Touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons seemed futuristic when Volkswagen introduced them, but they’ve sparked more frustration than admiration. Now, according to a new class action lawsuit in the US, these capacitive controls may not just be inconvenient – they could pose a genuine safety risk.

Read: VW Getting Rid Of Dreaded Touch-Sensitive Controls On Steering Wheels

A few years back, Volkswagen admitted that touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons were a misstep and pledged to return to physical switches in future models. That decision, however, does little for current owners still stuck with controls that the common consensus is that they are far too finicky.

According to the lawsuit, these overly sensitive controls mean it’s possible to automatically engage the Adaptive Cruise Control with a “mere light brush of the hand,” potentially putting drivers in dangerous situations.

Focus on the ID.4

The case is focused on VW ID.4 models equipped with these capacitive buttons and names two plaintiffs who are reportedly now “terrified and hesitant” to drive their vehicles. The class action also alleges that VW has failed to disclose the alleged defect, nor has it offered its customers suitable repairs or replacements free of charge, or even offered to reimburse its customers.

It’s also been alleged that VW has known about the problem because of customer complaints, internal records, and information sent from dealers.

The plaintiffs involved assert that Volkswagen is guilty of common law fraud by omission, alongside breach of express and implied warranty and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit has been filed in a New Jersey federal court and also asserts that the company has violated consumer protection laws in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

While it’s been almost three years since VW said it’d ditch its capacitive steering wheel controls, we will have to wait until the launch of the all-electric ID.2all before physical steering wheel buttons make a return. As such, it’ll likely take the German brand several years to completely phase out the haptic switches from the rest of its model range.

Volkswagen is planning a major refresh for the ID.4 electric crossover, a move that signals more than just a routine update. Expected to arrive in late 2026, the redesigned model will edge closer to a full generational shift, positioning itself as a more direct electric counterpart to the internal combustion Tiguan.

More: VW’s Rarest Electric Hot Hatch Is More Expensive Than A Golf R

As Europe’s EV market continues to grow, Volkswagen has pulled ahead of Tesla in regional sales and wants to maintain that momentum with a mix of new models and significant updates. One of the key players in this strategy is the next evolution of the ID.4.

Despite being five years old, the ID.4 remains a strong seller, but VW is preparing to sharpen its appeal with a full redesign inside and out, improved efficiency, and potentially, a new name.

A Fresh Design Language Across the Board

According to Autocar, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer described the changes in clear terms: “We’ll re-do the ID.4 completely inside and out. It will be a completely different car—a huge step up.” He added that the redesign is essential for aligning the model with VW’s future design direction, calling the ID.4 their most important EV by volume.

The updated ID.4 will follow the design language introduced with the upcoming ID.1 and ID.2 hatchbacks, developed under design chief Andy Mindt. This same visual direction will also shape the next ID.3, which is set to receive its own major refresh in the second quarter of 2026, with the ID.4 update to follow later that year.

Earlier comments by VW’s development boss Kai Grunitz suggested that the redesigned ID.3 and ID.4 will have more references to the automaker’s past, while adopting a “lower and squatter stance”. Reading between the lines, the crossover might get squared-off headlights and taillights, a bigger faux grille, toned fenders, and a stronger C-pillar reminiscent of the Golf.

Interior Upgrades and Platform Enhancements

Grunitz has also revealed that the updated ID.3 and ID.4 will get a new interior, with greater emphasis on physical switchgear. VW has learned from its mistakes and will bring back the round volume knob instead of the impractical touch sliders.

More: This Limited Edition GTI Beats The Clubsport And Golf R In Surprising Ways

Underneath, the updated model will continue to ride on the MEB platform, albeit an improved version. While the next-gen SSP architecture is still a few years away, expected no earlier than 2028, enhancements to motors and battery packs will bring gains in power, range, and efficiency, all crucial for staying competitive with a newer field of electric rivals.

The Electric Tiguan

Internally, Volkswagen is referring to the new ID.4 as the “electric Tiguan,” according to Autocar. That label may reflect more than market positioning. Martin Sander, who heads Sales, Marketing, and After Sales for VW, recently stated that future electric models will adopt “proper names again,” signaling a potential shift away from the alphanumeric ID naming system. A rebranded ID.4 might be part of that plan.

