Like so many other legacy brands, VW has stopped pretending its EVs need to exist as a separate species from the combustion cars parked beside them, with their own naming logic and their own marketing language. That rethink is why the replacement for the ID.4 and ID.5 is expected to show up wearing an ID. Tiguan badge rather than another number, and why the car underneath the badge looks set to change more than the name suggests.

Our spy photographers have snapped the new electric SUV testing on several occasions, most recently back in June, wearing the body of the ID.4. This triggered speculation that the new model wouldn’t be a dramatic departure from the ID.4 and ID.5 it’s designed to replace, which was a bit of a shame. It seems VW was fooling us all.

Read: VW’s ID. Tiguan Will Be So Much More Than A Facelifted ID.4

The crew from YouTube channel Autogefühl was recently given an up-close look at the new EV, and it bears little resemblance to those earlier prototypes. This camouflaged example, which appears to be wearing production-ready sheetmetal, breaks cleanly from the ID.4 and carries a more muscular, upright stance than the current Tiguan.

Visible at the front of this prototype are a distinctive LED light bar, unique DRLs, and distinctive headlamps. It also lacks a traditional front grille, making do with a blacked-out lower grille. We’re not provided with a good look at the sides of the vehicle, but we can see it also has unique windows and black roof rails.

The rear end is also a dramatic departure from the ID.4 and ID.5. For example, it ditches the curvy taillights of those models in favor of more muscular ones, each rocking two square-shaped lighting signatures. Positioned in the center of the rear bumper is a larger black element.

Carscoops understands the new electric ID. Tiguan will use the new MEB+ platform, likely joined with upgraded batteries compared to the current model’s 58 kWh and 79 kWh packs. VW would also be wise to boost peak DC charging speeds beyond the current 175 kW to rival new offerings from China.

Lead image: Autogefühl / YouTube

The Volkswagen ID.4 went out of production in Chattanooga, Tennessee in April as the plant is embracing “higher‑volume products that meet market demand.” While the electric crossover is dead in America, the automaker has previously said existing inventory should be enough to “support customer demand into 2027.”

After that point, a “future version” will arrive in America. It’s known as the ID. Tiguan and spy photographers recently snapped a prototype undergoing testing in the Alps.

More: VW’s Facelifted ID.4 Is Starting To Look A Lot Like A Tiguan

Disguised to look like the outgoing model, the electric Tiguan has a fully enclosed grille that will likely echo the one found on the new ID. Polo and facelifted ID.3 Neo. Bigger changes occur further below as the model has a new bumper, which channels air into revamped side curtains.

The lower intake is new as well and it trades a honeycomb mesh pattern for horizontal bars. The crossover also sports a new center-mounted sensor pod.

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Moving down the sides, the profile looks pretty familiar at first glance. However, a closer inspection reveals a surprising number of changes for a facelift.

In particular, there are new doors and a flatter shoulder line. Designers also added more conventional door handles as well as streamlined lower cladding. We can even see new third quarter glass and a reimagined rear pillar.

The extensive changes continue at the rear, where there’s an all-new liftgate, bumper, and diffuser. They’re joined by new taillights, which are hidden behind a photorealistic graphic.

Interior changes should be pretty significant as well and we can likely expect a new dashboard, upgraded displays, and revamped switchgear. We also wouldn’t be surprised to find a new steering wheel and higher quality materials.

The upgrades won’t end there as the ID. Tiguan will ride on the new MEB+ platform. We can also likely expect 58- and 79-kWh battery packs and a charging capacity of around 183 kW. They should be joined by upgraded motors offering improved performance and increased efficiency.

Of course, we’ll get a better idea of what to expect either late this year or early in 2027.

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