990. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $5,090.
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 $60,390 and $65,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the smart #1 and Volkswagen ID.4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the smart #1 and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Volkswagen ID.4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the smart #1 and 6 in the Volkswagen ID.4.
Feature Showdown
The smart #1 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen ID.4 gets a 12.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The smart #1 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 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 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #1) vs 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.4), giving WLTP ranges of 420km and 544km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #1) vs 175kW (Volkswagen ID.4).
Space & Comfort
The smart #1 measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 315mm shorter 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 203L in the smart #1 and 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 340L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.4 takes 6 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.4 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #1 and Volkswagen ID.4?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID.4 by $5,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the most range at 542km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volkswagen ID.4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #1 and Volkswagen ID.4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID.4 makes the most power at 210kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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