Volkswagen discontinues ID.4 to launch ID. Tiguan electric SUV

Volkswagen is overhauling its electric vehicle strategy by retiring the ID.4 and the European-market ID.5 in favor of a new, traditional SUV named the ID. Tiguan. According to Yahoo Autos, the shift brings a more upright and muscular exterior design, improved cabin materials, and physical controls designed to address consumer complaints about touch-capacitive buttons on earlier models. The move abandons the numerical naming convention that defined Volkswagen's initial EV rollout, anchoring the electric successor to the established Tiguan nameplate instead.

The transformation affects vehicles on both sides of the Atlantic. According to Carscoops, production of the ID.4 ended in Chattanooga in April to allow the plant to pivot toward higher-volume products meeting current market demand, with existing inventory supporting customer needs into 2027. Meanwhile, Motor1 reports that the European-market ID.5 — introduced as a coupe-SUV mashup in 2021 — will not receive a direct replacement, as Volkswagen consolidates two models into a single traditional shape designed to maximize interior space.

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Volkswagen ID.4 Is Dead: Meet Its New Electric SUV Replacement

Motortrend notes that while the original ID.4 provided an accessible entry point to the EV market, competitors like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 ultimately surpassed it in range, charging speed, and technology. The upcoming ID. Tiguan aims to close that gap. In Europe, the model will be available in four trim levels: Trend, Life, Style, and R-Line, with pre-orders beginning October 13 and starting prices around €42,695, or roughly $48,000 at current exchange rates, as reported by Yahoo Autos.

Inside, the ID. Tiguan introduces physical controls for key functions such as air conditioning and audio volume via an illuminated center console controller, replacing the reviled touch-sensitive steering wheel and dash buttons. As Yahoo Autos outlines, the dashboard features a 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.0-inch central infotainment screen, and an optional 12.0-inch passenger-side display, a first for a European Volkswagen. Drivers can also select a "Retro" mode mimicking Golf IV instruments or view a virtual garage graphic on the central screen.

Technical specifications vary by region and battery configuration. European models will offer up to 373 miles of WLTP range, while MotorTrend estimates US range will clear 300 miles under EPA testing for larger-battery variants. Carscoops notes the vehicle rides on the new MEB+ platform, pairing improved motors with updated battery packs and a charging capacity of roughly 183 kW.

What to Watch Next

• October 13: European pre-orders open for the ID. Tiguan across Germany and select markets.
• Early 2027: Official European market launch and deliveries begin.
• Later next year: Expected arrival of the ID. Tiguan in North America as a 2028 model, alongside official US pricing and trim announcements.