Volkswagen swaps ID.4 for ID.Tiguan
Volkswagen is bringing one of its most recognisable names into the electric era with the introduction of the ID.Tiguan, which is set to replace the existing ID.4 and ID.5 electric models.
The new ID.Tiguan will be sold alongside the petrol, diesel and, in the case of overseas markets, the hybrid versions when it goes on sale in 2027. In case you are wondering why the sudden shift, VW says the Tiguan name has strong customer recognition and represents a defined vehicle concept.
Dressed in a heavily camouflaged wrap, not much is known at this stage, and we’ll have to wait for its official reveal in the coming weeks. What we know, though, is that while the ID. Tiguan and Tiguan both share a name, they ride on different platforms. For instance, the EV rides on the dedicated electric MEB architecture, while the Tiguan uses an MQB-based platform.
In the local context, the ID. Tiguan will also raise the question of whether the local arm of the German brand will finally give South Africa a proper retail EV, rather than another test fleet, as it did with the ID.4 in 2024. In this case, the ID.Tiguan’s timing works in its favour since electric cars are gaining popularity locally, with almost 1,900 EVs sold in the first half of 2026. This shows that the appetite is there and the offering, so far, has mostly been Chinese, which leaves a massive space for a Western-based product.
It’s a name that locals already know and one that lives in a segment where all the money actually is. We don’t think the ID.4 got that attention, and few could tell what it was for. Most can tell you what a Tiguan is.
If there’s one thing that’s holding the local EV market back, it’s price. EVs in SA attract a 25% import duty compared to 18% for ICE-powered cars. So VW SA needs to work on pricing it right for it to land well above its normal Tiguan, which carries a price tag of R856,200 for the range-topping R-Line. We’ll know more when the wraps come off, and we’ll bring you the details, including what it means for SA.
