VW's Top-Selling EV Could Make a Comeback with a Fresh Look

The ID.4's mid-cycle refresh from VW will resemble an entirely new model rather than just a minor upgrade.
The electric SUV is set to launch in 2026, following the updated model of the ID.3.
It will feature a new look, enhanced cabin, and better mechanical components.

Volkswagen is preparing for a significant overhaul of the ID.4 electric SUV, an action that goes beyond a simple upgrade. Scheduled to be released at the end of 2026, the new version will bring it nearer to a complete generation change, establishing it as a stronger electric alternative to the gasoline-powered Tiguan.

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With the continued expansion of Europe's electric vehicle market, Volkswagen has taken the lead over Tesla In regional sales and aiming to keep up the pace with a combination of new models and major improvements. A central part of this plan is the latest version of the ID.4.

Although it is five years old, the ID.4 continues to sell well, but Volkswagen is getting ready to enhance its attractiveness through a complete interior and exterior overhaul, better energy efficiency, and possibly a new brand name.

A New Aesthetic Approach Throughout

According to Autocar Volkswagen Chief Executive Thomas Schäfer outlined the modifications clearly: "We'll entirely redo the interior and exterior of the ID.4. It will be a significantly new vehicle—an major advancement." He mentioned that the overhaul is crucial for bringing the model into line with Volkswagen's upcoming design strategy, referring to the ID.4 as their highest-volume electric vehicle.

The new ID.4 will adopt the design style unveiled with the next model. ID.1 And ID.2 hatchbacks, created under the leadership of design director Andy Mindt. The same aesthetic approach will also influence the upcoming ID.3, scheduled for a significant redesign in the second quarter of 2026, followed by the ID.4 update later that year.

Previous statements from Volkswagen's development head, Kai Grunitz, indicated that the updated ID.3 and ID.4 models will include additional mentions of the car manufacturer's history while taking up a "more low-to-the-ground posture." Implicitly, the hybrid could feature square-shaped headlamps and tail lights, a larger fake grille, flatter fenders, and a more pronounced C-pillar similar to the Golf.

Internal Improvements and System Updates

Grunitz has also mentioned that the revised ID.3 and ID.4 models will feature a fresh cabin design, with more focus on electrical switching equipment VW has taken lessons from past errors and plans to reintroduce the circular volume control rather than the inconvenient touchscreen sliders.

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Beneath, the new model will still be based on the MEB platform, though with an upgraded iteration. Although the upcoming SSP architecture remains several years off, likely not before 2028, improvements to motors and battery systems will result in better performance, extended range, and increased efficiency—key factors for remaining competitive against a growing number of electric vehicle competitors.

The Electric Tiguan

Internally, Volkswagen is calling the new ID.4 the "electric" Tiguan ,” according to Autocar That tag could indicate more than just how the product is positioned in the marketplace. Martin Sander, head of Sales, Marketing, and After Sales at Volkswagen, recently mentioned that upcoming electric vehicles will use "real names" once more, suggesting a possible change in approach. far from the numeric and alphabetic identification system A redesigned ID.4 could be included in that strategy.

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A victim of the update might be the ID.5, the coupé-shaped counterpart to the ID.4. Volkswagen is said to be considering ending production, largely because of its lower sales figures. In contrast to the ID.4 , which regularly ranks within the top five best-selling electric vehicles in Europe, the ID.5 has not entered the continent's top 25.

In addition to the successors of the ID.3 and ID.4 set to debut next year, Volkswagen is also preparing for the introduction of the ID.2 compact model and the ID.1 urban vehicle in 2026 and 2027, respectively. A sport utility variant of the ID.2 is currently being developed for release in 2027, with a conceptual preview (ID.2 X) planned for presentation at the event. Munich Motor Show in September.