Volkswagen isn’t standing still in the electric vehicle space, even as most of its U.S. lineup struggles to gain traction this year. The Volkswagen ID.4, one of only two VW models whose American sales increased in 2025, is about to receive more than a minor update.
Rather than a simple refresh, the electric crossover is undergoing a significant facelift that some within VW are already dubbing the “electric Tiguan.”
Spy photos reveal a crossover that remains unmistakably an ID.4 but with sharper, more refined styling. The front end has been squared off, aligning closely with the visual language of the upcoming ID Cross.
The doors have been redesigned with conventional pull handles, while the rear end features subtle revisions, including a concave tailgate panel instead of a convex one and a reworked D-pillar. Although this is a mid-cycle facelift rather than a complete redesign, the underlying structure remains largely unchanged, which is consistent with VW’s approach to such updates.
The updated surfacing and adjusted proportions bring the ID.4 visually into closer harmony with the new Tiguan and VW’s forthcoming ID.Cross, which was first shown as a concept last September and is scheduled to launch in Europe in 2026.
The interior is where VW is making some of the most noticeable changes for daily use. Physical buttons and switches are returning, including a conventional volume knob, alongside an updated dashboard, improved materials, and a revised user interface. The company previewed this interior philosophy earlier this month with the new ID. Polo, as seen in official photos.
Software updates will also be part of the facelift, with a smarter AI-powered voice assistant and an enlarged digital gauge cluster replacing the current smaller version.
Beneath the surface, the facelifted ID.4 rides on a revised MEB+ platform, which may feature LFP battery chemistry to boost efficiency and potentially extend range, though the vehicle will continue to use a 400-volt system.
Powertrain updates are expected to be modest, rather than sweeping. However, the base single-motor ID.4 was recently upgraded in 2024, now producing 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS), an increase of 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) over its previous output.
The refreshed ID.4 is expected to launch toward the end of 2026 and carry the model through to 2028. At that point, a fully new version will debut, built on a true 800-volt platform and likely badged as the ID.Tiguan, unless VW determines that this facelift is extensive enough to justify using the new name for the 2027 model year.
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