The 2027 Volkswagen ID.4 facelift is expected to introduce more than just new styling, with reports suggesting the electric mid-size SUV will be renamed Volkswagen ID. Tiguan when it debuts later this year.
Spied testing in Europe ahead of its official reveal, the refreshed Volkswagen ID.4, or Volkswagen ID. Tiguan, will reportedly form part of the brand’s shift away from numeric EV naming, aligning its electric SUV range more closely with familiar combustion-engined models. An Australian launch is expected in 2027, pending local confirmation.
Volkswagen ID.4 to become Volkswagen ID. Tiguan
The facelifted Volkswagen ID.4 is expected to be renamed Volkswagen ID. Tiguan, aligning the electric SUV more closely with the size, positioning and branding of the combustion-engined Tiguan sold globally.
The move forms part of Volkswagen’s broader strategy to move away from numeric naming for its electric vehicles, instead returning to familiar model names already earmarked for future EVs such as the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Volkswagen ID. Cross.
While Volkswagen has yet to officially confirm the name change, the rebadging has been widely linked to internal planning at the brand’s German EV production facilities, where preparations are underway for the model’s extensive update.
2027 Volkswagen ID.4 facelift exterior redesign
The 2027 Volkswagen ID.4 facelift is expected to be far more extensive than a typical mid-cycle update. European spy images indicate that while the overall proportions and 2771mm wheelbase will be retained, nearly every exterior panel will be redesigned. The updated electric SUV is expected to feature:
- Sharper body lines and flatter surfaces
- Squared-off wheel arches
- New doors and fenders
- Pull-type exterior door handles
- Front and rear styling inspired by the combustion-engined Volkswagen Tiguan
The changes aim to address criticism of the current Volkswagen ID.4’s rounded styling and give the electric SUV a more traditional, SUV-like appearance.
Interior update to bring back physical buttons
A major focus of the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan interior is expected to have improved usability. Reports suggest the 2027 Volkswagen ID.4 facelift will reintroduce physical buttons for key functions such as climate control and steering wheel inputs, replacing the touch-sensitive sliders used in the current model.
The cabin is also expected to receive:
- Updated infotainment software with faster response times
- Improved materials and build quality
Volkswagen has previously acknowledged that interior controls in recent models negatively impacted customer satisfaction.
New batteries and powertrains tipped for Volkswagen ID. Tiguan
Under the skin, the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan is expected to retain the rear-wheel-drive-biased MEB platform, albeit in updated MEB+ form.
Reported changes include:
- Introduction of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for selected variants
- Continued use of nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries for longer-range models
- Rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations
LFP battery technology is expected to help lower entry-level pricing for future Volkswagen electric vehicles
Australian launch timing and pricing expectations
The Volkswagen ID. Tiguan will continue to be produced in Germany, with additional manufacturing in the United States and China for those markets.
The facelifted electric SUV is expected to launch:
- Five years after the Volkswagen ID.4 debuted in Europe in 2021
- Around 18 months after the Volkswagen ID.4 arrived in Australia
The current 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 is priced from $59,990 before on-road costs in Australia, rising to $69,990 for the all-wheel-drive Volkswagen ID.4 GTX.
While pricing for the 2027 Volkswagen ID. Tiguan is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to remain competitive with key rivals including the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV5 and BYD Sealion 7.
Key takeaways for interested buyers
If confirmed for Australia, the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan would represent a major reset for the brand’s mid-size electric SUV, combining a familiar name with revised styling, improved interior usability and potentially lower entry pricing.
More details on Australian specifications, pricing and launch timing for the 2027 Volkswagen ID.4 facelift / Volkswagen ID. Tiguan is expected closer to its global debut.
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