How Will the 2026 Volkswagen ID 4 Redefine Electric SUVs?
If you’ve been following the electric car world, you know the Volkswagen ID 4 has been a big deal since its debut in 2020. But five years is a lifetime in EV years. So, what’s next for this trailblazer? Volkswagen is gearing up for a sweeping reinvention of the ID 4, and the changes go far beyond a simple facelift. Let’s dig into what’s coming, why it matters, and what it means for drivers who want their next SUV to be electric, practical, and just a bit special.
What’s Driving the Radical Redesign of the ID 4?
Volkswagen’s design chief, Andreas Mindt, has been dropping hints about a dramatic makeover for the ID 4, internally dubbed the “electric Tiguan.” That’s not just a catchy nickname—it signals a major shift in how VW wants us to see its electric SUVs. The new ID 4 will borrow heavily from the bold styling of the upcoming ID Cross concept, aiming for a look that’s both modern and unmistakably Volkswagen.
But this isn’t just about looks. The ID 4’s redesign is part of a broader push to keep VW at the top of the EV sales charts, especially as competition heats up from rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X. According to Jato Dynamics, the ID 4 was Europe’s second best-selling EV in the first half of 2025, right behind the Model Y. That’s impressive, but staying there means constant evolution.
How Will the New ID 4 Look and Feel Different?
Let’s talk design. Early electric cars, including the first ID 3 and ID 4, featured super-short front ends because, well, no engine. But Mindt admits this led to some awkward interiors—think deep dashboards and greenhouse-like windshields that turned the cabin into an oven on sunny days. The new approach? A more balanced silhouette, with proportions that feel right for an SUV and a cabin that’s comfortable year-round.
Expect the 2026 ID 4 to take cues from the ID 2all and ID Cross concepts. That means a lower, squatter stance and a stronger family resemblance to other new-generation VW EVs. Volkswagen’s technical development boss, Kai Grünitz, confirmed that both the ID 3 and ID 4 will adopt this new design language, making them look and feel like true siblings to the upcoming ID 2.
What’s Changing Inside the Cabin?
Here’s where things get really interesting. Volkswagen listened to customer feedback—loud and clear. The digital-only controls and touch sliders in the current ID lineup? They’re on the way out. Grünitz says the facelifted ID 4 will feature a fully revised interior, complete with a new dashboard and a return to physical buttons and knobs. Yes, you read that right: the beloved volume knob is making a comeback.
Why the backtrack? Sometimes, simpler really is better. Drivers want controls they can use without taking their eyes off the road. Volkswagen’s move echoes a wider industry trend—think of how Ford and Hyundai have also reintroduced tactile controls in their latest models after initial forays into all-touch interiors.
Will Performance and Range Get an Upgrade?
While Volkswagen hasn’t released full technical specs yet, insiders suggest the 2026 ID 4 will benefit from the latest advancements in electric motors, batteries, and inverter technology. These improvements, already seen in the ID 7 sedan, translate to better efficiency, more power, and potentially longer range—key factors for anyone considering an EV as their primary vehicle.
The ID 4 will continue to ride on VW’s MEB platform for now, but the company is already preparing its next-generation 800V SSP platform, set to debut from 2028. In the meantime, the updated ID 4 aims to keep pace with newer rivals by squeezing every drop of performance and efficiency from its current architecture.
How Does the ID 4 Fit Into Volkswagen’s Bigger EV Strategy?
Volkswagen isn’t just updating the ID 4 in isolation. The company is rolling out a trio of new, more affordable MEB Entry-based EVs next year, including the ID 2, Cupra Raval, and Skoda Epiq. The goal? To cover every corner of the electric market, from compact city cars to family SUVs.
Interestingly, VW is also tailoring its EVs to different regions. European and US models will share a unified design language, while Chinese-market cars will get their own unique styling. This regional approach was previewed at the Shanghai motor show, where VW unveiled the ID Aura, Era, and Evo concepts specifically for China.
What About the ID 5 and Other Siblings?
Not every member of the ID family is getting the same love. The rakish-roofed ID 5, a close sibling to the ID 4, is reportedly set for retirement rather than a major update. Sales figures back this up—the ID 5 has moved about a third as many units as the ID 4 in the UK, and it’s not among Europe’s top 25 EVs.
Meanwhile, the ID 3 hatchback will also get a dramatic overhaul, with a reveal expected in the second quarter of next year. The ID 4’s update will follow later in 2026, positioning it as the flagship of VW’s electric SUV lineup.
Will the ID 4 Become the Electric Tiguan?
Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, has made it clear that iconic names like Golf and Tiguan aren’t going anywhere, even as the brand goes electric. While the ID 4 might not officially adopt the Tiguan badge just yet, VW wants customers to see it as the spiritual successor to the combustion-powered Tiguan—the company’s global best-seller.
This strategy makes sense. Familiar names build trust, and as more drivers make the leap to electric, they want reassurance that their new car will deliver the same reliability and practicality as their old favorite.
What’s the Real-World Impact for Drivers?
So, what does all this mean if you’re considering an electric SUV in the next couple of years? The 2026 Volkswagen ID 4 promises to be more than just a refreshed model—it’s shaping up to be a genuinely new car, inside and out. Expect a more comfortable, user-friendly interior, sharper looks, and meaningful improvements in efficiency and performance.
But perhaps most importantly, Volkswagen is showing that it’s listening to its customers and learning from early missteps. The outcome? An electric SUV that feels less like a tech experiment and more like a car you’ll actually want to live with every day.
Keep an eye out for the official reveal in 2026. If the early signals are anything to go by, the next ID 4 could set a new benchmark for mainstream electric SUVs—one that’s stylish, practical, and unmistakably Volkswagen.