Volkswagen is giving its popular ID.4 electric SUV a new identity and a refreshed design as part of a broader overhaul of its EV lineup. The ID.4, which first launched in 2020 as Volkswagen’s inaugural fully electric SUV, will be rebadged as the ID. Tiguan when it debuts later this year.
This move is part of Volkswagen’s shift away from numerical EV names toward recognizable model names. Following the upcoming ID. Polo, Volkswagen plans to expand its electrified portfolio with two new SUVs: the ID. Cross, an electric counterpart to the T-Cross, and the ID. Tiguan, replacing the ID.4.
According to Volkswagen’s design chief, Andreas Mindt, the ID. Tiguan will introduce a distinctive new style, referred to as the brand’s “secret sauce.” Spy photos indicate the vehicle will adopt a more conventional SUV silhouette, with a squared-off front end replacing the ID.4’s rounded, aerodynamic design.
Inside, the ID. Tiguan will reflect Volkswagen’s updated interior philosophy, similar to the ID. Polo and ID. Cross. Key features include a 10.25-inch digital driver display, a 13-inch touchscreen for navigation and infotainment, and the return of physical buttons for climate and other controls, positioned under the infotainment system and on the steering wheel.
The electric SUV will ride on Volkswagen’s upgraded MEB+ platform, benefiting from recent advancements in battery technology that promise improved driving range and faster charging. The current ID.4, equipped with a 77 kWh battery, offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 291 miles for rear-wheel-drive models, with all-wheel-drive versions rated at around 263 miles. On the WLTP cycle, the ID.4 achieves up to 351 miles (566 km) of range.
With the potential introduction of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, the ID. Tiguan could arrive at a lower starting price than the current ID.4, which begins at $45,095 in the U.S. and approximately €40,000 ($46,000) in Europe, making it more competitive in a crowded EV market.
The ID. Tiguan will compete against the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Equinox EV, and Audi A6 e-tron, all vying for attention in the fast-growing electric SUV segment. Volkswagen has confirmed the ID. Tiguan will replace the ID.4 at its Emden, Germany plant, with an official debut expected by the end of 2026.
As Volkswagen transitions from numeric to familiar names and introduces a more traditional SUV design, the ID. Tiguan could redefine the brand’s EV appeal. Industry watchers will be closely observing whether the combination of a new name, updated styling, and advanced technology will boost its competitiveness.
