Abarth 500e vs Volkswagen ID.4
Two electric cars 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 Abarth 500e starts from $60,500 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.4 opens at $59,990. That makes the Volkswagen ID.4 the more affordable entry point by $510.
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 $66,550 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
The Volkswagen ID.4 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Abarth 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen ID.4 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Abarth 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Abarth 500e and 6 in the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 adds a 360-degree camera that the Abarth 500e misses.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen ID.4 gets a 12.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e stands out with JBL audio that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 500e uses a Electric producing 113kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 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 113kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 500e is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 42kWh (Abarth 500e) vs 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.4), giving WLTP ranges of 253km and 544km. DC fast charging peaks at 85kW (Abarth 500e) vs 175kW (Volkswagen ID.4).
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 500e measures 3,673mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 912mm 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 185L in the Abarth 500e and 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 358L advantage. The Volkswagen ID.4 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 11.1m
Based on 9.4m 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: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.4). The Volkswagen ID.4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.4 takes 10 of 11 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.4 has a clear edge. The Volkswagen ID.4 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Abarth 500e and Volkswagen ID.4?
The Volkswagen ID.4 is the cheapest at $59,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Abarth 500e by $510.
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?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID.4 makes the most power at 210kW. The Abarth 500e is quickest to 100km/h in 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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