VW ID.4 becomes ID. Tiguan

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VW's electric models are apparently successively losing their order numbers. The ID.2, which will be called ID. Polo, was just the beginning. The "new" name for the ID.4 is also set.

The ID.4 will become the ID. Tiguan towards the end of this year as part of a "reskin". The renaming was publicly confirmed by IG Metall Emden during an event, as first reported by the Ostfriesenzeitung. According to the union, production of the ID. Tiguan is scheduled to run in Emden until the end of 2031.

Old names for new models

With the ID.4, after the VW ID.2all – now ID. Polo – the Wolfsburg-based car manufacturer's second electric model is receiving the name of a well-known model from the VW Group. Although the Tiguan, introduced in 2007, is not historically as established as the VW Polo, which has existed since 1975. However, it seems that the group management under Oliver Blume wants to get rid of the order numbers of the ID series introduced by his predecessor Herbert Diess.

Furthermore, it makes little sense to differentiate between combustion engines and e-cars in the model series, as Volkswagen is increasingly focusing on e-mobility, according to its own statements. In addition, VW wishes to make the electric models more emotionally appealing with the renaming and create a connection to the established model lines.

Optical adjustments expected

Moreover, the design of the ID family is intended to become less distinctive and approach the look of the combustion engine model lines. This is already evident in the ID. Polo, which is more understated and less oriented towards the ID series. This development will also happen to the ID. Tiguan: Images published by Carscoops suggest that the look will be somewhat based on the Tiguan, but also show influences from the previous ID.4. Furthermore, as with the ID. Polo, physical buttons and switches are to play an important role in the interior, including a real volume control. VW is thus responding to criticism of the touch-sensitive controls in the current ID.4.

In addition, the e-SUV is to receive the revised modular electric drive matrix MEB+, on which the ID. Polo will also be based. It is said that the ID. Tiguan will thus not only get a more modern technology base but also a new entry-level engine. At least the base variant is likely to receive the more cost-effective LFP cell chemistry (lithium iron phosphate), which VW manufactures at the PowerCo plant in Salzgitter.

Further renamings conceivable

VW will certainly not stop at renaming its e-models with the ID. Tiguan. Existing IDs like the ID.3 and ID.7 could be renamed ID. Golf and ID. Passat in the medium term. Thomas Schäfer, brand manager for VW, already said in 2023 that the successor to the Golf 8, expected in the late 2020s, will be battery-electric. This would ultimately merge the ID. and classic model series.

We will certainly see a similar development with the VW ID.Every1: The tendentially cheapest and smallest model in the ID series could receive either the name ID. Up or ID. Lupo, with the first option being more likely, as the Up enjoyed considerable popularity until its discontinuation in 2023. VW wants to make its e-cars more emotionally appealing.

(afl)