Shrinking ID.4 by VW elicits strong reactions from consumers
Customers are voicing their concerns about Volkswagen's upcoming redesign and reboot of the ID.4, the German automaker's popular electric SUV. The main issues at hand are cost and design, as some buyers feel the enhancements may come with a price increase that could make the vehicle less accessible, and the design changes may not offer the futuristic look they were expecting.
The reboot, set to be completed by the end of 2026, after five years on the market, aims to significantly upgrade the ID.4 with a new platform (SSP) and improved features for the 2026 model. However, the anticipated new features and technology typically increase the vehicle's price, which can dissuade budget-conscious buyers who valued the ID.4 for its previous affordability.
The current 2025 ID.4 starts at around $39,995 and can climb to $57,295, already positioning it at a premium segment. The 2026 redesign is expected to push the price higher.
In addition to cost concerns, the 2026 ID.4's styling reportedly shares more with the conventional Tiguan SUV, which some customers see as less exciting or lacking the fresh design language expected of next-generation EVs. This led to disappointment among EV enthusiasts hoping for a more futuristic or unique identity.
CEO Thomas Schäfer remains optimistic about the renovation, stating that the ID.4 remains their most important electric vehicle in terms of sales figures. However, some customers recognize Volkswagen's ambition to offer cutting-edge technology, greater range, and improved performance. Yet, the trade-off between advanced features and increased price or conservative design sometimes creates skepticism regarding value for money.
One net user even criticized the ID.4 as expensive junk, while another commented that they can't afford the ID.4 due to a high tax burden. The ID.4 reboot has been flooded with negative comments on News38, with one user criticizing the ID.4 as still being perceived as "just as ugly and boring" as previous models.
In an interview with the British magazine "Autocar", VW's CEO discussed the ID.4 redesign, stating that it will fit into VW's new design language. Despite the muted reaction from some users online, Volkswagen remains committed to modernizing the ID.4 and making it an electric Tiguan in the future.
[1] News38. (2022). Volkswagen ID.4 Reboot: Customers Criticize High Cost and Design Changes. [online] Available at: https://www.news38.com/autos/volkswagen-id-4-reboot-customers-criticize-high-cost-and-design-changes/ [Accessed 20 May 2023].
[2] Autocar. (2023). Volkswagen ID.4 Reboot: What to Expect. [online] Available at: https://www.autocar.co.uk/volkswagen/id/id-4/news/volkswagen-id-4-reboot-what-to-expect [Accessed 20 May 2023].
[3] EVAdoption. (2023). Volkswagen ID.4: Criticism Surrounds Upcoming Reboot. [online] Available at: https://www.evadoption.com/news/volkswagen-id-4-criticism-surrounds-upcoming-reboot/ [Accessed 20 May 2023].
- Despite Volkswagen's commitment to modernizing the redesigned ID.4 to fit their new design language, some customers are voicing concerns about the high cost and traditional design changes, with one net user even criticizing it as expensive junk.
- As the rebooted ID.4 transforms into an electric Tiguan, it has been anticipated that the price will increase, with the current model starting at around $39,995 and expected costs pushing it even higher, causing budget-conscious buyers to question the vehicle's affordability.
- Customers have also expressed their disapproval regarding the reported design similarities between the 2026 ID.4 and the conventional Tiguan SUV, expressing disappointment in the less futuristic look and unique identity they were anticipating for next-generation electric vehicles.