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Will Volkswagen Revitalize ID.4 with a Redesign?

Despite a postponement of Volkswagen Group's new BEV architecture till 2028, the German auto giant is workin' on enhancin' and upgradin' its ID.4 model, keeping it current until the fresh new version is unveiled.

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Will Volkswagen Reignite Passion with Remodeled ID.4?
Will Volkswagen Reignite Passion with Remodeled ID.4?

Will Volkswagen Revitalize ID.4 with a Redesign?

In an effort to boost sales and challenge the dominance of the Tesla Model Y in the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) market, Volkswagen has announced significant upgrades and improvements for its popular ID.4 model, set to be released in 2026.

The revamped ID.4 boasts a more refined design, enhanced technology, and improved comfort, all aimed at capturing the attention of EV buyers seeking a balance of style, tech, and practicality.

One of the most notable changes is the ID.4's exterior, which draws inspiration from the ID.2All concept. The vehicle now features a cleaner "two-box" silhouette, updated bumpers, refreshed headlights and taillights, a slightly extended wheelbase, new alloy wheels, and new paint options. The rear gets a more sculpted tailgate, new LED light graphics, a full-width light bar, and a small spoiler that improves airflow and adds a sporty detail.

Inside, the ID.4's interior has been given a luxurious makeover. Redesigned seats offer better comfort, while upgraded materials such as soft-touch surfaces and recycled fabric upholstery on base trims, and eco-leather with contrast stitching on mid and top trims, contribute to a premium feel. Ambient lighting is customizable with multicolor options, and panoramic glass roofs are available.

The 2026 ID.4 also comes equipped with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen as standard, replacing the previous smaller display. This system offers a faster, more intuitive user interface and reintroduces physical volume and climate control knobs in response to customer feedback. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, voice commands powered by VW’s IDA assistant with ChatGPT integration, and over-the-air updates are also included. The digital driver display is larger and clearer, and higher trims add an augmented reality head-up display projecting navigation prompts onto the windshield.

Performance and range have also received a boost. The ID.4 retains the MEB platform with a rear-motor layout and multi-link rear suspension but improves power outputs: rear-wheel drive models produce 282 hp while all-wheel drive versions deliver 335 hp. The 82-kWh battery provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 340 miles (for RWD) and about 263 miles for AWD. The RWD version supports fast charging, adding around 178 miles of range in about 10 minutes of DC fast charging.

Volkswagen is also addressing criticisms by improving the ID.4's driving dynamics and charging capabilities. Faster charging and a sportier design aim to enhance driving confidence and comfort compared to previous versions.

The ID.4's main competition remains the Tesla Model Y, but Tesla's demand in Europe and the U.S. is uncertain due to protests and loss of brand trust by consumers. Volkswagen's focus on a more premium interior, user-friendly controls, increased range, and faster charging are strategic moves to capture EV buyers seeking a balance of style, tech, and practicality.

In 2024, sales of the ID.4 were down in both the U.S. and Europe. In Germany, sales dropped by 40.4% to 21,611 units, while in the U.S., sales were down 55% to 17,021 units. The ID.4's goal is to become the top-selling BEV in Europe and, eventually, in the U.S. as well.

These upgrades to the ID.4 are more than typical for a midcycle refresh, indicating Volkswagen's commitment to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving BEV market. The ID.4 will come with a standard three-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats front and rear, a heated steering wheel, and high-end Harman Kardon audio with 12 speakers as optional features.

In other news, Volkswagen is shifting from its home-grown MEB architecture to one developed by Rivian, due to a significant partnership. Rivian is now leading on all of VW Group's software architecture, a move that could further enhance the ID.4's capabilities and competitiveness.

The ID.4's production was halted in 2024 due to recall issues and weakening demand for BEVs, but Volkswagen is working to boost sales before the SSP-based architecture redesign in 2028.

  1. The ID.4's upgrades aim to challenge the dominance of the Tesla Model Y in the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) market, by offering a balance of style, technology, and practicality.
  2. With a luxurious interior, improved comfort, and a more sculpted tailgate design, the revamped ID.4 aspires to capture the attention of EV buyers seeking a premium feel and sporty detail.
  3. The 2026 ID.4 comes equipped with a larger touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, voice commands, and over-the-air updates, aiming to provide a faster, more intuitive user experience.
  4. To stay competitive in the rapidly evolving BEV market, Volkswagen has partnered with Rivian to develop new software architecture for the ID.4, potentially enhancing its capabilities and competitiveness further.

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