The Volkswagen ID.4 Might Get A New Name: ID. Tiguan

• Volkswagen might rename the ID.4 the ID. Tiguan.
• The automaker updated its naming strategy for EVs last year, reverting to proper names.
• The new name will likely launch alongside a thoroughly refreshed version of the electric crossover.

Volkswagen might rename the ID.4 electric crossover something… strange. The company announced last September that it would give its ID-branded EVs proper names, like the ID.2 becoming the ID. Polo. Now, the ID.4 could become the ID. Tiguan.

According to Automotive News Europe, the labor union IG Metall revealed the name change at a press conference in Germany last week. The ID. Tiguan name will allegedly debut alongside a thoroughly refreshed version of the electric SUV, which should happen soon.  

“Our model names are firmly anchored in people’s minds,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, last year. “They stand for a strong brand and embody characteristics such as quality, timeless design, and technologies for all. That’s why we’re moving our well-known names into the future.” 

The ID.4 entered production in 2020 for the 2021 model year, and the updated version is expected to debut this year. Volkswagen will supposedly produce the ID. 4/ID. Tiguan through 2031, and if it changes names, it’ll likely have similar styling, too. 

What’s In A Name?

Volkswagen isn’t the first automaker to shift its naming strategy when it comes to electric vehicles. In February, Mercedes-Benz announced it would replace its “EQ” prefix with an “EQ Technology” suffix.  

Audi reversed course in 2025, abandoning the even-odd numbering scheme for its EVs and combustion engines to avoid confusing customers. Instead, electric and combustion models will share the same number with different designations, like E-Tron and TFSI.  

In May, Toyota revamped its electric crossover. It also renamed it from the bZ4X to bZ. This was just months after the automaker killed its Prime nameplate for plug-in hybrids.  

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Motor1’s Take: Tying the ID.4 to the brand’s best-selling vehicle can only help increase awareness about the EV to buyers. Volkswagen’s products have name recognition, and it makes little sense for Volkswagen and others to continue separating combustion and battery-electric vehicles into separate lines that confuse buyers. 

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