The Volkswagen ID.4 never quite lived up to expectations, but the German manufacturer will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself with its latest electric SUV. This is the new VW ID. Tiguan, which comes with a new design, a longer range, and leverages the trusted Tiguan nameplate. The model seen here is the European version, with details about the North American version to follow at a later stage. Still, the Euro version gives us a clearer idea of what to expect from the model that will ultimately supersede the ID.4 in this market. It will also replace the ID.5 coupe-SUV sold in Europe.
A Newer, Bolder VW Electric EV
Volkswagen ID. Tiguan
VW
The ID.4 was criticized for its somewhat pedestrian appearance, but the ID. Tiguan arrives with a more masculine look and a body with squarer, less swoopy lines. Particularly in the Olive Green paint seen here, it makes a better first impression with the brand’s Pure Positive design language. Sleek, full-width front lighting and clean body panels should age well, and VW has made a welcome return to traditional door handles, following the safety concerns surrounding electronic flush handles.
Sanity has prevailed in the new cabin, too, which comes with physical buttons on the steering wheel and a button bar in the center stack. After years of fussy touch-sensitive controls in models like the Golf, this is a much more user-friendly solution. That doesn’t mean modern technology has been neglected, as the ID. Tiguan comes with a 15-inch touchscreen and 12-inch passenger-side display. We’ll have to wait and see if North American models have exactly the same displays.
Volkswagen ID. Tiguan
VW
The digital gauge cluster can be customized with a ‘Retro’ view, with drivers able to choose from six models’ clusters in a virtual garage: Golf I, Golf II Country, Golf IV, Tiguan I, Race Toureg, and Beetle. For the first time, a matching ‘Retro’ view in the center touchscreen can be personalized.
One-pedal driving, assisted highway lane changes, power front seats with massage, and Vehicle-to-Load functionality are among the available features.
Related: VW Is Replacing the ID.4 With an Electric Tiguan in America
Performance and Range
VW
In Europe, the new VW ID. Tiguan will be available with the following powertrain options:
- RWD with 58-kWh battery and 187 horsepower
- RWD with 77-kWh battery and 282 horsepower
- AWD with 77-kWh battery and 295 horsepower
The ID.4 sold here is already available with a standard 282-hp powertrain, but the U.S. AWD version has 335 hp. Therefore, it’s plausible that the ID. Tiguan AWD sold here will have more than Europe’s 295 hp.
VW quotes a WLTP range of up to 600km (373 miles), but a more realistic figure by EPA standards would be around 310-320 miles. With the larger battery, the ID. Tiguan has a towing capacity of up to 4,409 lbs, which is a major improvement over the ID.4’s maximum of 2,700 lbs.
VW
“The Tiguan is our best-selling model worldwide, and the ID.4 and ID.5 are among our most successful electric cars,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “The ID. Tiguan brings these two success stories together. A pure, confident design with the presence of a vehicle from the next class up, intuitive operation and, thanks to MEB+, a range of up to 600 kilometers: a new benchmark for our electric SUVs made in Germany.”
The new ID. Tiguan launches in Europe early in 2027, with the model’s North American launch date and market-specific details to follow at a later stage. Pricing will also be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch, although it will start at €42,695 (~$47,800) in Europe.
Why It Matters
VW
Not only does the new ID. Tiguan have the task of stepping up where the ID.4 couldn’t, but it comes at a critical time for VW and the VW Group as a whole. Falling profits, sweeping job cuts, and a lineup that is expected to be dramatically streamlined in the months and years ahead will put extra pressure on new product launches. The signs point to a much-improved product, though. The ID. Tiguan addresses the design and usability criticisms of the ID.4, and if the pricing is right, VW has a stronger opportunity to dent the Tesla Model Y’s stranglehold on this segment.
Related: Half Of The VW Group’s Lineup May Be Gone By 2030
