Next week’s Paris motor show will see the world premiere of the new Volkswagen ID. Tiguan, which is set to replace both the ID.4 and ID.5 in the company’s existing range when it goes on sale next year.
Despite Volkswagen describing the ID. Tiguan as a completely new model, it’s essentially a heavily reworked successor to the existing ID.4 and ID.5, rather than a clean-sheet replacement. Although the underpinnings are an evolution of the current models, the styling is completely new – both inside and out – while the powertrains have also been upgraded.
The name change is also important. The new ID. Tiguan sits alongside the existing petrol, diesel and hybrid Tiguan family SUV models, rather than replacing them. Volkswagen is borrowing the name from its hugely successful Tiguan family, although the electric model is based on a completely different platform from its fossil-fuelled siblings.
We expect to see Volkswagen following a similar pattern as more new electric models are launched. The new ID. Polo small hatchback sits alongside the regular petrol Polo, while the forthcoming ID. Cross small SUV will sit in parallel to the existing T-Cross petrol model.
The ID. Tiguan will go on sale at the beginning of 2027, although there’s no UK-specific launch information or pricing yet.
Choice of two batteries and up to 370 miles of range
Three versions have been announced for launch, although we don’t know if all of them will come to the UK. Entry-level cars use a 58kWh battery and a 190hp electric motor driving the rear wheels. Volkswagen is forecasting an official driving range of around 280 miles.
A larger 77kWh battery is paired with a 286hp rear-wheel-drive motor, increasing the official driving range to around 370 miles. This version can accept faster charging of up to 165kW from a suitable public charger, so it can charge from 10% to 80% in about half an hour, and only a few minutes more than the smaller-battery version.
The most powerful model combines the same 77kWh battery with four-wheel drive and 299hp. Its expected driving range drops slightly to around 350 miles.
Bigger, more practical and proper buttons in the cabin
The ID. Tiguan is slightly longer than the outgoing ID.4, although this is likely to be mostly a result of the new exterior styling and cabin space is likely to be very similar to the current car. Boot space is quoted at 534 litres, expanding to 1,577 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s also a small frunk under the bonnet for storing charging cables.
The cabin has been substantially redesigned from the ID.4, and the initial news appears to be good. Volkswagen has clearly listened to criticism of the touch-heavy controls in its current ID models, and started reintroducing proper physical buttons to the steering wheel and dashboard.
As with almost every new car on sale, the dashboard combines a smaller (ten-inch) driver display with a large (15-inch) central touchscreen. In addition, an optional 12-inch screen is available for the front passenger, which can show entertainment without being visible to the driver.
Key functions like climate control return to physical buttons, along with a rotary controller for volume and media functions, while the steering wheel switches back from touch-sensitive controls to conventional buttons. As with most new family SUVs, other features include ventilated and massaging front seats, a head-up display and an optional audio system upgrade – in this case from Harman Kardon.
One slightly more playful feature is a set of retro digital displays. Drivers can recreate the instrument graphics from the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf, while the central screen can adopt themes based on various older Volkswagens like the original Golf or Beetle models.
Up to two tonnes of towing capacity
Practicality extends beyond luggage space. The entry-level ID. Tiguan will be rated to tow up to 1.8 tonnes, while the two more powerful versions increase that figure to two tonnes.
Volkswagen has also added vehicle-to-load capability through an optional adapter plugged into the charging port, allowing the car’s battery to power external electrical equipment like tools, appliances or e-bikes.
UK pricing, specifications and an exact launch date haven’t been announced yet. Those details are likely to determine how directly the ID. Tiguan competes with the existing Tiguan range when it arrives next year.
