Volkswagen is set to transform its popular ID 4 SUV so dramatically for 2026 that it will represent an entirely new generation rather than a simple facelift. This comprehensive overhaul aims to maintain the model’s impressive sales momentum while positioning it as a clearer electric alternative to the conventional Tiguan.
Major Overhaul for Volkswagen’s Electric Success Story
The ID 4, which debuted in 2020 as Volkswagen’s second dedicated electric vehicle following the ID 3 hatchback, has established itself as a cornerstone of the company’s electrification strategy. Now approaching its fifth birthday, this Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X competitor has earned its place among the world’s most successful electric vehicles.
Currently ranking as Europe’s fourth best-selling electric car, positioned between the ID 7 and ID 3 according to Jato Dynamics data, the ID 4 continues to play a vital role in Volkswagen’s electric portfolio. However, after five years in the market, the time has come for extensive design and technical updates to align it with newer stablemates.
CEO Promises “Completely Different Car”
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer has been enthusiastic about the upcoming transformation, describing the new 2026 ID 4 as “really beautiful” and emphasizing the extent of the redesign. “We’ll re-do the ID 4 completely inside and out. It will be a completely different car – a huge step up,” Schäfer revealed.
This comprehensive approach reflects Volkswagen’s commitment to keeping their most numerically important electric vehicle competitive in an increasingly crowded market segment.
New Design Language Integration
A primary focus of the redesign centers on visual consistency with Volkswagen’s upcoming electric models. The 2026 ID 4 will adopt the new design language being introduced with the forthcoming ID 1 city car and ID 2 superminis.
“We felt it needed to fit in with the new design language going forward, since it is still our most important electric vehicle in numbers,” Schäfer explained. This design cohesion aims to create a more unified electric vehicle family while ensuring the ID 4 remains competitive for years to come.
The ‘Electric Tiguan’ Strategy
Industry sources indicate that internally, the new ID 4 is referred to as the ‘electric Tiguan,’ highlighting Volkswagen’s strategy to position these similarly sized SUV models as clear siblings. This approach should help customers understand the relationship between the conventional and electric offerings while emphasizing the ID 4’s role as the natural electric successor to Tiguan buyers.
Sustaining Market Position
The extensive redesign represents Volkswagen’s determination to maintain the ID 4’s strong market position against established competitors like the Tesla Model Y and emerging rivals in the electric SUV segment. By delivering what amounts to a new generation vehicle, Volkswagen aims to reset the competitive landscape and attract both existing customers and new buyers to their electric ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the new Volkswagen ID 4 be released?
A: The completely redesigned ID 4 is scheduled for launch in 2026.
Q: How extensive will the changes be?
A: CEO Thomas Schäfer confirmed it will be “completely different inside and out” – more like a new generation than a facelift.
Q: Will it maintain the same market positioning?
A: Yes, it will continue competing with Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X while serving as the electric equivalent to the Tiguan.
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