More: Here’s What’s Coming To VW’s 2026 Lineup

One casualty of the refresh could be the ID.5, the coupe-style sibling to the ID.4. VW is reportedly planning to discontinue it, partly due to its weaker sales performance. Unlike the ID.4, which consistently lands among the top five best-selling EVs in Europe, the ID.5 hasn’t made the continent’s top 25.

Besides the successors of the ID.3 and ID.4 that are scheduled to arrive next year, VW is also getting ready for the launch of the ID.2 supermini and the ID.1 city car in 2026 and 2027, respectively. A crossover version of the ID.2 is also under development for 2027, and will be shown in concept form (ID.2 X) at the Munich Motor Show in September.

When we first laid eyes on it, we didn’t give the Nissan N7 the kindest of receptions, calling it a straight-up copy of the Xpeng P7. As it turns out, Chinese buyers clearly didn’t have a problem with its looks; they voted with their wallets and made the N7 the most popular foreign-brand car model last month.

Also: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

The N7 sedan scored 6,189 sales in June in a tight battle where the top three models were closely matched, and everyone else was two laps behind, so to speak. Buick’s GL8 New energy minivan was right on the N7’s tail, eventually recording 6,082 sales, while Toyota’s bargain-priced Platinum 3X, also known as the bZ3X, found 6,030 buyers.

Tight Competition at the Top

Trailing well behind in fourth place was Volkswagen’s ID.3 with 3,950 sales, according to data from China’s Autohome, and there was another big drop to the fifth-placed Smart #1, which 2,324 buyers took home. BMW’s i3, an electric sedan similar in shape to the N7, proved far less popular. Only 2,270 people snapped up one of those in June.

Though the Maxima-sized N7 wears Nissan badges it’s actually the result of a joint venture between the struggling Japanese company and China’s Dongfeng, and shares components with Dongfeng eπ 007. For a tempting 129,900 yuan, or roughly $17,800, the base N7 510 Pro comes with a 58 kWh LFP battery claims 317 miles (510 km) of range on the Chinese CLTC cycle.

CHINA’S FOREIGN BRAND BEST SELLERS

At the other end of the scale, the N7 625 Max features a much fuller list of standard equipment and a 73 kWh battery that claims a 388-mile (625 km) range. Bear in mind, though, that this is according to China’s testing standards, so take the range claims with a large pinch of salt.

More: Chevrolet’s Latest Electric SUV Has A Secret Chinese Twin

Power output varies by trim. Buyers can choose between 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or 268 hp (272 PS / 200 kW), with pricing and performance adjusted accordingly. Demographics for the N7 skew young and family-oriented: 68 percent of buyers are men, 74 percent are married, and 60 percent are under 35, according to figures released by Nissan.

Currently, the N7 is a China-only model, but Nissan has already confirmed it’s exploring international markets. A global launch could be on the table under a different name, potentially reviving the old Primera badge. Just don’t expect to see it on American roads anytime soon.

Nissan

Volkswagen of America recently announced the 2026 ID.4 would benefit from a “mid-model-year change” that would see the electric crossover “receive additional features.” While that was a pretty cryptic hint about an update, we’re starting to learn more about the upcoming model.

Speaking to Autocar, Volkswagen’s board member for technical development indicated the ID.3 and ID.4 will get a facelift that brings them more in line with the ID.2. As part of the makeover, Kai Grünitz suggested we can expect a “lower and squatter stance.”

More: Here’s What’s Coming To VW’s 2026 Lineup

The styling updates are said to continue inside, where we can expect an all-new interior. Details are hazy at the moment, but the publication said there will be a new dashboard and user interface.

Volkswagen is also slated to bring back physical switchgear including a round volume knob. As one insider noted, “If you develop something that works, and it has worked for years, there’s no reason to replace it.”

Powertrain details remain elusive, but electric vehicle technology has been advancing so it’s probably safe to assume there will be some updates. This could include more powerful and efficient motors as well as updated battery packs.

The facelifted ID.3 will reportedly debut in the second quarter of 2026, while the ID.4 will follow later that year. The publication also says the company is planning to introduce a Jeep Avenger rival, known as the ID.2X, at the upcoming Munich Motor Show.