Volkswagen's Best-Seller Goes Electric: Meet the ID. Tiguan

Volkswagen is retiring the ID.4 and ID.5 in favor of a familiar nameplate. The German automaker has pulled the wraps off the ID. Tiguan, an all-electric reimagining of its global best-seller, which will arrive in European showrooms starting October 13 with a base price of 42,695 euros (roughly $47,800). Sales in North America are expected to begin by early 2027, where it will directly take over from the ID.4.

The ID.4 and ID.5 have been the backbone of VW’s electric lineup since their 2021 launch, accumulating more than 950,000 combined sales. Rather than simply refreshing those models, Volkswagen has opted for a clean slate with the ID. Tiguan, positioning it as what the company describes as a “True Volkswagen” — following in the wheel tracks of the ID. Polo and ID. Cross. The shift represents a deliberate move toward more conventional SUV proportions, trading the ID.4’s slippery aerodynamics for a taller, boxier silhouette. Flush door handles give way to traditional pull-style units, and VW claims the new design language, dubbed “Pure Positive,” gives the electric Tiguan a premium-segment presence.

Inside, the changes are equally substantial. A 10-inch Digital Cockpit sits behind the steering wheel, while a 15-inch central touchscreen anchors the dash; an optional 12-inch display can be added for the front passenger. Perhaps most notably, physical buttons make a comeback below the screen and on the steering wheel — a direct response to criticism of the ID.4’s touch-heavy interface. A whimsical “Retro” mode recreates the blue-and-red gauges of the Mk4 Golf, and a virtual garage lets drivers display six classic VW models on screen, including the original Beetle, Golf I, and Race Touareg.

Buyers will choose from three powertrain configurations across two battery sizes. The entry point is a rear-drive model producing 140 kW (190 PS) with a 58 kWh pack, stepping up to a 210 kW (286 PS) rear-drive variant and a 220 kW (299 PS) 4MOTION all-wheel-drive version, both paired with a 77 kWh battery. WLTP range tops out at 372 miles (600 km), and the larger battery allows for towing up to 4,400 lbs (2,000 kg), while the smaller pack manages around 4,000 lbs (1,800 kg). Four trims will be offered: Trend, Life, Style, and R-Line.

For North American shoppers, the numbers should prove compelling. The outgoing ID.4 with its 82 kWh battery delivers up to 291 miles of EPA-estimated range in rear-drive form and about 263 miles with all-wheel drive. Since the European ID. Tiguan already out-distances the ID.4 by roughly 25 miles (40 km) on the WLTP cycle, the U.S. version could well crest the 300-mile mark under EPA testing. Volkswagen says pricing and final specifications for North America will be shared closer to launch.