The name change is part of a new strategy that has already seen Volkswagen ditch the original ID.2 name for its electric supermini in favour of ID. Polo, choosing to use well-known names from its existing range to reduce the gap between combustion and electric powertrains. However, these new electric models will still carry distinct exterior designs, so don’t expect the ID. Tiguan to simply be a Tiguan with an electric powertrain.
What’s changed about the design?
Where the VW ID.4 followed a similar design approach to the smaller ID.3, a first look at the ID. Tiguan in camouflaged images show that all of the exterior body panels have been changed, giving the ID. Tiguan a more purposeful and sculpted appearance.
It looks set to retain an illuminated light bar across its front - something we’ve already seen on the ID. Polo - and features more pronounced ‘air curtains’ in the front bumper to boost aerodynamic efficiency. The images also show how Volkswagen is going back to more traditional pull-type door handles, instead of the streamlined versions that came on the ID.4.
The rear design is different too, with a rising C-pillar that is closer in appearance to VW Tiguan, Tayron and T-Roc SUVs. It also looks like it will feature a wrap-around light bar across the tailgate similar to the ID. Polo.
The covered cars seen here are riding on 21-inch alloy wheels, though smaller options are likely to be offered to keep costs down while boosting efficiency and range.
How much performance and range does the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan have?
The technical specifications have yet to be fully revealed, but the ID. Tiguan will be built on the MEB+ platform, an evolution of the existing architecture that the ID.4 and ID.5 use.
We expect Volkswagen to continue offering a choice of battery sizes with a rear-wheel-drive setup and at least one dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version. A driving range in excess of 600 kilometres is expected.
Earlier this year, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer confirmed that this model would get cell-to-pack LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery technology, which is more affordable, durable and safer than batteries using NMC chemistry.
Will there be other variants of the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan?
Volkswagen is in the midst of slimming down its model range and, as part of this, the ID.5 is set to be discontinued when it reaches the end of its planned model cycle in 2027.
Despite its sportier styling that didn’t significantly compromise interior space, sales have been reported as sluggish compared to those of the more popular ID.4, even with the option of a GTX variant with styling upgrades and a powerful dual-motor powertrain.
The recent introduction of the ID.3 GTI suggests that the GTX name will be phased out, too, as Volkswagen has already revealed the smaller ID. Polo GTI. But whether that GTI name — a badge that is highly regarded by Volkswagen enthusiasts — will be used on a faster ID. Tiguan model remains to be seen.
When does the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan debut?
The Volkswagen ID. Tiguan is set to be revealed in full on 10 October and should arrive in Ireland during the first half of 2027.
We've already driven a pre-production version of the VW ID. Tiguan - you can read Dave's review here.
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