Volkswagen has officially uncovered its new ID. Tiguan midsize SUV, transitioning one of its most legendary global nameplates into the all-electric era.

Scheduled for launch in early 2027 to join the existing petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid Tiguan, the ID.

Tiguan arrives as a direct successor to both the ID.4 and ID.5. This effectively renames the midsize electric SUVs as part of a mid-life revamp that also brings a new look and new technology to address previous usability complaints.

The move continues the brand’s shift away from purely numeric branding and back to classic, well-known combustion model names under the True Volkswagen naming strategy, as already seen with the ID. Polo and ID. Cross.

Volkswagen promises the updated model “builds on the strengths of the best-seller and offers premium design, generous space, intuitive operation and innovative technologies”. Notably, the swoopy ID.5 coupé variant is not being replaced; instead, the new model will be sold strictly as a traditional, standard SUV.

The design changes deliver a bolder, more distinctive look that directly addresses core criticisms of the first-generation ID.4, making the SUV the largest new model in Europe to date based on Volkswagen’s new Pure Positive design language.

The new front-end adds in a new full-width LED light strip with an illuminated VW badge, ditching the soft, rounded “crossover” look of the older ID.4 in favour of a bolder, more assertive SUV presence. The rear gains a 3D light design with depth effect and there’s new 20- or 21-inch wheel rims, more ergonomic door handles and a focus on “timeless elegance with modern colour accents” for the colour options.

The cabin receives extensive upgrades focused on more intuitive use, completely eliminating the heavily criticised touch sliders. Highlights include a 12-inch front passenger display – a first for a European Volkswagen – alongside a new 10-inch driver’s display and a 15-inch central infotainment screen. Additionally, the multifunction steering wheel returns to tactile physical buttons instead of capacitive touch controls.

This focus on easy-to-use functionality also has an element of fun as shown by the ‘Retro’ display, already seen in the ID. Polo. Pressing the steering wheel’s ‘View’ button activates a ‘Retro’ display mode that transforms the Digital Cockpit into the iconic blue and red instruments of a Golf IV, swapping the classic rev counter for a stylised power display. Additionally, the central infotainment screen features a customisable virtual garage, allowing drivers to display the classic interior looks of six historic Volkswagen models: the Golf I, Golf II Country, Golf IV, Tiguan I, Race Touareg and Beetle.

Other changes include the arrival of the ‘PowerSocket’ vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality that means the ID. Tiguan can power all kinds of electrical devices – from electric grills to e-bikes. Drivers can also use a new Digital Key, which enables the vehicle to be unlocked, locked and started using a compatible smartphone. The Digital Key can also be transferred to family members, friends or colleagues – using the Volkswagen app, it can be shared easily by means of text message, WhatsApp or email.

Mechanically, the ID. Tiguan will continue to use the MEB architecture shared with the current ID.4 and ID.5, making it similar in size. There’s 534 litres of boot space, slightly down on the 543 of the ID.4, while folding down the seats gives up to 1,577 litres of space when loaded up to the roof. The ID. Tiguan also has the ‘frunk’ compartment for storing charging cables etc.

Grades for the UK market are yet to be confirmed but mainland Europe will get Trend, Life, Style and R-Line designations.

Powertrain combinations are also carried over from the current ID.4 line-up and are configured as rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel-drive options.

Lead-in Trend, Life and Style specifications come with a 58kWh (net) battery and a 190hp motor for 2450km (79 miles) of range – up from 431km (268 miles) for the outgoing ID.4. Sitting above this, the 77kWh and 286hp motor combo delivers the headline 600km (372-mile) range. This powertrain is available as an option for the Life and Style versions and is offered as standard in conjunction with the sporty ID. Tiguan R-Line. The flagship models also get the same 77kWh battery and a 299hp motor.

The 58kWh battery has a DC ultra-rapid charging capacity of up to 105kW, giving a 10-80% charge in around 26 minutes. The 77kWh battery boosts this to 165kW and achieves the same charging metric in around 29 minutes. All models can charge with an AC unit at up to 11kW.

The ID. Tiguan also gains a significantly boosted braked towing capacity of 2.0 tonnes for the higher-powered models, opening its suitability as a tow car for trailers, horseboxes and caravans.

New technologies include one-pedal driving and Connected Travel Assist with traffic light recognition, as already seen in the updated ID. Buzz and ID.3 Neo.

Prices are expected to start at around £38,000. More details will be announced in the countdown to the launch.