Volkswagen faces a challenge: traditional models like the Golf, Beetle, or Polo generate more enthusiasm than electric vehicles such as the ID.4. The ID. Tiguan, the successor to the ID.4, aims to change this by integrating classic Volkswagen traits into electric cars. The question is whether the company has succeeded in regaining its "electric mojo."

Design: From "Blobby" to "Butch"

The ID. Tiguan introduces Volkswagen's new "Pure Positive" design philosophy, characterized by clean and simple lines. The front of the car has undergone significant changes compared to the ID.4, resembling the style of the T-Cross. Distinctive LED daytime running lights, an opaque light strip, and an illuminated VW badge give it a more squared-off appearance, unlike the rounded ID.4.

The side lines have also become flatter, particularly in the lower body, giving the car a more austere silhouette. The rear is distinguished by new LED taillights, which Volkswagen calls "wine glasses," with 3D elements and a light strip, as well as an illuminated logo. The overall look has become more masculine, aggressive, and imposing. The presented car is in the R-Line trim, available for the ID.4 model for the first time. New colors are also offered, including "olive bronze," borrowed from Audi (where it is called "glazed gold"). The Style version will likely be the base trim for the UK.

Практичность и Удобство

Одно из наиболее долгожданных изменений — дверные ручки. Вместо сенсорных элементов ID.4, в ID. Tiguan установлены традиционные, более удобные ручки.

Battery and Charging

Unlike the ID.4, which offered three battery options, the ID. Tiguan simplifies the choice by offering two: a 58 kWh LFP and a 77 kWh NMC. The smaller battery provides a range of approximately 450 km (280 miles), while the larger one offers up to 600 km (373 miles). Thus, on paper, the ID. Tiguan surpasses its predecessor in terms of range.

However, charging speeds remain on par with the ID.4: 105 kW for the smaller battery and 165 kW for the larger one. This results in a 10% to 80% charging time of around 26-29 minutes, which is a somewhat disappointing figure.

Interior: A Revolution in Details

The most significant changes have occurred in the cabin. The completely redesigned dashboard features improved material quality, including a generous amount of recycled components that feel premium and solid to the touch, unlike the "cheap and tinny" feel of the old ID.4. The doors close with a satisfying thud.

The steering wheel now features physical buttons, similar to the ID. Polo. Climate controls are now handled by physical buttons, and a rotary dial is provided for volume adjustment. The driver's door houses the electric mirror controls and four window switches, eliminating the need to use a touch-sensitive button for the rear windows.

The center console offers increased storage space, including two cupholders and two magnetic wireless phone chargers that hold the device securely in place while driving.

Screens and Modes

In front of the driver is a clear and bright display with Volkswagen's new infotainment system, which is significantly more intuitive and less prone to glitches than previous versions. For the first time, a third screen for the front passenger has been introduced, which can be switched to privacy mode to prevent driver distraction.

Of particular note is the "Retro Mode," first introduced in the ID. Polo. In the ID. Tiguan, this mode emulates the instrument cluster of the classic Golf Mark 4, including blue instrument backlighting with red needles and a red LCD display. The infotainment system is also styled after the "Gamma" system from the Golf Mark 4. In the lower part of the center console, where some versions of the Golf Mark 4 lacked a CD player, miniature images of various Volkswagen models are now displayed, including the Tiguan Mark 1, Golf Country, Touareg Dakar, Golf Mark 4, Beetle, and Golf Mark 1.

Trims and Upholstery

The R-Line trim features sport seats with high backrests, black Alcantara, and perforated trim. Alcantara is also present on the door panels with extended ambient lighting. R-Line logos are found on the doors and steering wheel.

Space and Practicality

The rear doors also feature new trim using Alcantara. Despite the presence of hard plastic at the top, the overall premium feel is maintained. Rear passenger space remains at the ID.4 level: ample legroom and headroom, with a flat floor for the comfort of three passengers. The car is equipped with a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade.

The rear section includes ISOFIX mounting points on the outer seats, an armrest with two cupholders, and a ski hatch.

Luggage Compartment and Front Compartment

The luggage compartment volume is 534 liters, and with the rear seats folded (60/40 split), it increases to over 1500 liters. The shape of the trunk is flat, but the loading opening might be somewhat narrow. Under the trunk floor, there is storage space for charging cables.

A new feature is the front trunk ("frunk"), although its volume is small and likely sufficient only for charging cables and small items.

Performance

• Pure (58 kWh): Rear-wheel drive, 190 hp
• Pro (77 kWh): Rear-wheel drive, 286 hp
• Pro 4Motion (77 kWh): All-wheel drive, 299 hp

Currently, there is no information about GTX or GTI versions. The fastest version is the Pro 4Motion R-Line, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

Driving Dynamics (Prototype)

Testing was conducted on an early prototype, which limits conclusions. However, even at this initial stage, an improvement is felt compared to the ID.4: doors close more solidly, materials are of higher quality, and the car's on-road behavior is smoother, quieter, and more refined.

Driving Modes and Towing

Three versions are available: Pure, Pro, and Pro 4Motion. The R-Line trim, making its debut on an electric model, offers a sporty setup. The range for the 77 kWh battery version is approximately 560 km (348 miles).

The "B" mode now features two stages, including a "one-pedal" mode for city driving. Towing capabilities have been enhanced: the base model can tow up to 1800 kg, while more powerful versions can tow up to 2000 kg, comparable to the weight of an average caravan. The maximum nose weight for the tow hitch has been increased to 90 kg.

Prices and Expectations

Prices in the UK market have not yet been announced. In Germany, the base Trend model (which will not be available in the UK) will cost just under €42,700 (around £36,600). UK prices are expected to start at approximately £40,000 and reach over £50,000.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is the company's global bestseller in petrol and diesel form, so creating an electric version is of great importance. The ID. Tiguan is intended to overcome the shortcomings of the ID.4 and give future Volkswagen electric cars a more traditional and recognizable feel.