Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the ID Tiguan, a new electric SUV that replaces both the ID 4 and ID 5 and marks a deliberate shift back towards conventional design and familiar controls. The model, built on the company's MEB+ platform, will offer up to 373 miles (600 km) of range on the WLTP cycle and is due to begin European pre-sales on 13 October, with prices starting at €42,695.
The ID Tiguan is essentially a heavily overhauled ID 4, but the new name reflects how substantially the car has been updated and Volkswagen's decision to align its electric range with its established combustion-engined models. The company has acknowledged that the best way to persuade motorists to buy an EV is not to make it look unusual or carry an odd name, but to create a vehicle that looks and sounds familiar. The new model leans into a more traditional SUV silhouette rather than the high-riding hatchback appearance of its predecessor.
Three distinct versions will be available, supported by two battery packs. The entry-level model uses a 58 kWh battery and a rear-mounted electric motor producing 187 horsepower. A mid-range rear-wheel-drive variant steps up to a 77 kWh pack and 282 hp, while a single all-wheel-drive configuration, badged 4MOTION, combines 295 hp with the larger battery. Volkswagen has not confirmed which version achieves the 373-mile range figure, though it is presumed to be the rear-wheel-drive 77 kWh model. Towing capacity stands at up to 3,968 lbs (1,800 kg) for the 58 kWh version and 4,409 lbs (2,000 kg) for the 77 kWh models.
Design-wise, the ID Tiguan adopts Volkswagen's Pure Positive language, shared with the ID Polo and ID Cross. It features intricate LED daytime running lights and a light bar stretching across the front fascia, black intakes in place of a traditional grille, and a shoulder line running from the headlights along the doors to the tailgate. At the rear, bold LED taillights are connected by four narrow illuminated stripes, and glowing emblems appear at both ends.
Inside, the cabin represents a significant departure from the ID 4 and ID 5, which now feel outdated by comparison. A new steering wheel uses physical buttons for cruise control and audio, replacing the haptic switches of the previous generation. A larger digital instrument cluster is integrated into the dashboard rather than perched on top, and includes a Retro theme displaying four traditional gauges. A larger infotainment system and an optional passenger display are also fitted. Crucially, nine physical switches with a knurled metal finish sit below the central air vents to control the HVAC system, while a small volume knob and two wireless phone chargers feature on the centre console. Volkswagen has responded to criticism of its touch-sensitive controls by removing them entirely from the ID Tiguan.
Optional equipment will include massaging, heated and ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic sunroof and a Digital Key that allows owners to lock, unlock and start the vehicle via smartphone. Materials throughout appear upgraded, with soft-touch surfaces on the tunnel and door panels.
Volkswagen has confirmed that the ID Tiguan will launch in North America, but timing for that market remains unconfirmed. European deliveries are scheduled to begin early next year. The model joins the ID Polo and ID Cross in a renewed electric line-up that seeks to bring Volkswagen's EVs closer to the conventions of its core combustion range.