Volkswagen Launches Electric ID. Tiguan to Replace ID.4
Volkswagen transitions to a new electric SUV design, replacing the ID.4 by 2027.
1Strategic Model Rebranding
Volkswagen is shifting its electric vehicle strategy by retiring the numerical ID.4 and ID.5 naming conventions. The company is transitioning to the well-known Tiguan nameplate for its new electric SUV. This move aims to align electric offerings with the brand's most successful global vehicle, signaling a shift toward more traditional automotive branding.
2Production and Market Rollout
Series production of the new electric ID. Tiguan has officially commenced at Volkswagen’s Embden Plant in Germany. The vehicle is currently available for order in Germany and select European markets, with prices starting at €42,695. A broader North American launch is scheduled for early 2027, where it will replace the outgoing ID.4 model.
3Design Language Evolution
The ID. Tiguan adopts the 'Pure Positive' design language, moving away from the aerodynamic, rounded aesthetic of the ID.4. It features a boxy, traditional SUV silhouette with a chunky front end and classic pull-style door handles. Volkswagen intends for this design to evoke a premium feel while maintaining familiarity with gas-powered Tiguan models.
4Interior and Infotainment Upgrades
The cabin features a significant overhaul, centered around a 10-inch Digital Cockpit and a 15-inch center display. An optional 12-inch passenger screen is also available for buyers. These updates represent a major technological shift, aiming to provide a more modern, premium interior experience compared to the previous generation of Volkswagen electric vehicles.
5Return of Physical Controls
Responding directly to customer feedback, Volkswagen has reintroduced physical buttons for climate control and steering wheel functions. This design change addresses common criticisms regarding the reliance on touch-sensitive interfaces in earlier models. The move reflects a broader industry trend of prioritizing tactile usability and driver convenience within the increasingly digital cockpit environment.
6Nostalgic Digital Features
Volkswagen has integrated a Retro Mode that allows the digital displays to mimic the aesthetic of iconic past models like the first-generation Golf. Drivers can also view a virtual garage featuring classic vehicles such as the Beetle and Golf IV. These features blend modern infotainment capabilities with the company's long-standing historical brand identity.
7Performance and Efficiency Metrics
The ID. Tiguan offers three performance levels and two battery pack options. It achieves a WLTP range of up to 377 miles, setting a new benchmark for Volkswagen's European electric SUVs. While EPA estimates for the North American market are pending, expectations suggest a range exceeding 300 miles, surpassing the current ID.4 performance.
8Market Positioning and Outlook
By replacing the ID.4, the ID. Tiguan serves as a critical pillar in Volkswagen’s electrification roadmap. The vehicle balances modern electric efficiency with the practical, boxy design language that historically drove Tiguan sales. Its success will depend on how effectively it converts existing internal combustion engine customers into the brand's electric ecosystem.
Original article: Electrek — Volkswagen Launches Electric ID. Tiguan to Replace ID.4