How Will the 2026 Volkswagen ID 4 Be Different From the Current Model?
Volkswagen isn’t just giving the ID 4 a facelift—it’s reimagining the electric SUV from the ground up. Internally, the project is even nicknamed the electric Tiguan, signaling a push to make the ID 4 a true electric sibling to Volkswagen’s global bestseller. If you’ve driven or even sat in the current ID 4, you’ll notice the difference right away. The new version will feature a completely overhauled exterior and interior, with a design language that ties it closely to upcoming models like the ID 1 city car and ID 2 supermini.
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer has been clear: the 2026 ID 4 will be “a completely different car—a huge step up.” Expect a lower, squatter stance and a more cohesive family resemblance across the electric lineup. The goal? To keep the ID 4 competitive as rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X keep raising the bar.
Why Is Volkswagen Making Such Drastic Changes to the ID 4?
The ID 4 is approaching its fifth birthday, and while it’s still one of Europe’s top-selling EVs (fourth, according to Jato Dynamics), the electric SUV market is evolving fast. Early versions of Volkswagen’s MEB-based EVs faced criticism for software glitches, confusing controls, and a user experience that didn’t quite match up to the competition. Volkswagen knows it can’t afford to rest on its laurels.
This overhaul is about more than just keeping up appearances. It’s a strategic move to extend the life of the current 400V platform while the company prepares its next-generation 800V SSP architecture, due in 2028. In the meantime, Volkswagen wants to ensure its electric lineup feels fresh, competitive, and unmistakably Volkswagen.
What Interior Changes Can Drivers Expect?
One of the biggest complaints about the original ID 4 was its reliance on touch-sensitive sliders and digital-only controls. Volkswagen listened. The 2026 ID 4 will bring back physical buttons and knobs, including a classic round knob for volume control. This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s about usability. As one insider put it, “If you develop something that works, and it has worked for years, there’s no reason to replace it.”
The dashboard and user interface are getting a full redesign, inspired by the ID 2all concept. Expect a more intuitive layout, better materials, and a user experience that feels less like a science experiment and more like a well-built German car. This shift back to physical controls echoes a broader industry trend, as automakers realize that not every digital innovation improves the driving experience.
Will Performance and Range Improve With the Update?
While Volkswagen hasn’t released full technical specs yet, there’s every reason to expect meaningful gains in both efficiency and performance. The ID 4 will benefit from the latest electric motors, battery, and inverter technology already seen in newer models like the ID 7. These upgrades should translate to quicker acceleration, longer range, and faster charging times.
Volkswagen’s recent focus on drivetrain improvements has already paid off in other models. For example, the ID 7’s new powertrain delivers both better efficiency and a more engaging drive. If the ID 4 follows suit, drivers can look forward to an EV that not only goes farther on a charge but also feels more responsive behind the wheel.
How Does the ID 4 Fit Into Volkswagen’s Broader Electric Strategy?
Volkswagen is doubling down on its electric future, but it’s not abandoning what works. The ID 4’s transformation is part of a larger plan to keep familiar names like Tiguan and Golf alive—even as the company shifts away from combustion engines. Schäfer has said these names have too much brand equity to simply disappear.
At the same time, Volkswagen is preparing to launch three new entry-level EVs based on the MEB Entry platform: the ID 2, Cupra Raval, and Skoda Epiq. These models will help Volkswagen maintain its lead in Europe’s EV sales charts while the company readies its next-gen technology. The ID 4’s rakish-roofed sibling, the ID 5, won’t be getting the same update and is likely headed for retirement, reflecting Volkswagen’s focus on models that resonate with buyers.
Will the New ID 4 Look the Same Everywhere?
Not quite. Volkswagen is tailoring its EV designs to different markets. While European and US versions of the ID 4 will share a common design language, Chinese-market models will get their own unique styling. This regional differentiation was previewed at the Shanghai motor show with the unveiling of the ID Aura, Era, and Evo concepts. It’s a smart move, recognizing that tastes and expectations vary widely around the globe.
What’s Next for Volkswagen’s Electric Lineup?
Before the revamped ID 4 arrives in 2026, Volkswagen will preview its next electric crossover, the ID 2X, at the Munich motor show. Due in 2027, the ID 2X will compete with the Jeep Avenger and Peugeot e-2008, signaling Volkswagen’s intent to cover every corner of the EV market. Meanwhile, the facelifted ID 3 hatchback will debut earlier in 2025, bringing similar upgrades in design and technology.
The big takeaway? The 2026 Volkswagen ID 4 isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Volkswagen’s willingness to listen, adapt, and refine is what keeps its EVs at the top of the sales charts—and keeps drivers coming back for more.