Volkswagen ID. Tiguan Looks Like a Big Step Up From the ID.4
Volkswagen is retiring the ID.4 and replacing it with the ID. Tiguan, a compact electric crossover of about the same size but with a more familiar name and a long list of changes aimed at the ID.4’s biggest complaints. Volkswagen revealed European-spec details on Friday and confirmed the car is also coming to the US.
Key Takeaways
- The ID. Tiguan succeeds the ID.4, and the ID.5 in markets where that car is sold.
- It brings a new infotainment and software stack, with up to three screens, more physical buttons and a return of the volume knob.
- Range is rated at up to 600 km (372 miles) on the WLTP cycle for the 77 kWh rear-wheel-drive model, which is 26 km more than the ID.4’s European rating.
- European pricing starts at about €42,695 (roughly $49,000), close to the current ID.4’s price in many European markets.
- Europe gets the car in early 2027. A Volkswagen spokesperson says US details will follow later.
Why the ID.4 Is Being Replaced?
The ID.4 went on sale in 2021 and earned a reputation as a roomy, good-value EV. At one point it was built in the US and qualified for the federal EV tax credit, which helped its appeal. Over time, though, owners criticised its software and parts of the driving experience.
Earlier this year, Volkswagen announced it would stop making the ID.4 in the US in favour of gas-powered models. That left the brand without a mainstream electric offering in this market. The ID. Tiguan is the successor, and it appears Volkswagen has listened to at least some of that feedback.
What Has Changed Inside?
Screens and software. The ID. Tiguan has an upgraded infotainment system with up to three screens, including one in front of the passenger for apps and entertainment. The driver display and centre screen are larger, and both can switch to a “retro” mode that shows virtual gauge clusters styled after older Volkswagen models. It is the same system used in the new ID. Polo.
Real buttons. Volkswagen highlights the return of physical controls. There are new button pads on the steering wheel, a row of buttons below the main screen and a volume knob on the centre console. These replace the touch-sensitive sliders that frustrated ID.4 drivers. The rear-window switches, which had to be pushed to switch between front and rear, are replaced by four conventional ones.
EV features the ID.4 lacked. The new model adds a frunk, though a small one at just 1.1 cubic feet. It also gets one-pedal driving and vehicle-to-load capability, which lets owners power devices through an adapter that plugs into the charging port.
Design. The ID. Tiguan looks like a more mature take on the ID.4. The hood appears longer and more upright, and the side surfacing gives it a more premium look. R-Line versions use Alcantara or suede surfaces inside.
Powertrains and Range (European Specification)
Volkswagen released only European-spec details on Friday. The line-up resembles the ID.4’s, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and two battery sizes.
| Version | Battery | Power | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller battery | 58 kWh | 187 hp | RWD only |
| Larger battery | 77 kWh | 282 hp | RWD |
| Larger battery | 77 kWh | 294 hp | AWD (4Motion) |
The best advertised range is up to 600 km (372 miles) on the WLTP cycle, for the 77 kWh RWD model. That is 26 km more than the ID.4’s rating in Europe.
Price and Availability
European pricing starts at about €42,695, which is about $49,000. Volkswagen says that is roughly what the current ID.4 costs in many European markets. The European ID. Tiguan launches in early 2027.
A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed the car will come to the US, and said US-specific details will be shared after the European launch.
What This Means?
This is my read of the situation, not part of the original reporting. The headline is the interior: physical buttons, a volume knob and a better software stack speak directly to the most common ID.4 complaints. The range gain is modest, and WLTP figures are usually higher than US EPA ratings, so US buyers should wait for official EPA numbers before drawing conclusions.
It is also too early to say how the car drives or how well the new software works in daily use. Everything above comes from Volkswagen’s announcement, not from independent testing. US pricing and the final US specification are still unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan replacing the ID.4?
- Yes. It succeeds the ID.4, and the ID.5 where that model is sold.
How far can the ID. Tiguan go on a charge?
- Up to 600 km (372 miles) on the WLTP cycle for the 77 kWh rear-wheel-drive version.
How much will it cost?
- European pricing starts at about €42,695 (roughly $49,000). US pricing has not been announced.
When will it launch?
- Early 2027 in Europe. US details will come later.
Is it coming to the US?
- Yes, according to a Volkswagen spokesperson.
